Actress Valerie Bertinelli has had a storied history of relationships that have been closely followed by the public. Her most notable romance was her marriage to rock legend Eddie Van Halen, which lasted for 26 years before ending in divorce in 2007. Reflecting on their relationship after watching an episode of "Behind the Music" featuring their son Wolfgang, Bertinelli expressed regret about certain aspects of their partnership and her parenting. Additionally, throughout her career, she has been romantically linked with several other prominent figures such as musician Paul Shaffer, director Steven Spielberg, and producer Scott Colomby.
Beyond her union with Van Halen, Bertinelli also embarked on another significant relationship with restaurateur Tom Vitale, whom she married in 2011. This marriage concluded in 2022 due to irreconcilable differences. More recently, she dated Mike Goodnough but parted ways in early 2025, crediting him for aiding in her personal healing process.
Valerie Bertinelli’s reflections on her long-term relationship with Eddie Van Halen provide a poignant perspective on love and growth. After viewing her son’s interview on "Behind the Music," she openly discussed mistakes made during their marriage and her role as a parent. She admitted feeling dissatisfied with how their connection evolved over time, acknowledging that it lacked elements typically associated with deep affection.
Her candid remarks revealed that despite their prolonged association, there were periods where neither partner felt adequately supported emotionally. Bertinelli described realizing how much fantasy had shaped their public image versus reality. By revisiting memories through her son’s lens, she gained clarity about areas needing improvement both personally and relationally. Such insights underscored her evolving understanding of what constitutes meaningful partnerships beyond societal expectations.
Following her separation from Eddie Van Halen, Valerie Bertinelli ventured into new chapters marked by introspection and transformation. Engaging in subsequent relationships like those with Tom Vitale and Mike Goodnough allowed her opportunities for self-discovery amidst changing dynamics. Each experience contributed uniquely toward shaping her current outlook on life and love.
With Vitale, she experienced another significant phase post-Van Halen, culminating in marriage yet ultimately concluding amicably after ten years. Meanwhile, her brief liaison with Goodnough offered valuable lessons regarding emotional healing stemming from past traumas. Throughout these transitions, Bertinelli maintained transparency about challenges faced while embracing newfound wisdom garnered along the way. These episodes highlight not only resilience but also continuous evolution towards healthier connections moving forward.