Back in 1976, the CBS sitcom One Day at a Time was already dominating prime-time television by tackling real-world family dynamics with heart and humor.
But during the show’s legendary Season 2 New Year’s Eve episode, sisters Barbara and Julie Cooper (Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips) traded in their usual teenage drama for oversized sunglasses, platform boots, and full-on glam-rock attire.
Together, they delivering a musical moment that left studio audiences in stitches and viewers completely hooked. 50 years later, the moment remains one of classic television’s most defining moments.
That unforgettable scene featured Bertinelli and Phillips channeling Elton John and Kiki Dee for a showstopping cover of their chart-topping hit, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The song, which was released in June 1976, hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 in August, remaining there for four weeks.
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Decked out in a giant feather-topped hat, sequined blazer, and John’s signature sunglasses, Bertinelli played the eccentric rock icon, while Phillips brought perfect harmony as Dee. Their characterization was spot-on and delighted the audience, becoming one of the show’s most memorable moments.
Bertinelli spoke of the iconic television moment in her book Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time. She revealed that she was such as superfan of the flamboyant rocker, she pinstriped her first car, a Chevy Chevette, with “I love EJ.”
Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips as Elton John and Kiki Dee on ‘One Day at a Time’/CBS via Getty ImagesThe actress wrote, “My real life provided One Day‘s writers with the details that made Barbara such a relatable character, including my Elton obsession. Barbara’s bedroom, like mine, was decorated with Elton posters. We also did a show where I dressed up like Elton, sang a song, and someone sent the tape of me to Elton.”
She concluded, “Much to my delight, I received an autographed photo in return. ‘You look more like me than I do,’ it said. ‘Love, Elton.'”
Fans shared their recollections of the episode in the comments section of the YouTube posting. They remembered how much fun it was to see their favorite show honor one of the greatest entertainers of the decade.
“This is amazing! Mackenzie Phillips can really sing well! I guess that’s not surprising, given her heritage. And Valerie played a good Elton John. So fun to watch,” declared one viewer.
A second fan wrote, “I remembered seeing this and loved it. I wasn’t surprised Valerie would do something as Elton because I knew she was such a huge fan of his. This was one of those songs that it seemed like everyone couldn’t help but like.”
“I remember this as a kid. I was surprised at how good they performed it,” recalled a third YouTube viewer.
Valerie Bertinelli recently hosted Mackenzie Phillips on an episode of her podcast Getting Naked, where they discussed their shared history and how they’ve overcome adversity to find happiness.
Related: 55 Years Ago, ‘The Partridge Family’ Quietly Fired Its Season 1 Star And Never Explained Why
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