Mackenzie Phillips Reflects on ‘One Day at a Time’ and Personal Growth

Mackenzie Phillips looks back on her time on the sitcom “One Day at a Time” with honesty and humor. The 66-year-old, known for her role as Julie Cooper, shared surprising memories from the show’s production.

“Oh, okay. So this might surprise you that during lunch break, Valerie and I would drive to my house, get in the pool, drink wine, and snort coke,” Phillips mentioned about her time with co-star Valerie Bertinelli.

Phillips, who was 15 when the sitcom began, clarified that Bertinelli has also discussed those times openly. She noted that while Bertinelli did not struggle with addiction, drugs were present during the show’s production.

Bertinelli and Phillips were close both on and off-screen. They became well-known as the teenage sisters Julie and Barbara Cooper on the CBS show from 1975 to 1984. Their friendship, which outlasted the television series, evolved with time.

Phillips explained that her addiction presented challenges to this friendship over the years. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the moments when she got a chance to mend the bond.

Memorable for its depiction of a family, “One Day at a Time” aired as Phillips and Bertinelli were maturing under public attention. Despite the pressures, Phillips described their connection as familial and enduring.

In her personal life, Phillips has been transparent about her struggles with addiction. She frequently reached out to Bertinelli during recovery phases, expressing her progress with sobriety.

The duo’s friendship remains significant to Phillips. She celebrated Bertinelli’s 65th birthday with warmth, highlighting their deep connection.

Phillips values speaking openly about her past while not allowing it to define her entirely. Her history, she believes, has built her resilience and shaped her into who she is today.

In her dialogues about life and career, faith remains a grounding force for Phillips. She sees past challenges as steps that made her stronger. Phillips has authored memoirs about her experiences, emphasizing recovery and resilience.

In her professional endeavors, Phillips contributes to addiction counseling. Her role at Breathe Life Healing Centers marks this dedication. She also continues acting, with her involvement in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black” as a notable example.

When asked about misconceptions regarding her past, especially concerning her father, John Phillips, she acknowledged her new understanding over time. Her perspectives on earlier statements have evolved, bringing clarity about familial dynamics.

Looking forward, Phillips expresses a desire to explore her story further, reflecting on unshared experiences. Her message to others emphasizes understanding and resilience.

Danielle Minnetian contributed to this report.