Mackenzie Phillips Reflects on Her Departure from ‘One Day at a Time’

Mackenzie Phillips recently shared insights about her sudden departure from the popular sitcom “One Day at a Time.” During a Fanboy Expo event in Knoxville, Tennessee, the actress discussed the “morals clause” in her contract that played a significant role in her exit.

“One Day at a Time” brought Phillips to fame alongside Bonnie Franklin and Valerie Bertinelli. However, her life off-screen was difficult as she faced addiction issues. At 66, Phillips revealed that her struggles required unique provisions in her contract.

“We all had a morals contract, but mine was a little more specific,” she mentioned in a panel discussion, as reported by People magazine.

The clause authorized producers to have her undergo urinalysis if they suspected substance use. Her contract termination led to her character being written off the show.

Phillips recalled an incident that prompted this outcome. During a lunch break between scenes, co-executive producer Patricia Fass Palmer found Phillips asleep, which led to a request for a drug test.

“Palmer said, ‘Mac, wake up. We’re gonna take you to the doctor and have you pee in a cup,'” Phillips recounted.

She sought a delay, knowing how quickly cocaine leaves the system, but Palmer refused. Phillips was then instructed to gather her belongings and leave.

The actress initially left “One Day at a Time” from 1975 to 1980. She returned briefly before permanently exiting in 1983.

Phillips continues to speak openly about her addiction. In May, she shared a revealing memory with Fox News Digital. “During lunch break, Valerie and I would drive to my house, get in the pool, drink wine and snort coke,” she said.

Phillips emphasized that Bertinelli, who has also discussed her experience, did not have a similar addiction.

Behind the scenes, drug use was reportedly common. “We would do coke together in the dressing room,” Phillips admitted.

Reflecting on her journey, Phillips stated, “Thank God I got caught.” Her recovery has been pivotal in her life, supported by faith and perspective.

“What keeps me grounded is my faith and knowing how strong and empowered my history has made me,” she shared.

Phillips’s story often elicits sympathy, but she perceives her past as integral to her identity.

“People say, ‘Oh my God, I feel so sorry for you.’ I’m like, ‘Don’t feel sorry for me because what I went through made me who I am today.'”

Phillips has chronicled her experiences in her memoir “High on Arrival” and explored recovery in “Hopeful Healing.” Her resilience remains a central theme in her life.

In addition to acting, Phillips is involved in the addiction recovery field as a counselor and manager. She continues to use her experiences to help others find healing.