April 11th, 1981: Valerie Bertnelli & Eddie Van Halen Marry

The tumultuous marriage would last over 24 years and produce one son named Wolfgang. They divorced in 2005.

The marriage was legally dissolved in 2005, but in reality, only lasted over 20 years. The two stopped living together in late 2001 and their separation wasn't announced until the spring of 2002.

I'm amazed that they lasted 20 years, quite frankly, given all the stuff that went on behind the scenes and the fact that they were both in show business.

I remember feeling sad when the two split up. I really thought they were going to make it. But at least they are on good terms now, even with their son now grown.

I remember feeling sad when the two split up. I really thought they were going to make it. But at least they are on good terms now, even with their son now grown.

Yeah, I am really curious to see Wolfgang play with his father and uncle when they finally decide to tour again.

As we now all know, Valerie wasn't the "good girl" that everyone thought she was.;)

As we now all know, Valerie wasn't the "good girl" that everyone thought she was.;)
Yeah, she wasn't "Barbara Cooper", that's for sure!!

I remember reading a 1981 interview she did with TV Guide. During the interview, she was smoking a cigarette. At one point, she put out the cigarette and said "Don't write that I smoke" to the interviewer.

She was petrified of tarnishing her "good girl" image.

Good thing she wasn't snorting a line of coke at the time.:eek:

After reading Val's autobiography, it really seems like her marriage to Eddie Van Halen was doomed almost from the start. It's a miracle it lasted as long as it did!!

After reading Val's autobiography, it really seems like her marriage to Eddie Van Halen was doomed almost from the start. It's a miracle it lasted as long as it did!!

On the one hand, I give her credit for trying to make it work and taking her marital commitment seriously.

On the other hand, I don't blame her for leaving after all the crap she put up with.

Back in the eighties, I used to think that it would be so cool to be Eddie Van Halen: Amazing talent, married to Valerie Bertinelli, gobs of money, etc. Now, after reading books on the subject and seeing some Van Halen interviews, I'm glad I wasn't Eddie Van Halen!

I agree about Val. It's funny, though, that she admitted that SHE strayed before Eddie did!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I agree about Val. It's funny, though, that she admitted that SHE strayed before Eddie did!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

She probably figured if she was going to skewer Eddie publicly, that she better make sure she covered her bases. I don't think Eddie has spoken publicly about the book.

What's funny is that her boyfriend has played golf with Eddie and Wolfgang.

I knew that the Van Halen band was dysfunctional, but I had no idea it was that bad in their marriage.

I know. Eddie and Val always seemed the picture of marital bliss back in those days. :(