Valerie Bertinelli's "Hot in Cleveland" Co-Stars Surprise Her: "You Kept That Secret?!"

A Nostalgic Reunion on The Drew Barrymore Show

Valerie Bertinelli recently had a heartwarming moment on The Drew Barrymore Show that brought back memories of her time on the popular sitcom Hot in Cleveland. In a preview clip shared on Instagram, Bertinelli, 65, expressed how much she cherished her experience working with her co-stars. She described it as “hands down, my favorite experience in my working life,” highlighting the camaraderie and lack of ego among the cast.

Bertinelli reflected on the close-knit environment on set, mentioning how the cast would gather in the mornings to chat before rehearsals. Her words led to an unexpected twist when Barrymore revealed the surprise: Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick. As soon as the names were mentioned, Bertinelli was overcome with emotion, jumping up and rushing toward her former costars. The three actresses embraced, with Bertinelli expressing disbelief at the secret being kept from her.

The reunion was a touching moment for fans who have long appreciated the chemistry between the actors. Bertinelli, Leeves, and Malick starred alongside the late Betty White in the beloved sitcom, which ran for six seasons. The show followed three middle-aged friends who end up in Cleveland after a flight mishap and decide to stay, living with the sassy Elka Ovstrosky, played by White. The series was often compared to White’s previous hit, The Golden Girls, and became a fan favorite.

In a previous clip from the show, Bertinelli shared some of the wisdom she learned from White. She spoke about the importance of gratitude, noting how White lived every moment with appreciation. This lesson has helped Bertinelli through challenging times in recent years, allowing her to find value in even the most difficult experiences.

Betty White, a five-time Emmy winner, passed away in December 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. Bertinelli, who has appeared in several long-running TV shows, now serves as a lifestyle expert on the fifth season of The Drew Barrymore Show. The talk show has made a habit of bringing back cast members for on-screen reunions, making moments like this both nostalgic and meaningful.

While Bertinelli was clearly surprised by the reunion, she had previously discussed the idea with Entertainment Weekly. She acknowledged the bittersweet nature of such events, especially when some cast members are no longer around. For instance, while Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick are still present, Betty White is not. Bertinelli also mentioned other shows like Touched by an Angel, where some original cast members have passed away.

Despite these losses, Bertinelli remains grateful for the opportunities she has had throughout her career. She praised the sets of Hot in Cleveland, One Day at a Time, and The Drew Barrymore Show, describing them as places filled with kind and supportive people. She considers herself lucky to have worked with so many talented individuals over the past 50 years.

Fans can look forward to seeing the full reunion on Monday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, a special moment that celebrates the enduring bond between the cast members and their shared history on Hot in Cleveland.