Valerie Bertinelli Shows First-Ever Pic with New Man & Fans Notice He ‘Looks Like’ Eddie Van Halen

Yesterday, cookbook author Valerie Bertinelli took to Instagram to give her fans and followers a long-anticipated look at her dashing new beau.

Bertinelli’s heartwarming photo showed her bubbling with excitement as she cozied up next to her boyfriend, Michael Goodnough. Her caption included a few lines from one of Taylor Swift’s new songs, “So High School.”

When fans caught wind of the photo, many of them pointed out how much Goodnough bears a striking resemblance to Bertinelli’s ex-husband, legendary rock artist Eddie Van Halen.

“I think he kinda looks like Ed,” stated one person. Similarly, another asserted, “He bears a slight resemblance to Eddie.”

Others made comments about how good they look together as a couple. “Omg they look like they were made for one another,” swooned a fan. Another praised: “Look great together!”

However, amid the compliments, a social media user expressed concern, writing, “I hope she’s gotten completely over her deceased ex Eddie. The last ex didn’t have a chance because all she talked about was Eddie Van Halen.” Nonetheless, most were in support of Bertinelli and Goodnough.

Bertinelli’s partner also shared the same image on X. Alongside the endearing snap of the couple, who both wore glasses, the writer wrote: “We were coming off a 14-hour day, were both exhausted, and hadn’t eaten since lunch. She took this pic with her phone across a hotel bar.”

He concluded his caption, stating, “If you’re going to post a first pic, it might as well be one where ya ain’t nothing but happy. — with @Wolfiesmom.”

Though the world now knows that Bertinelli and Goodnough are in a relationship—having gone social media official with both of their posts—she had already appeared with him before.

Earlier this month on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Bertinelli was seen walking with Goodnough. A photo of the duo shows him protectively holding onto Bertinelli’s back as the two walk together outside the studio.

Bertinelli posted this photo on her Threads account and captioned it, “Hiding in plain sight 🤭.” In response to his beloved girlfriend’s post, Goodnough quipped, “No idea who the security guy is but you look great,” which then prompted a flurry of threads from social media users.

Although Bertinelli has found bliss with her new love, she previously admitted that Van Halen was her soulmate even though they did not work out.

In a past interview, she spoke about her late ex and the regrets she faced in her life. “I wish I could have spent more time with Ed. I think you have more than one soulmate […] But I think with Ed […] our love turned into something more about soul love,” Bertinelli disclosed.

However, Valerie Bertinelli also got real about the issues she and Van Halen faced as a couple. “We weren’t really good to each other at a lot of points in our lives because we met so young and were very immature,” she shared.

She ended her statement on a high note, expressing relief and gratitude that the two were able to come to a resolution and find themselves in a “beautiful place” before his passing.

Although she wishes he were “still here,” Bertinelli now has Goodnough by her side to ease her heartache. The two may have only officially confirmed their relationship with a joint photo now, but they had already long been hinting at their romance, which we previously reported on April 18, 2024.

The 63-year-old’s romance with the captivating, yet mysterious figure, previously only known as Hoarse Whisperer on social media, has continued to spark joy and intrigue among her admirers.

Whispers about her new beau began to crescendo when he took to social media to post a screenshot of an article from The Sun. It speculated about his identity being linked romantically to Bertinelli.

The post featured a picture of a man with light eyes and distinguished salt-and-pepper hair. Adding to the plot were Goodnough’s playful annotations that read: “Breaking news in The Sun” and “Big if true.”

Bertinelli engaged with the 53-year-old’s post in the comment section with humor and affection. She posted a gif of a woman spitting out the contents of her coffee mug in a fit of laughter.

Fans also took to the comment section to express their elation and support for the couple. One fan exclaimed, “It’s taken them this long to figure this out? My P.I. skills deduced this about 2 hours after she announced it. Clues people!!!🕵.”

Another shared, “😂 I’m so happy that you put that smile back on her face. She deserves it. I’ll bet you both do. Wishing you both all the happiness! 💕💕.” A third comment stated, “You two!🥳🥳🥳 Makes me believe in love again.❤️❤️❤️ Wish you both nothing but peace, love & light✌🏻❤️☀️.”

Adding another layer of depth to their love story, Bertinelli had gushed over her beau on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” Here she spoke about her cookbook, self-healing, and shared exciting details about her love life.

When asked why she looked so radiant and “hot” these days, Bertinelli responded, “I got maybe 20 to 25 years left so I wanna […] Indulge and have a flippin’ good time.”

She then went on to describe Goodnough—a charming writer from the East Coast who is ten years her junior—in glowing terms. Not only did she boast about how physically attractive he is but she also labeled him “thoughtful and kind and ridiculously talented.”

When discussing how their relationship got started, Bertinelli divulged, “I actually started following him on Twitter back in, 2016 or 17. He has a really amazing Twitter following. He’s very funny, very acerbic, and political at that time.”

“And then in the beginning of January, we just started DMing every day. Then we started texting, then we started calling each other, talking for five hours a day and then face timing and then I met him in New York a month ago and I’m just gone,” she continued.

Drew Barrymore remarked that it sounded like a movie romance. Barrymore then asked Bertinelli whether her relationship would be bi-coastal, to which Valerie Bertinelli replied, “Yes, I would love to be here more often.”

Before her candid revelation on Barrymore’s show, Goodnough had already started hinting at their relationship through cryptic posts. In March, he uploaded a video dressed incognito in a black wig and dark shades, appearing to be scouting from behind a brick wall.

The video included a daily Mail article headline which mentioned: “Valerie Bertinelli reveals she is DATING a mystery man…” It was also accompanied by The Outfield’s song, “Mystery Man.” The caption posted alongside the video says, “Could be anyone, really.”

Later that month, Goodnough posted a selfie on a plane, with a woman in the background who looked like Bertinelli. In another post made earlier this month (April), he shared a photo of a news display featuring a People magazine with Bertinelli on the cover.

“I Fell in Love When I Least Expected It!” was written as one of the headlines of the magazine. Bertinelli’s boyfriend’s caption expressed, “Just browsing the magazine rack. As one does.”

This prompted responses like “You two are the next Taylor and Travis! ❤️❤️,” with another fan adding, “Especially for us Boomers ♥️.” Someone else swooned, “So happy for you both — love this modern love story 💗.”

The next day, he posted a photo of himself reading the same magazine on a plane, captioned, “Long flights are a great time to catch up on your reading.” A user commented, “You look like a writer from the East Coast,” to which Bertinelli responded, posting a “🤭” emoji, while another fan said, “I know who [your] bf is!!! 😄💖.”

Several days ago,Goodnough, who like her, has a son, shared another photo that hinted at their relationship. His hand was covered in what appeared to be animal fur shedding. On this, someone quipped, “Well you are w Wolfies Mom lol.”

What was particularly interesting is that the backdrop featured a floral patterned carpet that strikingly resembled one seen in Bertinelli’s home in a video from September 2022. This connection—along with Bertinelli’s known love for her cats—subtly suggested their shared domestic life.

What is now a love in full blossom once started as a new beginning that Bertinelli had not anticipated to encounter, especially after going through a divorce. We previously reported on her initial candid reflections on the personal journey she went on which led her to her new relationship.

Bertinelli had confessed that her personal life had taken an unexpected turn for the better. This confession came on the heels of a period of significant personal transformation and growth for the renowned TV star and cookbook author.

Following the end of her marriage to her second husband, Tom Vitale, a dedicated journey towards self-acceptance, a return to her culinary roots with the release of a new cookbook titled “Indulge,” and the mourning of her first husband, Bertinelli found love in a place she least expected.

“I’m in love. It’s a seesaw of emotions because I was adamant I was never falling in love again. I was supposed to die with my six cats and my dog,” Bertinelli said, with laughter lightening her confession. “And very happily live the rest of my years alone—I’m good alone.”

Yet, life had something other than cats and dogs in mind. Despite her previously not being ready to disclose the identity of the man who has captured her heart, Bertinelli shared enough to paint a picture of newfound happiness and a belly full of butterflies with her “special” man.

“My belly is flip-flopping. This was not supposed to happen,” she admitted, hinting at the unexpected twist her life has taken, but she added that it “feels incredibly right.” The journey to this unexpected romance was not a short one.

Bertinelli emphasized the long and often challenging path to learning to love herself again, a crucial step before she could open her heart to someone new. “I want to be clear that this process has taken a long time,” she asserted.

Following her 2022 divorce from Vitale and the loss of Van Halen in 2020, Bertinelli embarked on a healing journey involving therapy, introspection, and a lot of walks with her dog, Luna.

Her cookbook, “Indulge,” emerged as a byproduct of this emotional and mental healing. It represents not just her passion for cooking but also her pathway through grief, self-doubt, and ultimately, self-love.

Through her favorite recipes and intimate vignettes, Bertinelli tells a story of personal growth, a testament to her belief in the transformative power of facing one’s emotions head-on.

The turning point in Bertinelli’s journey came when she connected with Goodnough on Instagram, initially forming a platonic relationship. The East Coast writer gradually became a significant figure in her life.

“It was strictly platonic, but there was something about him that I connected with that felt familiar,” Bertinelli explains of the connection she formed.

Their relationship evolved over time, moving from friendly chats to something much deeper and more romantic. “It’s crazy the comfort level,” she says, reflecting on how naturally their relationship progressed.

This new chapter in Bertinelli’s life is not just about finding love; it’s about rediscovering joy and allowing herself to embrace happiness fully. “I found joy first,” she says, indicating the importance of inner peace and happiness as the foundation for any relationship.

Her emotional journey through divorce and self-discovery has been both public and poignant. Bertinelli has been open about the pain of her separation from Vitale, sharing her feelings and healing process with her followers.

In an emotional video that she posted online, she delved into the aftermath of her divorce, shedding light on the painful yet cathartic release she experiences through various forms of therapy.

“It’s so painful, but there’s a release that happens that’s really helpful,” Bertinelli explained. Her approach to healing is holistic, incorporating therapy, journaling, meditation, and physical therapies like rolfing, all aimed at addressing the emotional pain stored in her body.

“I am over it. I’m over the narcissist. I’m long over the narcissist,” she declared, emphasizing her journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

This period of introspection led Bertinelli to a significant realization about her tolerance for what was intolerable, sparking a transformation in how she views herself and her worth.

Bertinelli filed for divorce in May 2022, citing irreconcilable differences nine years after they married. The pair had already separated in December 2019. They filed for legal separation in late 2021 and had a prenuptial agreement at the time of their divorce.

The final divorce settlement saw Bertinelli pay Vitale $2.2 million, with neither of the pair obligated to pay spousal support to the other. Shortly after the papers were signed, Bertinelli declared herself “happily divorced.”

As she continues in her journey, her focus is figuring out what made her “tolerate the intolerable.” Her candidness extends beyond personal healing to address the broader issue of emotional abuse in relationships, advocating for self-worth and the right to a joyful life.

Bertinelli’s revelation that she is in love with Goodnough came after we previously reported that she had met someone new and unexpected.

Amid the promotional whirlwind for her cookbook, “Indulge,” Bertinelli told a news outlet that she had found new joy in a relationship that’s markedly different from any she’s experienced before.

“I’ve met someone. And I’m incredibly grateful for him,” she expressed, a sentiment that not only highlighted the novelty of this chapter in her life but also the profound appreciation she harbors for her new love. “I wasn’t expecting it! He was not on my radar.” Bertinelli exclaimed.

As a juxtaposition to the end of her previous relationship, Bertinelli’s romantic revelation offered a glimmer of optimism, especially to those who may feel their opportunities for love and happiness are behind them.

On this, she underscored the transformative power of self-reflection and growth and advised, “I really want women and men to take away that it’s the work that you do (on yourself) that can lead you to meeting someone like I’ve been lucky enough to meet right now.”

The “One Day at a Time” star’s candor regarding her new relationship extended to social media, where she humorously acknowledged her newfound happiness conflicting with her past declaration of remaining single.

A TikTok repost showcased Bertinelli mouthing a resolute “Yeah, […] no,” to the idea of dating again, with the addition of a cheeky caption that read, “This didn’t age well 🤪🥰.”

In addition to TikTok, Valerie Bertinelli took to Instagram to highlight the happy space she finds herself in currently. She shared a radiant photo of herself in a cream-colored blazer with a heartfelt caption expressing her joy and gratitude toward her fans for their unwavering support through her transformative journey.

“Thank you all for staying on this ride with me. Sticking with me through the tears to get to the joy on the other side. XO ♥️🥰,” she lovingly expressed.

From past and present revelations, Bertinelli’s story paints a narrative of self-discovery, growth, and renewed love. It’s a reminder that happiness can emerge from the least expected places, encouraging us all to remain open to the possibilities that life holds.

Bertinelli’s new relationship has come at a time when she has done a multitude of inner work to reach a place where she no longer feels she has to guard her heart. We have previously reported on the hardships she faced during her relationship with Vitale.

She had previously opened up about the trauma she experienced in the past. On this, Bertinelli shared how she was mistreated and how she endured emotional abuse from Vitale.

She also mentioned that the day of the divorce was one of the best days of her life, speaking frankly about her own situation with Vitale.

On February 1, 2023, Bertinelli shared a clip on Instagram of herself lip-syncing over an audio clip. In the video, Bertinelli asked herself why she let her ex stay after “finding the texts.” She responds to her own question, saying, “I don’t know.”

The clip and the caption stem from Bertinelli finding derogatory texts about her on her ex-husband’s phone. The TV personality opened up about the texts, saying he often wrote demeaning things about her, and even after she found them, she stayed with him. Now, she finally realized it was time to move on.

The Instagram video of Valerie Bertinelli questioning herself on why she allowed her ex to remain in her life signified a turn for the TV chef. She opened up about her recovery after separating from and divorcing Vitale, sharing her healing methods and saying she finds therapy extremely helpful.

In that same video, she revealed the nature of the “texts,” saying her ex often called her “fat” and criticized her figure. She also mentioned how he would project his own insecurities onto her but admitted she willingly stepped into that role. Now, she has decided to focus on what she needs.

After posting the Instagram video, followers responded with mixed reactions. Many supported her and praised her for standing up for herself and moving on. One user said they thought her ex was nice but realized, “I was really wrong!” Another user remarked, “You need to say out loud what happened and what he did.”

Another user encouraged her to move on and insisted, “You’re better than that.” However, not everyone was as thrilled about her coming to terms with her trauma. Another user commented, “Always having problems. Go get help.”

After a tumultuous relationship with her ex, Bertinelli’s relationship with Goodnough was confirmed. In addition to finally revealing his identity, Goodnough confirmed their relationship via a social media post linked to his blog.

Goodnough aka The Hoarse Whisperer, shared in his blog, “The rumor is true. Valerie and I are together and have been for a while now. She was the person I was referring to in “Some Personal… News?” and in my last post (“We Interrupt This Interrupted Broadcast”) as well.”

He added, “I am Valerie Bertinelli’s boyfriend… and that may well be among the most surreal sentences I’ve ever pecked out. But it’s true… and nothing about our actual relationship seems surreal. It just seems… good… lucky… a gift.”

Goodnough, who is from New York, is a Senior Strategy Consultant at Independent, as per his LinkedIn. In the blog post he shared, he admitted that he had to consult with Bertinelli before confirming to the public that the two were in a relationship.

Goodnough and Bertinelli met unexpectedly at a suburban New Jersey Panera. He was enjoying his morning coffee, when he noticed Bertinelli, another familiar face, topping off her dark roast. Despite the unlikely setting and the distance from her home, she frequented the Panera for her morning coffee.

Intrigued by the encounter, the two struck up a conversation over their shared appreciation for coffee and perhaps a hint of mutual admiration. This interaction marked the start of what is now their relationship.

Goodnough noted that sometimes, love has a funny way of finding someone in the most unexpected places. After he shared this story, fans flocked to social media, happy that the two had found love in each other.

An emotional fan, who is happy for Bertinelli, wrote, “I’m not crying you’re crying. Be still my heart ❤️.” Another fan commented, “Wait…. Yay! She’s one of my favorites and has been for decades. She’s a good human! ❤️.”

Someone else said that now, between Swift and Travis Kelce, Bertinelli and Goodnough were now their, “favorite couple.” “!!!!!! Wow,” shared another stunned fan. Now that the rumor has been happily confirmed, Goodnough and Bertinelli get to bask in the joys of their relationship publicly.