Actress Recalls Abrupt Firing Due to 'Morals Clause'

Mackenzie Phillips recently shared details about her departure from the iconic sitcom "One Day at a Time." Her contract contained a specific morals clause that permitted producers to require substance testing if they suspected she was under the influence.

During a lunch break, Phillips was discovered asleep on a couch and was informed by co-executive producer Patricia Fass Palmer that she would need to provide a urine sample. When Phillips inquired about delaying the test, Palmer instructed her to gather her belongings and leave the premises immediately. This event marked the end of her initial run on the show from 1975 to 1980.

Phillips, who has been candid about her past struggles with addiction, views her difficult experiences as crucial to shaping her into the person she is today. She finds strength in her faith and family, emphasizing that her resilience was not a choice but a necessity for survival. She has since channeled her experiences into helping others in the addiction and recovery field.