Valerie Bertinelli Finds Love Again: A Heartwarming Story

Prof. Kacie Fay 15 May 2025

Picture this: a beautiful spring morning in bustling New York City. Valerie Bertinelli, with that radiant smile of hers, steps out of CBS studios on her way to a new adventure. But this time, she's not alone. Walking beside her is Mike Goodnough, a man who has captured her heart in ways she never expected. “He wasn’t supposed to come into my life,” Valerie shared candidly on The Drew Barrymore Show, “but here he is. And let me tell you, he’s 10 years younger, thoughtful, kind, and ridiculously talented.”

Mike Goodnough, 53, is a New York-based writer who confirmed their blossoming romance in a heartfelt Substack post. “Life can be unpredictable, can’t it?” he wrote. “Sometimes, it opens the skies to deep blue and love. You start calling someone ‘Honey’ because, well, you just love the absolute hell out of her. And you feel so incredibly thankful for that feeling, for her presence in your life.”

A New Chapter After Heartbreak

For Valerie, 63, this new chapter wasn’t always on the table. After a painful divorce from her husband of 11 years, she swore off dating altogether. “I was ready to live out the rest of my days surrounded by my six cats and my dog,” she admitted. “I thought I’d be perfectly content doing just that. But then, something unexpected happened.”

It started with Mike’s writing. Valerie began following his Substack, Hoarse Whisperings, and found herself drawn to his words. “There was something about him that resonated with me, that felt familiar,” she explained. “It was like we were kindred spirits from the start.”

Two Hearts, One Journey

Like Valerie, Mike is a divorced parent who shares a deep connection with his son. After his son’s birth over a decade ago, Mike made a bold career shift from marketing to writing, allowing him to focus on raising his child full-time. This shared experience of single parenthood created an instant bond between them. “When we started chatting on Instagram, it was like we’d known each other forever,” Valerie said. “He felt like a kindred spirit, someone who truly understood me.”

Valerie Bertinelli Shares Cute Video Cuddling Up With Boyfriend Mike Goodnough — Courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli/Instagram

Valerie’s journey to self-discovery played a significant role in preparing her for this new chapter. In the two years since her last relationship ended, she immersed herself in personal growth, including therapy. Her latest cookbook, Indulge, reflects her fresh perspective on life. “I was in the middle of this incredible journey of growth, health, and recovery,” she explained. “I found a way to be intentional with joy, and I wanted to share that with the world.”

While love wasn’t part of the original plan, Valerie is embracing it wholeheartedly. The California-based actress and her East Coast sweetheart ensure they see each other at least every three weeks. “Being in this man’s arms feels like home,” Valerie confessed. “It all feels so incredibly right. I’m ready to fight for this love and make it last.”