Valerie C. Robinson: What Happened to Michael Schoeffling’s Wife?

You may not see her name in the headlines today, but Valerie C. Robinson is someone many people still think about. She was once a model, then became an actress. She had a few small roles in movies. But what really made people curious is her life with Michael Schoeffling—the actor who played Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles.

Valerie and Michael had all the right pieces for a life in the spotlight. They were young, good-looking, and rising in Hollywood. But instead of chasing fame, they did something rare—they walked away. They chose peace and privacy over red carpets.

So what really happened to Valerie C. Robinson? Where did she go? What is she doing now? In this article, we’ll look at her full story—from her early days in modeling to her quiet life today in Pennsylvania.

Valerie C. Robinson Quick Bio

Who Is Valerie C. Robinson?

Valerie C. Robinson is a former actress and model. Some people also know her by other names like Valerie Carpenter Robinson or Valerie Bernstein. She started her career in the 1970s and appeared in a few TV shows and movies over the years.

She may not have become a big Hollywood star, but she had her moments on screen. More than that, she is known for her long and private marriage to Michael Schoeffling—the teen heartthrob from Sixteen Candles.

They’ve been married for more than 30 years now. That’s pretty rare in the world of fame. And what makes it even more interesting? They’ve lived most of their life far away from Hollywood.

Valerie C. Robinson’s Early Life and Background

Valerie was born on January 25, 1950, in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a small town, far from the busy world of movies and fashion. She is American and has a mixed ethnic background.

There isn’t much public information about her childhood or education. Valerie has always been a private person, even before she became known to the public. She didn’t grow up around fame—she built her own path.

In many ways, Valerie’s story shows how someone from a quiet place can still dream big and reach the entertainment world through hard work.

Her Modeling Days Before Acting

Before Valerie became an actress, she worked as a model in New York City. She was signed with the Zoli Modeling Agency, one of the most popular agencies at that time.

In March 1980, she appeared in New York Magazine, modeling clothes with other rising talents. Back then, magazines were a big deal. Being featured in one was a huge step forward in the fashion world.

Modeling helped Valerie become confident in front of the camera. It also gave her the experience she needed to start acting. Like many others in the 1970s and 1980s, she used modeling as her first step into Hollywood.

Valerie C. Robinson’s Start in Hollywood

Valerie’s acting journey began in 1977, when she played a small role named Terri in the TV movie Having Babies II. It was her first screen appearance and the start of her film career.

From there, she continued to take small parts in other movies and shows. She never became a huge star, but she worked steadily and always gave her best.

Sometimes, she was credited as Valerie Carpenter Bernstein. This was common back then, as many actors and models used different names depending on their work.

Movies and TV Shows She Acted In

Valerie C. Robinson’s film roles may not have been big, but they were real, and they gave her a steady spot in the industry. Here are some of the projects she was part of:

• One Shoe Makes It Murder (1982)

• Over the Brooklyn Bridge (1984)

• Lottery! (TV show, 1984)

• Patty Hearst (1988)

• Awful (2018) — her last known role

Her roles were usually small, but each one added to her journey. She brought a warm, honest feel to the screen, and that made her memorable—even in quiet parts.

How Valerie Met Michael Schoeffling

Valerie met Michael Schoeffling when they were both working as models at the Zoli Agency in New York. They were both young, talented, and just starting their careers. It was a natural place for two people like them to connect.

By the time Sixteen Candles was being filmed in 1984, Michael was already in love with Valerie. One of his co-stars, Haviland Morris, shared that while others hung out after filming, Michael would spend most of his free time on the phone with his girlfriend—Valerie.

It wasn’t about parties or fame for them. It was about something real. Their relationship started with friendship, trust, and shared dreams. That strong bond would later grow into a long and lasting marriage.

Valerie C. Robinson and Michael Schoeffling’s Private Wedding

Valerie and Michael didn’t want a flashy Hollywood wedding. They got married in a quiet, private ceremony—away from the cameras and reporters. Most people don’t even know the exact date they tied the knot, and that’s how they wanted it.

Their marriage has lasted over 30 years. In a world where many celebrity couples don’t make it past a few years, their story stands out.

They didn’t need public approval or social media posts to show their love. They just lived it, quietly and truly. Their strong relationship became the heart of their peaceful life together.

Why Valerie C. Robinson and Her Husband Left Hollywood

After a few more acting roles, Michael Schoeffling decided to quit Hollywood. His last film was Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken in 1991. Around the same time, Valerie C. Robinson also stepped away from the spotlight.

They didn’t leave because they failed. They left because they wanted something better—a quiet, peaceful life. Michael once said that actors spend most of their time out of work. He didn’t enjoy waiting around for roles. Instead, he wanted to do something with his hands.

So, he started his own business making furniture. And Valerie stood by him the whole time. They both chose a simple life over the stress and noise of Hollywood. That’s a choice many people admire.

Where Is Valerie C. Robinson Now?

Today, Valerie C. Robinson lives far away from Hollywood. She and Michael have made a home in rural Pennsylvania. It’s a quiet place, surrounded by nature, where they enjoy peace and privacy.

They don’t go to movie events. They don’t do interviews. Valerie is not on social media. She hasn’t been seen in public for many years.

Even when GQ Magazine tried to find them back in 2002, they couldn’t. That shows just how private Valerie’s life has become. And it’s clear—that’s exactly how she wants it.

Their Two Children, Zane and Scarlet Schoeffling

Valerie and Michael have two children, a son named Zane and a daughter named Scarlet. Both were raised away from the public eye, just like their parents.

Zane was born in 1988. Not much is known about him. He lives a quiet life and doesn’t share anything online. Some say he was once part of a music band, but he mostly keeps to himself.

Scarlet, however, followed a different path. She became a model and actress, just like her parents once were. She has worked with well-known modeling agencies like LA Models and ONE Management. In 2020, she acted in Billions and Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story.

Valerie C. Robinson’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of 2026, Valerie C. Robinson’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. Most of her income came from her early career in acting and modeling. Her husband’s custom furniture business also adds to their shared income.

But Valerie doesn’t live like a celebrity. She and Michael live a simple life. No luxury cars. No designer clothes. No big vacations.

They enjoy peace, nature, and family time. Their home in Pennsylvania is quiet and calm—just the way they like it.

Why Valerie C. Robinson’s Story Still Inspires People

Even though she hasn’t acted in years, Valerie C. Robinson’s story still touches people. Why? Because she chose love over fame. She had everything—beauty, talent, and a rising career. But she chose something more important—a happy, private life.

In a world where many people chase attention, Valerie chose something different. Her long and peaceful marriage to Michael is rare. Their story is not about fame—it’s about trust, respect, and simple love.

She reminds us that success isn’t just about being seen. Sometimes, true success is living the life that feels right to you, even if no one’s watching.

Final Thoughts

So, what happened to Valerie C. Robinson, the woman once known for her small movie roles and her modeling career? She built a quiet, beautiful life with her husband, Michael Schoeffling. They left Hollywood by choice, not by force. And they’ve never looked back.

Today, Valerie is still living in peace, surrounded by the love of her family. She doesn’t post pictures online or go to fancy events. But people still search her name. They still care. Because Valerie’s story is not about fame—it’s about choosing peace, staying true to yourself, and finding happiness in a simple life.

And that’s a story worth remembering.

(FAQs)

What movies and TV shows did Valerie C. Robinson appear in?

Valerie C. Robinson acted in only a few projects. Her known works include Having Babies II, One Shoe Makes It Murder, Over the Brooklyn Bridge, Patty Hearst, and Awful. Her last movie came many years after her first one, which surprises many people.

How old is Valerie C. Robinson and when is her birthday?

Valerie C. Robinson was born on January 25, 1950. In 2026, she is 76 years old, which shocks many fans because she looks much younger in old photos.

What is Valerie C. Robinson’s ethnicity?

Valerie C. Robinson has a mixed ethnic background. She has never spoken openly about it, as she always keeps her personal life private.

What is Valerie C. Robinson’s relationship with Michael Schoeffling?

Valerie C. Robinson is the wife of Michael Schoeffling. They got married quietly more than 30 years ago and stayed together while walking away from Hollywood fame.

Where is Valerie C. Robinson living today?

Today, Valerie C. Robinson lives a very quiet life in rural Pennsylvania. She stays away from social media, avoids public events, and enjoys peace with her family.

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