Valerie Bertinelli Recalls Being Fired From Gig After Becoming A Size 12: 'Horrified'

Valerie Bertinelli is sharing the painful experiences that came with her gaining weight. 

The “One Day At A Time” actress has long been an open book when it comes to her body, whether sharing her weight-loss journey or proudly embracing her figure.

Now, in a raw, candid moment, the “Sydney” star is revealing it was not all roses for her. She admitted that the same body she has learned to embrace once cost her an opportunity. 

Bertinelli shared the painful experience of losing a job over her body weight during the "Memory Bank" segment of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” where guests reflect on moments from their past.

Bertinelli brought in a photo from her 2012 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, where she wore a white, knee-length dress.

While Drew Barrymore praised the image as "stunning," Bertinelli confessed she felt anything but confident at the time. "I felt so horrified," she recalled.

The “Hot in Cleveland” star revealed that years before the event, she had documented her weight loss journey as the face of an unnamed diet company and lost 50 pounds.

However, she regained the weight after neglecting to take care of herself. Reflecting on the photo, Bertinelli continued:

"And this was the last year, I believe, that I was with this diet company. And they fired me, eventually said, We can't keep going with you because you're gaining weight again.'"

Bertinelli revealed it marked her final year with the brand as they “fired” her. She recalled their words saying, “They eventually said, ‘We can't keep going with you because you're gaining weight again.’”

Bertinelli recalled that she was a size 12 in the photo and did not consider it “that big.” She contrasted that with an earlier period when she had slimmed down to a size 4, a weight she admitted was impossible to maintain.

The “Kids Baking Championship” host fought back tears as she looked back on her journey of self-acceptance.

She acknowledged that although her weight fluctuates, she is currently a size 10, adding that back then, on the program, she would have been horrified at that.  However, she is now at peace with her body size. 

"My mental and emotional health – even though I'm getting teary-eyed – is so strong right now," Bertinelli said. "I'm so strong and firm in who I am, and, no matter what people throw at me, I know who I am, and I know what kind of person I am, and it doesn't matter how much I weigh."

She shared that she still owns the dress, and though it fits snugly, she emphasized that size is irrelevant. What truly matters is the heart.

While being confident in her looks, the Food Network star has not hesitated to slam those who criticize her appearance. 

In 2024, she had replied to trolls who shamed her for posting a bikini picture, leaving them with a message to reflect on. 

“I hope you find a place in your heart to not judge yourself as harshly as you judge others," she wrote, as The Blast previously reported.

The media personality went ahead to disclose that judgment has followed her since childhood, and despite it all, she has no desire to return to her 20-year-old body.

As for what motivated her to post an underwear photo of herself, Bertinelli was candid. She explained that she had been coming to terms with aging and her changing looks. 

“I saw myself in the light, and I went, 'Oh, I'm not mad at that,’” she shared.

Bertinelli continued to prove that she is never afraid of change as she swapped her longtime brunette hair for a striking blonde look, first teasing the transformation on Instagram two months ago.

As The Blast reported, Bertinelli revealed that the makeover was done by celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, best known for his work with Kim Kardashian. 

The reveal quickly caught fans' attention, with her comment section filling up with praise for the daring new style.

While being a ray of positivity, Bertinelli had words of reassurance for Drew Barrymore.

Per The Blast, during an episode early last year, Barrymore referenced an article discussing the benefits of human touch, explaining that she brought it up because of her well-known affectionate nature.

Barrymore acknowledged that not everyone is comfortable with physical affection and admitted she would feel awful if her actions ever made someone uneasy.

However, Bertinelli was quick to shut down any self-doubt, pulling Barrymore into a hug and urging her not to apologize for being who she is.

Crew member Ross Mathews echoed the sentiment, telling Barrymore her expressiveness is her nature and it’s something she could not change.