Mackenzie Phillips spoke about her exit from the sitcom "One Day at a Time" during an appearance at Fanboy Expo Knoxville in Tennessee. She revealed that a "morals clause" in her contract contributed to her departure from the series, which aired from 1975 to 1980. Phillips, who struggled with addiction, mentioned that her contract included provisions allowing producers to require a urinalysis if they suspected she was under the influence.
During a lunch break, co-executive producer Patricia Fass Palmer informed Phillips that she would need to take a drug test. Phillips recalled asking for more time, knowing that cocaine could leave her system quickly, but Palmer insisted on immediate action, leading to Phillips' departure from the show.
Phillips later returned for a guest appearance before leaving the series for good in 1983. She has since been open about her struggles with addiction and the impact it has had on her life. In previous interviews, she described instances of drug use during breaks on set, stating that she was the one who got caught, which she views as a turning point in her life.
Phillips emphasized the importance of her faith and resilience in her recovery journey. She has worked in the addiction and recovery field and has authored memoirs detailing her experiences. Phillips believes her past experiences have shaped her into the person she is today and has expressed gratitude for her journey.