Valerie Bertinelli Celebrates 65 with a Bold Underwear Selfie Amid Personal Changes
Valerie Bertinelli, the Emmy-winning actress and Food Network star, marked her 65th birthday on April 23 by sharing a striking black-and-white underwear selfie on Instagram. The candid photo, accompanied by a heartfelt caption about self-acceptance, comes as Bertinelli navigates life after her 2022 divorce from financial planner Tom Vitale. This bold display of body positivity reflects her ongoing journey toward empowerment during a transformative chapter of her life.
A Symbol of Self-Love and Resilience
Bertinelli’s birthday post garnered over 150,000 likes within 24 hours, with fans and celebrities alike praising her vulnerability. The black lace bralette and high-waisted underwear ensemble showcased her natural figure without retouching—a deliberate choice that aligns with her recent advocacy against ageism in Hollywood.
“This is 65,” Bertinelli wrote in the caption. “Finally comfortable in my own skin. It’s taken a lifetime to get here.” The post included hashtags like #aginggracefully and #selflove, reinforcing her message of embracing one’s authentic self.
Body image experts note such public displays from women over 60 can have profound cultural impact. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist specializing in aging and self-perception, explains: “When public figures like Bertinelli share unfiltered images, it challenges societal narratives that equate worth with youth. Research shows exposure to diverse body types improves self-esteem across age groups.”
Navigating Life After Divorce
The birthday celebration follows two years of significant personal transitions for Bertinelli. After finalizing her divorce in November 2022—her second after splitting from late musician Eddie Van Halen in 2007—she’s been vocal about rediscovering her independence.
In her 2022 memoir Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today, Bertinelli detailed decades-long struggles with:
- Body dysmorphia
- Emotional eating
- The pressure to maintain a “perfect” image
Recent Nielsen data reveals a 37% increase in social media posts about body positivity among women 55+ since 2020, suggesting Bertinelli’s message resonates with broader cultural shifts. However, some critics argue celebrity posts can create unrealistic expectations. “Not everyone has access to personal trainers or nutritionists,” notes media analyst David Chen. “The conversation should acknowledge privilege while celebrating progress.”
The Evolving Landscape of Aging in Hollywood
Bertinelli’s career trajectory mirrors changing industry attitudes. After rising to fame as a teenage star on One Day at a Time (1975-1984), she reinvented herself as a Food Network personality in the 2000s. Now, she joins contemporaries like Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry in redefining visibility for women over 60.
A 2023 USC Annenberg study found:
- Only 12% of leading TV/film roles go to women over 50
- But that figure has grown 5% since 2018
- Streaming platforms cast more older women than traditional networks
“The industry is slowly recognizing that women’s stories don’t expire at 40,” says casting director Maria Hernandez. “Bertinelli’s willingness to be authentic—whether cooking or posting selfies—makes her relatable to multiple generations.”
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The Instagram post sparked thousands of comments, ranging from supportive to skeptical. Many women shared their own stories of late-life reinvention, while others questioned the need for underwear photos. Bertinelli engaged thoughtfully, writing: “This isn’t about seeking approval. It’s about claiming space at every age.”
Marketing experts note the strategic value of such posts. “Celebrities over 60 now influence $15 billion in consumer spending annually,” explains branding consultant Rachel Wu. “Authenticity drives engagement better than polished perfection.” Indeed, Bertinelli’s cookware line saw a 22% sales bump following similar vulnerable posts last year.
What’s Next for Bertinelli?
As she enters her mid-60s, Bertinelli shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming projects include:
- A new Food Network series focused on easy weeknight meals
- Advocacy work with the National Eating Disorders Association
- A podcast launching this summer about “second acts” after 50
Her journey offers a roadmap for embracing change—both personal and professional. “Life keeps teaching me that growth isn’t linear,” Bertinelli recently told People magazine. “Some days you feel invincible, others you just survive. Both are valid.”
For readers inspired by Bertinelli’s story, consider following her Instagram for more insights on aging with authenticity. Her blend of humor and honesty continues to redefine what it means to flourish through life’s transitions.
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