I'm Glad My Mom Died is a 2022 memoir by American writer, director, and former child actress Jennette McCurdy, revealing her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and a controlling mother. McCurdy recounts her early start in acting at six years old, fueled by her mother's ambition for her to achieve stardom. Despite the fame she earned from roles in popular Nickelodeon series like iCarly and Sam & Cat, McCurdy faced a myriad of personal challenges, including an abusive relationship with her mother and a toxic working relationship with a producer referred to as "The Creator."
McCurdy's narrative is split into two sections, "Before" and "After," detailing her life events preceding and following her mother's death from cancer in 2013. Throughout the memoir, the author recounts her mother's insistence on an intense "calorie restriction" regimen, supervised bathing (well into her teens), and control over her earnings and personal life. Despite achieving significant success on television and even dabbling in a music career, McCurdy unveils the dark side of child stardom and the toll it took on her mental and physical health. Her candid recounting of anxiety, shame, and self-loathing stands as a stark contrast to her TV persona and the glamorous life many would imagine.
I'm Glad My Mom Died sparked significant interest upon its release, selling out within the first 24 hours of its availability and becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller. Jennette McCurdy has been widely praised for her insightful, incisive, and raw portrayal of her tumultous young life, and her bold decision to quit acting. Offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of familial relationships, fame, and the quest for personal independence, this affecting memoir is a testament to McCurdy's resilience and a powerful source of inspiration to anyone on a journey of recovery or seeking autonomy over their life and choices.
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About the author
Jennette McCurdy
Jennette Michelle Faye McCurdy (born June 26, 1992) is an American writer, filmmaker, and former child actor. Best known for her role as Sam Puckett on the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly and its spin-off Sam & Cat, she won multiple Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. In addition to her acting, writing, and directing, she made a memorable venture into country music, releasing singles and albums that briefly charted on Billboard.
In recent years, McCurdy has shifted her focus towards writing and directing, a move prompted by her desires to pursue projects that resonate with her on a personal level. Her 2022 memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, showcases her literary talent, delving into her tumultuous relationship with her mother and her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and the tribulations of child stardom. Critically acclaimed for its candor and use of dark humor, the memoir became a #1 New York Times bestseller. McCurdy has directed several short films that have been recognized for their originality and emotional depth, including "Kenny," which was featured on Short of the Week and nominated at the Florida Film Festival.
Outside of her film and literary endeavors, McCurdy has engaged with audiences through her podcast Empty Inside, which explores challenging topics with a variety of guests. Named in TIME magazine's 100 Next list in 2002 and soon to release her debut novel, Jennette McCurdy continues to shape her legacy as a influential voice in contemporary media and inspiring example of the human capacity for resilience.
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