Reflecting on “One Day at a Time”
Mackenzie Phillips is revisiting her time on the beloved sitcom “One Day at a Time” with a mix of humor, honesty, and a deeper insight into the off-camera dynamics.
He thought he was rescuing a sheep—but it turned out to be something else
This bizarre French customer habit is driving shop owners crazy
Now 66, Phillips, who played Julie Cooper alongside Valerie Bertinelli, shared with Fox News Digital a surprising anecdote from the show’s heyday.
“You might find this surprising, but Valerie and I used to drive to my place during our lunch breaks, jump into the swimming pool, sip some wine, and use cocaine,” Phillips revealed.
She was quick to add that Bertinelli has been open about this era herself.
“Valerie has talked about this publicly, so I’m not revealing anything new here,” Phillips clarified. “Unlike me, Valerie didn’t struggle with addiction in the same way.”
Phillips admitted that drug use was a common occurrence off-screen as well.
“We often used cocaine in our dressing rooms. I was just the one who ended up getting caught. Thankfully, I did get caught,” she said.
Rise to Fame
Phillips and Bertinelli became widely recognized as teenage siblings on “One Day at a Time,” which aired on CBS from 1975 to 1984. The show featured Phillips as the rebellious elder sister Julie, with Bertinelli playing the younger sister Barbara Cooper.
The actresses, close in age, matured together in the spotlight of TV stardom, maintaining a friendship that outlasted the series itself.
During a 2022 interview on the “Behind the Velvet Rope” podcast, Phillips discussed the enduring nature of their relationship.
“We were just teenagers back then, and now we’re both grown women. We’ve always loved each other and everyone we worked with. We were truly a family,” she reflected.
Phillips acknowledged that her struggles with addiction sometimes strained their friendship.
“There were periods when I was completely out of it, and Valerie was understandably cautious,” she admitted.
Phillips recounted how she reached out to Bertinelli during her earlier attempts at sobriety, respecting the need for space to mend their friendship.
“I would drive past Valerie and her husband Ed’s place and leave her voicemails, just to let her know I was six months sober, or a year sober,” Phillips shared. “I didn’t expect an immediate response.”
Phillips emphasized her patience and understanding during the process of rebuilding their bond.
“I knew I had a lot to make up for. I told her she didn’t need to call back, but just wanted her to know I was thinking of her and that I loved her. Eventually, she did call,” she said.
Their friendship remains a cherished aspect of her life. In April 2025, Phillips celebrated Bertinelli’s 65th birthday with an affectionate Instagram post.
Grounded by Faith and Perspective
When discussing what keeps her balanced today, Phillips cited her spiritual beliefs and life perspective.
“My faith keeps me grounded, helping me recognize how my experiences have empowered me,” she expressed.
Despite others sometimes pitying her past, Phillips views her challenges as integral to her identity.
“I’ve been told people feel sorry for what I’ve been through. But I see those experiences as shaping the person I am today,” she stated.
Phillips firmly believes that erasing her past would change who she is fundamentally.
“Removing any part of my past could alter who I’ve become, and I feel blessed for my life as it is,” she remarked.
Advocacy and Continued Recovery
Phillips has been open about her battles with addiction, trauma, and recovery for many years. The daughter of John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas and his first wife, Susan Adams, she has chronicled her life in her memoir “High on Arrival” and further explored recovery in “Hopeful Healing.”
Today, she sees resilience as a critical component of her identity.
“I view resilience as a spectrum, and I consider myself highly resilient,” she explained. “The love from my son, my family, and the faith I hold dear have all demanded resilience from me—it was either that or give up.”
In addition to her acting career, Phillips has worked in the field of addiction and recovery. She has served as a counselor and manager at Breathe Life Healing Centers.
In a 2019 interview with UCHealth Today, she spoke about her commitment to sharing her journey of recovery.
“Having found a way out of my struggles, I feel obligated to spread hope,” she told the publication. Phillips also highlighted how purpose has been vital to her ongoing recovery.
“Having a strong sense of purpose is crucial for me. I am committed, diligent, and passionate about my work,” she added.
Phillips continues to act, including a role on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” while also focusing on her recovery and counseling work.
Despite her varied roles, Phillips knows that many still associate her mainly with her past hardships.
Discussing misconceptions, she corrected earlier statements about her relationship with her father.
“I previously described my experiences with my father as consensual, but I’ve come to understand that there can be no genuine consent in such dynamics due to the immense power imbalance,” Phillips clarified.
She expressed that survivors often feel compelled to protect their abusers, a topic she plans to explore in a potential new book tentatively titled “Everything I Left Out.”
Similar Posts
- Gigi Hadid Opens Up About Her ‘Romantic, Joyful’ Love with Bradley Cooper, Shares Surprising Meeting Details
- Mighty Ducks Star Shaun Weiss Expecting First Child with Girlfriend Shannon!
- Alana Haim Flaunts DIY ‘Summer House’ Gear – See Her Homemade Merch!
- Julie Bowen Reveals Her Kids Just Watched ‘Happy Gilmore’ 28 Years After Release!
- Dave Portnoy Claps Back After Alex Cooper’s Firm Drops Alix Earle’s ‘Hot Mess’ Podcast
Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
