Actress & #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, I’m Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy: Biography at a Glance
- Jennette McCurdy is an actress and bestselling author known for starring in two of Nickelodeon's biggest shows, iCarly and the spinoff Sam & Cat.
- Jennette’s #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, uses candor and dark humor to dive into her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother.
- She also created a comedic one-woman show, I’m Glad My Mom Died, which she wrote, directed, and starred in and had a sold-out run at Lyric Hyperion Theatre.
- Jennette is currently developing a feature film, which she wrote and will direct, and has recently closed a deal to write her debut fiction novel.
- Jennette has been honored as part of the 2022 TIME100 Next list, a compilation of emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership.
- She has also been published in the Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal and hosts a popular podcast, Empty Inside, where she speaks with guests about uncomfortable topics.
Videos
Biography
New York Times Bestselling Author Jennette McCurdy has been showcasing her multitude of talents for over 20 years, with more than 100 credits under her belt between film and TV. Most recently, Jennette has chronicled the unflinching details surrounding her life and rise to fame in her newly released memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, which stayed at #1 on the NYT bestseller list for eight consecutive weeks. In the inspiring book of resilience and independence, Jennette uses candor and dark humor as she dives into her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.
In addition to her impressive acting resume, Jennette is an accomplished creator. Her darkly comedic one-woman show I’m Glad My Mom Died, which she wrote, directed, and stars in, had a sold-out run at Lyric Hyperion Theatre. Jennette has been at the forefront of writing and directing Strong Independent Women and Kenny, which was featured on Short of the Week and nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Short Film at the Florida Film Festival. Her works have also been published in the Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Jennette is currently developing a feature film, which she wrote and will direct, and has recently closed a deal to write her debut fiction novel. Jennette has also been honored as part of the 2022 TIME100 Next list, a compilation of emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership.
Topics
I'm Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy's overbearing mother had a dream for her only daughter to become a star. Jennette endured her mother's "calorie restriction" and extensive at-home makeovers, shared her diaries, email, and all her income, and even was showered by her mom until age sixteen.
Jennette was thrust into fame when she landed a role in the Nickelodeon series, iCarly. Though her mom was ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette became riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only got worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother died of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarked on recovery and decided for the first time in her life what she really wants.
In this conversation, filled with refreshing candor and dark humor, Jennette shares her inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.
Adulting 101: Establishing Values & Setting Boundaries
Jennette McCurdy learned the importance of setting boundaries the hard way - by getting them crossed at an early age. As she moved toward adulthood and recognized the need for change, she established the 5 key values that allowed her to set boundaries and live her own life rather than living for others.
In this conversation, Jennette shares her struggle with the pressures of the entertainment industry and an overbearing mother at home and explains how she eventually took back control of her life. Audiences will walk away inspired to take the reins on their own lives and careers in order to become the best possible versions of themselves.
