She became the first woman to display (on purpose) her nipples on
American network television during the May 4, 1973, broadcast of
Bruce Jay Friedman's play
Steambath (1973) shown on
Hollywood Television Theater (PBS). The story offered an unusual
portrayal of the afterlife with "God" presented as a Puerto Rican steam
bath attendant.
Bill Bixby played a man who refused to admit
that he had died. Valerie was seen taking a shower from all sides. Only
a few PBS stations were adventurous enough to carry the program.
