Jennifer McCurdy is a highly accomplished individual with over 100 credits in film and television. She is known for her successful career as a child actor, which included starring in the hit Nickelodeon show "iCarly" and its spin-off "Sam & Cat." Despite her achievements, McCurdy felt unfulfilled and ashamed of much of her work. She struggled with alcohol and eventually quit acting in 2017 to pursue writing and directing.
Since then, McCurdy has made a name for herself as a writer and director. She has written and directed a pilot and four short films, which have been featured in various publications and film festivals. In addition to her film work, McCurdy has also written articles for the Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal. She has even taken her talents to the stage with her one-woman show "I’m Glad My Mom Died," which had a successful run at the Lyric Hyperion Theatre.
In 2021, McCurdy released her memoir "I'm Glad My Mom Died," which quickly became a New York Times bestseller and remained at the top of the list for 52 consecutive weeks. In the memoir, McCurdy shares the unflinching details of her life and rise to fame, including her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and a difficult relationship with her mother. The book is a powerful testament to resilience and independence, and has been praised for its candor and dark humor.
In addition to her writing and directing work, McCurdy also hosts a podcast called "Empty Inside," where she discusses uncomfortable topics with her guests. She has been recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry and was included in the 2022 TIME100 Next list, which highlights emerging leaders who are shaping the future. McCurdy is currently working on her debut fiction novel, set to be released in 2024.