This is a safe space, so let’s admit it: we’ve all kind of wanted to read someone else’s diary before. You know, to get rumors cleared, tea spilled, or just to try to understand them a little bit better. Aside from people in my personal life (don’t act like you haven’t thought about it, too), a few celeb’s diaries are what I’d really love to get my hands on. Not in a weird way, like to sell its contents to TMZ or pass any kind of judgment, but simply to get to know a more realistic version of these people that we talk about non-stop, but actually know so little about. Well lucky for us, celebrity memoirs do just that.
Whether it’s a deep dive into their personal life and upbringing, obstacles they’ve faced, juicy tell-alls of Hollywood drama, or anything in between, celebrity memoirs are packed to the brim with content that’ll keep you sucked in just as much as a good mystery or true crime read. It feels like every celeb and their mom has written one at this point, so we’ve gathered some top tier picks to help narrow down the search. Here’s 15 celebrity memoirs you need to add to your reading list ASAP:
Dear Girls
Imagine if your mom wrote a book compiled of letters addressed to you in which she reveals her most wild life stories and all the valuable lessons she’s learned from them. That’d be unreal, right? Well, that’s exactly what Asian-American comedian Ali Wong does in her hilarious and heartfelt book written for her two baby girls. They’ll probably have to wait until they’re 18 to indulge, but it'll definitely be worth the wait.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
Now if that’s not a title that grabs your attention, I literally don’t know what will. Jennette McCurdy, most famous for her beloved role as Sam on "iCarly," talks about her struggles as a former child actor—touching on addiction, eating disorders, and of course her very complicated relationship with her mother. This memoir will have you crying on one page and cracking up on the next as it indulges you in the beautifully written story of how McCurdy found herself and retook control over her life.
Over The Top
If you fell in love with Jonathon watching his lovable, larger than life personality on "Queer Eye," you absolutely must snag a copy of "Over the Top." This memoir uncovers the pain and passion it took for them to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance (and slay-ness) we've come to know and love. Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself fans have never seen in this genuine, raw, and 10/10 read.
Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me? (And Other Concerns)
Actress, screenwriter, and comedian Mindy Kaling invites readers on a tour of her life and her hot takes on romance, friendship, and being a woman in Hollywood in this memoir that makes you feel as if you’re just chatting over coffee with your BFF. From reminiscing on her squeaky-clean childhood to thoughts on body image, topics of all kinds are talked about through the charismatic tone and girl next door vibe we all know and love.
Bossypants
One of the most well known female comedians of all time, Tina Fey, gives us an equally funny and intriguing run down of her life from beginning to now in this humorous memoir. Starting from her childhood as a nerdy, smart-mouthed girl all the way to how she found such great success in show business, we get to hear from Tina Fey in a way we’ve never been able to before.
Unprotected
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winner Billy Porter (SO close to EGOT status—you got this, Billy) recounts what it was like to grow up Black and gay in America, and his resilient determination to overcome the barriers set before him and discover his talents and voice. A multitalented, multifaceted icon gives us one of the most highly praised celebrity memoirs to date with his powerful voice and important messages.
Wildflower
While Drew Barrymore’s first memoir recounts her younger days of fame and darker life moments, "Wildflower" meets an older, more confident Barrymore reflecting on her larger-than-life existence, from being emancipated from her parents and paving her own distinct path. It’s a story of how she successfully rescued herself and created a legacy of her own—a tear-jerker, for sure.
Finding Me
In this incredibly written and revealing memoir, Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis shares an intimate look at her childhood and how she grew into the woman she is today, including what it was like growing up in poverty with an abusive father and healing along the way to becoming the Viola Davis we know now.
The Princess Diarist
"Star Wars" fanatics, this one is for you. Entertainment industry icon Carrie Fisher tells an intimate, hilarious, and revealing recollection of what really happened behind the scenes of one of the most famous film sets of all time, the very first "Star Wars" movie.
The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There
"The Office" is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and stars of the show Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey put aside their on-screen rivalry to become real life besties and create this sweet recollection of memories and never before heard details of the making of this cult-favorite series. Imagine getting to write a book with your BFF about all of your most memorable times together—the dream, really.
The Last Black Unicorn
We all know that comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish is undeniably hilarious, but in this memoir, we learn that she had to be funny at an early age out of necessity, as it helped her get by in school and the foster care system. She writes so genuinely about how she came from nothing to become one of the most successful comedians in Hollywood, and how her old survivor tactic led her to her dream career.
Yearbook
Iconic comedian and newly renowned pottery artist Seth Rogen is basically the cool dad of Hollywood, and this incredibly funny take on a memoir shows just that. He shares a collection of personal essays and hilarious anecdotes about doing stand-up comedy as a teen, attending Jewish summer camp, moving to LA, and some of his favorite high stories, obviously.
Making a Scene
Wildly talented actress Constance Wu, best known for her roles in "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Fresh Off the Boat," delivers a powerful and poignant new book about family, romance, sex, shame, trauma, and how she found her voice on the stage as an Asian American woman.
My Body
In this unexpectedly brilliant memoir, model, actress, and activist Emily Ratajkowski talks about her own experiences navigating complicated and sometimes sexually abusive environments as a hypersexualized woman working in entertainment with crucial messages about feminism, power, and gender woven throughout.
