- - What Happened to the “One Day at a Time” Cast? All About the Stars' Lives 50 Years Later

Caroline BlairDecember 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM

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CBS via Getty

Pat Harrington, Jr., Valerie Bertinelli, Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips and Mary Louise Wilson in 'One Day at a Time.' -

One Day at a Time first hit television screens 50 years ago on Dec. 16, 1975

The CBS sitcom starred Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli as a family of three

The series also starred Pat Harrington Jr., Richard Masur, Ron Rifkin, Glenn Scarpelli, Michael Lembeck and Boyd Gaines

It's been 50 years since One Day at a Time took over television screens!

The hit CBS sitcom, which premiered on Dec. 16, 1975, followed divorced single mother Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin) as she navigated life with her two teenage daughters, Julie (Mackenzie Phillips) and Barbara (Valerie Bertinelli).

As the series played out, it showcased the family of three's relationships with Dwayne Schneider (Pat Harrington Jr.), David Kane (Richard Masur) and Nick (Ron Rifkin). The show also featured Glenn Scarpelli as Alex Handris, Michael Lembeck as Max Horvath and Boyd Gaines as Mark Royer.

Five decades after the series premiered, it has remained a staple that many of the cast members remember fondly.

Here's everything to know about where the cast of One Day at a Time is now, 50 years after its premiere.

01 of 07

Bonnie Franklin as Ann Romano-Royer

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Bonnie Franklin as Ann Romano in 'One Day at a time' and Bonnie Franklin at a Paley Center for Media event in June 2009 in Beverly Hills.

Franklin had been acting ever since she was a child and appeared in several television shows in her early years, but her breakout role was Ann Romano-Royer on One Day at a Time.

The actress was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the divorced working mother, which was a more novel concept at the time. In 2012, Franklin and other leading stars accepted the Innovators Award from TV Land.

After One Day at a Time ended in 1984, Franklin pursued a career in musical theater. She also occasionally acted in various TV shows, including Bertinelli's Hot in Cleveland.

As for her personal life, Franklin was married to film producer Marvin Minoff until his death in 2009, and she helped raise two stepchildren. In September 2012, a spokesperson for Franklin announced that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Franklin died on March 1, 2013, at 69 years old.

Several of the One Day at a Time cast members publicly mourned Franklin's death.

"My heart is breaking," Bertinelli said in a statement at the time. "Bonnie has always been one of the most important women in my life and was a second mother to me. She taught me how to navigate this business and life itself with grace and humor, and to always be true to myself. I will miss her terribly."

02 of 07

Mackenzie Phillips as Julie Cooper Horvath

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Mackenzie Phillips as Julie Cooper in 'One Day at a Time;' Mackenzie Phillips with Princess Cruises on Oct. 1, 2022 in San Pedro, Calif.

When One Day at a Time premiered in 1975, Phillips had already made a name for herself as a young actor in Hollywood with her role in the 1973 film American Graffiti.

She continued rising to stardom when she portrayed the elder daughter, Julie Cooper, on the CBS sitcom. However, her time on the series was limited, as she struggled with drug and alcohol abuse around the third season in 1977. Phillips was cut from the series in 1980 but briefly returned the following year.

Phillips entered several rehabilitation centers for treatment following mental health struggles and near-fatal overdoses. She has been open about her past drug and alcohol abuse while also sharing personal revelations in her two memoirs: High on Arrival and Hopeful Healing: Essays on Managing Recovery and Surviving Addiction.

"I don't let my past define me," she told PEOPLE in 2017. "Even though I experienced my share of trauma and a very public meltdown, I can hold my head high because my recovery is the best thing I've ever done, aside from being a mom."

After seeking treatment for her addiction, Phillips continued acting and appeared in shows like ER, 7th Heaven, Orange Is the New Black and Beverly Hills, 90210. In addition to acting, Phillips has also dedicated her life to helping others and began working as a drug rehab counselor in 2016.

Phillips is a mom to one son, Shane Barakan.

03 of 07

Valerie Bertinelli as Barbara Cooper Royer

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Valerie Bertinelli as Barbara Cooper in 'One Day at a Time;' Valerie Bertinelli attends the Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Bertinelli was just 15 years old when she had her major breakthrough as younger daughter Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time. Bertinelli went on to win two Golden Globe awards for her portrayal of Barbara and often credits the show for launching her decades-long career in acting.

“I remember being 15, standing at the apartment door, and really thinking, at 15 years old, ‘This is gonna change my life,’ ” Bertinelli told Entertainment Weekly in February 2025. "I don't know how I knew that then, but I could feel it. I wish I’d feel those feelings more.”

Her role on One Day at a Time was just the beginning for Bertinelli, as she continued acting in several TV shows and movies over the next 50 years — including Sydney, Touched by an Angel and Hot in Cleveland.

In 2012, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A few years later, she pivoted her career toward cooking shows and hosted Valerie's Home Cooking and Kids Baking Championship for years on the Food Network. Most recently, Bertinelli has become a staple on The Drew Barrymore Show as a lifestyle correspondent, which she told PEOPLE she "loves" doing.

As for her personal life, Bertinelli was previously married to the late Eddie Van Halen from 1981 to 2001, during which time they welcomed son Wolfgang. She moved on with Tom Vitale and married him in 2011, but they separated in 2021. Bertinelli was last in a 10-month relationship with Mike Goodnough, but they split in November 2024.

04 of 07

Pat Harrington Jr. as Dwayne F. Schneider

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Pat Harrington Jr. as Dwayne Schneider in 'One Day at a Time;' Pat Harrington Jr. attends a 'Hot in Cleveland' event in January 2011 in Hollywood.

Harrington became an instant fan favorite cast member with his portrayal of the family's building's superintendent, Dwayne, on One Day at a Time. Harrington was one of the few actors to appear in all nine seasons and won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role.

Prior to his part on One Day at a Time, Harrington was a well-known comedian as a member of Steve Allen's group, "Men on the Street," which also included Don Knotts, Tom Poston and Louis Nye.

After the hit sitcom wrapped, Harrington made his Broadway debut in Happiness Is Just a Little Thing Called a Rolls Royce and appeared in other productions over the years, as well. He went on to reunite with Bertinelli in Sydney and Hot in Cleveland in 2012, which marked his final acting credit.

Harrington had four children with his ex-wife, Marjorie Ann Gortner, and later married Sally Cleaver in 2001. In 2012, Harrington was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. On Jan. 6, 2016, he died from complications of the disease. He was 86.

05 of 07

Glenn Scarpelli as Alex Handris

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Glenn Scarpelli as Alex Handris in 'One Day at a Time;' Glenn Scarpelli attends the Hollywood Museum event in June 2022 in Hollywood.

Scarpelli's character, Alex Handris, changed the dynamic of the all-female family when he moved into their apartment after his father, and Ann's boyfriend, died. He portrayed Alex for three years from 1980 to 1983.

Scarpelli continued acting in the years following and appeared in Jennifer Slept Here, The Love Boat and Fantasy. In 2019, Scarpelli briefly starred in the Netflix revival of One Day at a Time.

Scarpelli has been married to television producer John Ricci Jr. since 2023. He frequently posts photos from his time on One Day at a Time and has maintained a close friendship with Phillips.

06 of 07

Michael Lembeck as Max Horvath

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Michael Lembeck as Max Horvath on 'One Day at a Time;' Michael Lembeck at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 3, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif.

Lembeck began starring on One Day at a Time in 1979 during season 5 as Julie's on-screen love interest and eventual husband, Max Horvath.

After appearing on One Day at a Time, Lembeck had roles in The Krofft Supershow and The Boys in Company C. However, Lembeck transitioned to a career in directing and went on to direct hit films The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause and several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends, for which he won an Emmy.

Lembeck has been married to former actor Lorna Patterson since 1990, and the couple share two children.

07 of 07

Boyd Gaines as Mark Royer

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Boyd Gaines as Mark Royer in 'One Day at a Time;' Boyd Gaines at the premiere of 'New York, New York!' on April 26, 2023, in New York City.

In 1981, Gaines was introduced as dental student Mark Royer, who eventually marries Barbara. He starred in the show's last three seasons.

Once the sitcom came to an end, Gaines scored roles in other TV shows and movies, but he later became known for voice acting in audiobooks and performing in musicals and plays on Broadway.

Gaines has won four Tony Awards for his performances in Gypsy, The Heidi Chronicles, She Loves Me and Contact. He made history in 2007 when he was the first actor to be nominated in all four acting Tony categories.

Gaines is married to actress Kathleen McNenny, and they share one daughter, Leslie.

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