Drew Barrymore and Valerie Bertinelli Discuss Past Romance with Steven Spielberg

NEW YORK — In a revealing episode of The Drew Barrymore Show aired April 15, 2025, actress Valerie Bertinelli opened up about her brief romance with renowned director Steven Spielberg.

Bertinelli, 64, shared a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of herself with Spielberg, 78, during the show’s segment. In the image, she dons a white scarf and oversized sunglasses, clearly enjoying the moment with a smiling Spielberg, who wears a white blazer and patterned shirt.

When Barrymore asked about the nature of their relationship, Bertinelli quipped that they dated “for a New York minute.” She expressed her fondness for Spielberg, stating, “I had a ball with him,” leaving the audience in surprise.

The actress reminisced about their romance, revealing it occurred before her marriage to musician Eddie Van Halen, which began in 1981. “I went up to go read for Raiders of the Lost Ark, and then he asked me out on a date,” the actress recalled. “We were together for, I don’t know, three or four months.” Bertinelli highlighted that they attended the Academy Awards together in 1980, where the ambiance was filled with anticipation for Spielberg’s legendary films.

While discussing the timeline of their relationship, it suggests their dating may have begun in early 1980, around the time when Field won an Oscar for her performance in Norma Rae, prior to the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981.

Despite their split decades ago, Bertinelli humorously reminded Spielberg about a bowling shirt she had left behind, playfully asking, “I didn’t get it out of the closet when we broke up.” The playful banter provided an entertaining insight into their past.

Earlier that week, Bertinelli made headlines by jokingly referencing her breakup with Van Halen’s band, remarking on the comparisons she faced during her relationship with Spielberg. “Oh, you didn’t know that I broke up Van Halen?” she chuckled, drawing parallels to Yoko Ono’s controversial place in the Beatles’ history.

As the conversation shifted to the possibility of a Van Halen biopic, Bertinelli candidly responded that she has insisted her son not approve of any films related to the band until after her passing. “But Selena, don’t do it. Please don’t do it,” she urged, playfully acknowledging the continued interest in her past.

The episode ended on a light note, with Bertinelli reflecting on her nostalgic yet humorous journey through her past relationships, revealing the complexity of maintaining connections in the entertainment industry.