Valerie Bertinelli was deep into sorting through old belongings at her home when she stumbled on a surprising discovery. Tucked among mementos from her early acting days, she found negatives from a 1970s photoshoot. The actress was just 19 back then, playing Barbara Cooper on the hit sitcom One Day at a Time. In the photos, she strikes a pose in strappy heels and black lingerie, straddling a chair. Bertinelli, now 66, took to Instagram to share the unexpected find, showing a film strip with two striking snapshots of her younger self.
She posted the images and a simple question for her followers: whether she should destroy or preserve the negatives. A black and white photo strip accompanied her message, capturing the vintage flair of the 1979 shoot. Her post, which she described as an “idea” rather than a firm decision, hinted at how the photos had been forgotten over time.
With over 1.7 million Instagram followers, Bertinelli wasn’t short of opinions. Within the first 24 hours of her post, more than 600 comments poured in. Many fans encouraged her to keep the negatives, calling the images part of her legacy. One person even suggested creating a scrapbook to preserve the photos and revisit them in the future. Bertinelli seemed to consider the idea, but kept her options open. She joked, "Toss or save?"—leaving the choice intentionally ambiguous. Her indecision was likely shaped by the overwhelming support she received, which leaned heavily in favor of saving the vintage snaps.
One fan shared a personal reflection, noting, "I always remember that you mentioned you struggled with your body image. you were, and always will be HOT." Such supportive messages seemed to echo in Bertinelli's mind, as she weighed whether to let the photos see the light of day.
Bertinelli and her brother David have launched a new online series titled Undeveloped, which delves into her Hollywood past. The project showcases never-before-seen photos taken by David, capturing key moments from her career. The first episode premiered on Thursday and is available on Bertinelli’s website, ValeriesPlace.com. During her Instagram post, she mentioned the possibility of using these negatives in the new show, adding a playful tone by asking, "Maybe I should get him to do something with them. Or not?" This hinted at the collaborative nature of the series and the chance to turn this hidden gem into part of a larger historical narrative.
While the final decision is hers, it's clear that these negatives are more than just a personal memento. They represent a piece of pop culture history, one that fans are eager to see preserved. Whether as part of the new show or as a private keepsake, the photos offer a vivid window into Bertinelli’s journey and the enduring appeal of her early years.