Valerie Bertinelli, best known for her role as Barbara Cooper on the sitcom One Day at a Time, recently shared a nostalgic throwback clip on Instagram from nearly 50 years ago. In the clip, she and her co-star Mackenzie Phillips were seen performing Elton John and Kiki Dee’s hit song “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” in an episode titled “Happy New Year,” which originally aired on CBS in December 1976. Bertinelli, now 65, channeled her inner Elton John by donning oversized glasses, a fur coat, and platform boots for the performance.
In the clip, Bertinelli’s musical talent, or lack thereof, was on full display as she bravely sang alongside Phillips. Reflecting on the experience, Bertinelli shared that despite feeling nervous and scared at the time, it was ultimately a fun and exhilarating moment for her, even as a 16-year-old girl. She humorously noted that she can now look back at the clip without feeling embarrassed about her musical abilities.
Interestingly, Bertinelli revealed that at the time of the performance, she was a huge Elton John fan. In fact, as a 13-year-old girl, she even dreamt of one day marrying the pop-rock icon. Fast forward to today, and Bertinelli is happily married to her late husband Eddie Van Halen, with whom she shares her son Wolfgang Van Halen, who inherited his musical talents from his rockstar father.
This glimpse into Bertinelli’s past not only showcases her early admiration for Elton John but also highlights her fearless approach to taking on challenges, even ones outside her comfort zone. Despite her initial nerves, Bertinelli’s performance demonstrates her willingness to push boundaries and embrace new experiences.
As we look back on this timeless moment from Bertinelli’s career, it serves as a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone. So here’s to embracing fear, taking risks, and channeling our inner rockstars, just like Valerie Bertinelli did all those years ago.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.