Mackenzie Phillips Reflects on Her Journey with ‘One Day at a Time’

Mackenzie Phillips, the former star of “One Day at a Time,” recently shared insights into the contractual clause that led to her departure from the series. During her appearance at Fanboy Expo Knoxville in Tennessee, Phillips discussed the “morals clause” in her contract.

The show made her a familiar name alongside Bonnie Franklin and Valerie Bertinelli. However, her struggle with substance abuse was a significant issue. The 66-year-old revealed that this struggle required specific provisions in her contract.

Phillips starred as Julie Cooper on the CBS comedy series. She mentioned that the morals clause allowed producers to require a medical test if they suspected she was under the influence. This clause eventually led to her character being written off the show. During a lunch break, producer Patricia Fass Palmer insisted Phillips visit a doctor.

“One day, I was asleep on the couch,” she recounted. “Patricia Fass Palmer came up to me and said, ‘Mac, wake up. We’re gonna take you to the doctor and have you pee in a cup.'”

Phillips requested more time, but Palmer refused. She recalled Palmer saying, “No, we’re not waiting until tomorrow.” Phillips ultimately gathered her belongings and left the show.

Phillips left “One Day at a Time” in 1983 after her firing in 1980. She later returned for a guest appearance but eventually exited the series for good. Her struggles with addiction have been a topic of open discussion in subsequent interviews.

In May, Phillips spoke to Fox News Digital about surprising moments during her time on the show. She shared how she and Valerie Bertinelli engaged in substance use during breaks. Phillips clarified that Bertinelli did not experience addiction as she did. Coke use was common behind the scenes.

“I just happened to be the one that got caught,” Phillips admitted. “And thank God I got caught.”

Today, Phillips credits her faith and perspective for keeping her grounded. She expressed how her challenging past has shaped her resilience. Despite the hardships, Phillips doesn’t see her life as something to be pitied.

“Someone said, ‘Oh my God, I feel so sorry for everything you went through.'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘Don’t feel sorry because everything I went through made me who I am today.'”

Phillips believes she couldn’t erase parts of her past without changing who she has become. She feels blessed and views resilience as central to her life’s journey. In addition to her acting career, Phillips has contributed to the addiction and recovery field as a counselor and manager at Breathe Life Healing Centers.