Valerie Bertinelli’s Ex Mike Goodnough Opens Up on “Complicated” Split
So here’s the thing you didn’t know you needed: Valerie Bertinelli’s ex, Mike Goodnough, has officially broken his silence on why they called it quits—and yeah, it sounds way messier than a quick Instagram unfollow. In an exclusive sit‑down with People Magazine on November 9, Goodnough admitted, “We had a complicated relationship,” adding that juggling personal baggage and public expectations played a big role in their parting. He noted they tried syncing busy schedules—she’s juggling hosting duties on Food Network, and he’s building his consulting career—but sometimes it all just didn’t line up.
According to Goodnough’s account, the pair met in early 2022 through mutual friends, and after an epic spring fling—complete with yacht selfies and cozy date‑night snapshots on Valerie’s Instagram—they decided to give “something real” a shot. They spent weekends hiking in Malibu and cooking comfort food from Bertinelli’s viral cookbook, which had fans swooning over how in‑tune they seemed. Then, by late summer 2023, distance and clashing calendars kicked in. Goodnough told ET Canada that while there wasn’t a single blowup moment, a series of missed calls and rescheduled plans made their relationship feel “less like a romance and more like work.”
Sources close to the former couple say both parties considered seeking therapy to salvage what was clearly turning into an emotional tug‑of‑war. Goodnough confirmed that idea in his chat with People, calling it “a genuine effort” that ultimately fell flat when neither could carve out enough space in their lives. He’s currently putting in extra hours at his Santa Barbara office and focusing on his mental health, while Bertinelli is eyeing a new season of her cooking show. There’s no bad blood, he stressed—he “absolutely” wants the best for her—and they’ve even exchanged holiday greetings. Still, this chapter feels done.
If you were hoping for scandalous finger‑pointing or one‑upmanship, look elsewhere—Goodnough’s take is surprisingly mature and low‑key, just the way Bertinelli’s legion of fans expect. He did slip in one playful jab, admitting he once got more nervous cooking a meal for her than presenting in front of a full Board of Directors—so much for being a “big guy.” All signs point to both moving forward on their own terms. Anyway, that’s the rundown. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
