actress biography books

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

41 Celebrity Memoirs That Are Actually Worth Reading

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.

Anyone who has glanced at a bestseller list lately can tell you that we are in the midst of (yet another?) celebrity memoir boom. From Britney Spears to Prince Harry, it seems like just about everyone is spilling their secrets via book deal —meaning ’tis the season for pages upon pages of Hollywood gossip, rock-and-roll road drama, and the darker sides of show business.

At their best, celebrity memoirs provide unusually candid portraits of the “real person” behind the public persona—and they don’t skimp on the dirty details. At worst, they can be ghostwritten fluff.

 Ahead, Vogue rounds up the best of the genre for your reading pleasure.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Britney Spears

“Emerging from the shadows of a past marked by paparazzi harassment and betrayal by the people she trusted, Britney Spears finally speaks her truth in this highly anticipated—and then much celebrated—memoir. With a blend of deep sincerity and good humor, Spears fearlessly asserts her autonomy, leaving no doubt about who is truly in control of her life.” —Gia Yetikyel

Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Spare by Prince Harry

“Even for those who don’t keep up with the Royal Family, the central themes of grief, love, and creating a home apart from everything you’ve known in Prince Harry ’s shockingly intimate Spare make it a story very much worth reading.” —G.Y.

Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton

“ Paris Hilton’s 336-page book takes an in-depth look at the many labels she’s adorned and shed over the decades. Unpacking her childhood, episodes of teenage rebellions, and experience with verbal and physical abuse, she creates a place for readers to understand the origins of her pink paradise—and the strength it took to withstand years of extraordinary public pressure.” —G.Y.

One Life by Megan Rapinoe

“Olympic medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe shows a whole new side of herself in this memoir, in which she recounts coming out as gay in 2011—well before ‘inclusivity in sports’ was widely discussed, let alone prioritized—as well as her experience of taking a knee alongside former NFL player Colin Kaepernick to protest racial injustice and police brutality. For those who prefer their celebrity memoirs with a side of romance, Rapinoe also dishes on her courtship with now-wife, WNBA champion Sue Bird.” —Emma Specter

Becoming by Michelle Obama

“For months after reading this, I had to stop myself from thinking of Michelle as my friend. After spending a week (or, let’s be honest, an entire weekend under a blanket) reading a celebrity’s memoir, you feel as though you’ve spent time with them. It makes them more accessible and reminds you that at the end of the day, everyone is still human. I’m coming to grips with the fact that Michelle Obama is not actually my friend Michelle, but Becoming is still one of the best books I’ve read.” —Grace Atwood, founder of TheStripe.com

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy  

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

“This bestselling memoir is hardly lighthearted fare, revolving as it does around child star McCurdy’s years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her fame-obsessed mother, but the rush to purchase it was no empty fanfare; it really is that good.” —E.S.

Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl

“Whether you’re a fan of food, legacy media gossip, or writer Ruth Reichl herself, you'll find plenty to dine out on in this account of Reichl’s time serving as the editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Gourmet magazine. Reichl freely admits that the glamorous world of New York publishing was a new one to her at the start of her Gourmet tenure, but I think it’s safe to say we could use a little more of her independence, irreverence and commitment to genuine creativity in the industry. (Bonus: her descriptions of meals are effortlessly mouth-watering, so make sure to eat with a delicious snack at the ready.)” —E.S.

The Vanity Fair Diaries by Tina Brown

“Perhaps more of a memoir of brushes with celebrity than actual celebrity memoir, Tina Brown’s Vanity Fair Diaries is nonetheless a phenomenal read, for the journalism nerd or anyone else who is interested in the inner workings of glossy magazine-making in its heyday. The book recounts the British editor's years as the editor in chief of the storied magazine, the feathers she unapologetically ruffled in pursuit of a more lively publication (the rates she paid Martin Amis for a single story would make a 2020s editor swoon!), the glamor of the gig, the grind of being a working mother. Brown kept meticulous notes when she occupied this role, and it shows; this is a book in which the delicious dirt is in the details.” —Chloe Schama

My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand

My Name Is Barbra

“Ruminative and dishy, funny and smart, Barbra Streisand’s nearly 1,000-page memoir deftly captures the voice that first bewitched American audiences in the early 1960s—plus her weird dynamic with Marlon Brando, the nightmare of making Yentl with Mandy Patinkin, her lifelong fondness for baked potatoes, and other delicious bits.” —Marley Marius

Love, Pamela: A Memoir of Prose, Poetry, and Truth by Pamela Anderson

“With Pamela Anderson’s memoir, readers meet the woman behind the va-va-voom persona—she is, in fact, just a shy girl from Vancouver Island—through childhood memories and reflections on pursuing her dreams. Blending prose and poetry, it’s a refreshing and empowering read.” —G.Y.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

“If you haven’t read Fey’s 2011 memoir yet, you’re sleeping at the wheel. It follows her journey to stardom and is filled with amazing behind-the-scenes stories from her time on Saturday Night Live . Candid, self-deprecating, funny (duh): the perfect before-bed read.” —Christian Allaire

Just the Funny Parts by Nell Scovell

“The second female Letterman writer and creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch , Scovell brings all the humor of Bossypants but with the added bite of coming up in the mighty sexist man’s world of TV. Scovell names names and calls it like she sees it.” —Michelle Ruiz, Vogue.com contributing editor

Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang

“This memoir by the celebrity chef behind New York’s Baohaus inspired the ABC show of the same name—but the book version is far less fuzzy. Huang gives an unapologetically real look at his upbringing in a hardworking and often strict Chinese-American family. And his sumptuous descriptions of food make you really, really hungry.” —M.R.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

“A Rhode Island childhood marked by trauma and abuse gives way to an adulthood in the spotlight as one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood, and Davis relays the topsy-turviness of her life’s circumstances with a compelling mix of emotional honesty and grace.” —E.S.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

“Mindy Kaling holds a rarefied position in Hollywood these days, but the writer, actress and director's bestselling 2011 memoir proves that her ascent to the top wasn’t always an easy one. In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? , Kaling recounts her growth from the shy, bookish child of immigrants to off-Broadway sensation to the youngest writer on the staff of the hit NBC sitcom The Office ; what’s most notable about the memoir, though, is the way Kaling's singular voice shines through, lending even the wildest of L.A. tales a crucial degree of relatability.” —E.S.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

“I went into Open Book expecting a light, fun read from one of my favorite reality stars (remember Newlyweds ?) of all time—instead, I was blown away by an honest, funny, and touching memoir, which is so rarely the case with celebrity ‘tell-alls.’ Simpson candidly discusses her recovery journey after years of struggling with drugs and alcohol abuse; she also examines the darker side of her early-fame days as a singer, when she was constantly—and at times, brutally—compared to her counterparts like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. It was my favorite book of 2020, and I recommend it to any pop culture fan, Simpson fans or not.” —C.A.

This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps

“A pitch-perfect example of the genre, Philipps serves up a funny and unflinching look at being a woman in Hollywood. She dives into her days as a Barbie spokes-kid and, bravely, her abortion as a teen, before moving on to her best friendship with Michelle Williams, details of James Franco’s douchey-ness on Freaks and Geeks , and struggles in her marriage. The best celebrity memoirs are as unsparingly honest as Philipps’ is.” —M.R.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry

“In his book, the late actor delves into his early life and rise to fame amidst an intense struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is written in such a way that you can imagine Perry speaking it to you—his voice is comforting, heartbreaking, and oh-so-familiar to the many of us who grew up watching him in the 1990s and early 2000s.” —G.Y.

Life by Keith Richards

“You might not think of Keith Richards as an elegant truth-teller, but his Life is a bracing tonic—straightforward but exciting, glamorous but heartfelt. I’m not a regular rock memoir reader, but this is a book that transcends whatever you might think the genre entails. Just go along with the music and don’t think too hard about it.” —Chloe Schama

You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips

“Not sure she’s a straight-up A-list celeb, but Phillips made the A-list celebs. The Hollywood producer’s story is so full of wild pleasures and OMG moments that it’s easy to overlook the sheer brilliance that’s on offer.” —Lauren Mechling, Vogue contributor and author of How Could She

Horror Stories by Liz Phair

“The first of a planned two-part set (the second of which will be titled Fairy Tales ), Horror Stories is less of a traditional memoir and more of a series of vignettes that tackle some of the ‘small indignities that we all suffer daily, the silent insults to our system, the callous gestures that we make toward one another.’ Most of us won’t suffer the indignities of an anesthesiologist asking for our autograph during labor (we’re not all Gen X rock stars, after all), but we can wince at the, yes, horror, and relate to the rest of Phair’s not-so-tall tales .” —Danny Feekes, former managing editor at Goodreads

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

“Not to stereotype straight white men over 30, but all the ones I know happen to love Dave Grohl, making this memoir—which focuses on the Nirvana and Foo Fighter musician’s years on the road—an absolutely smashing birthday or holiday gift when another coffee mug just won’t do.” —E.S.

Open by Andre Agassi

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi

“We’ve all read (or carefully avoided) the triumphal sports-star memoir: The thousands of solitary hours spent in pursuit of excellence while stoically avoiding everything else, leading up to that magical breakthrough when everything was deemed to be Worth It. This isn’t that memoir: Agassi, arguably the best player of his generation and certainly the flashiest and most-visible, is remarkably frank here about how much he seemed to loathe the entire experience, which was foisted on him by a kind of ur-Tennis Dad. Thankfully, we also get the other side of that: A late- career resurgence, followed by a blissful second marriage and a philanthropic turn that’s both heartfelt and, for the underprivileged children it focuses on, life-changing. For the king of neon and acid-washed jeans who became even more famous for saying ‘image is everything,’ this book is a tragic opera with a happy ending.” —Corey Seymour

Dear Mr. You by Mary Louise Parker

"Parker’s 2015 memoir has really stayed with me. Written as a series of letters to men she’s encountered, imagined, or loved, it’s a formal experiment, a wonderful portrait of an established artist claiming new territory. She’s not really in the tell-all business, but what she’s written reveals plenty.” —Julia Felsenthal, Vogue contributor

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

“When Noah was born under apartheid in South Africa, his parents’ interracial union was, literally, a crime, punishable by five years in prison. That’s just the beginning of The Daily Show host’s remarkable story. At turns harrowing and hilarious, it’s perhaps best consumed via audiobook , read by the author.” —M.R.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

“Based on decades’ worth of his own diary entries (which also included poems, photographs, prescriptions, and many, many bumper stickers), Matthew McConaughey’s memoir discusses his personal philosophy for handling life’s challenges, and what it means to keep catching the green lights through hardships.” —G.Y.

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

“The world rightfully knows Obama as a brilliant orator. But even before he was president (or even state senator), he wrote the hell out of this 1995 memoir (later re-released to great fanfare) about his upbringing in Hawaii and Kansas; his solitary, scholarly Columbia years; and his distant relationship with his dad. Now I spend my days waiting for his presidential memoir-in-the-works.” —M.R.

Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut by Jill Kargman

“As a fellow native New Yorker and NYC mom, Kargman’s dishing on ‘the city’ has always been hilarious and spot-on, even before her show Odd Mom Out came out. The essays in this book are so Jill : Honest, irreverent, slightly dark. full of curse words—yet imminently likable and, in fact, addictive.” —Zibby Owens, host of the Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books podcast

The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey

The Office BFFs: Tales of ‘The Office’ from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and and Angela Kinsey

“ The Office stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey may have been rivals on the show, but in real life, their sweet and silly bestie-dom is contagious, making this recollection of working on one of history’s most popular sitcoms a genuine pleasure to read.” —E.S.

The Dirt by Motley Crue

The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band by Tommy Lee

“I never thought that one of my favorite books of all time would have a cover featuring a lady in a G-string whose disembodied form we see dancing inside a whiskey bottle. But at least you’ve been warned: What you see is what you get in this group memoir from the glam metal band. The sheer magnitude of debauchery at their peak in the 1980s is too compelling to look away.” —Maris Kreizman, host of The Maris Review podcast

In Pieces by Sally Field

“Sally Field took her sweet time with In Pieces , her first memoir, written over seven years without the assistance of a ghostwriter. To call Field’s writing vulnerable doesn’t give enough credit to the way she recounts with crippling honesty the highs and lows of her personal and professional lives. She’s always been beloved as a performer, but In Pieces shows there’s so much more to admire about Field than the trophies on her mantle.” —Keaton Bell

I.M. by Isaac Mizrahi

“Mizrahi is well-known as a man of many talents, so adding ‘writer’ to the list isn’t a stretch. Still, the quality of his memoir, I.M. , is notable. He talks schmattas and sex with typical sass, but what makes this book memorable is that Mizrahi’s coming-of-age and coming-to-terms tale is bigger than fashion. —Laird Borelli-Persson, Vogue archive editor

Making a Scene by Constance Wu

“Often told that ‘good girls don’t make scenes,’ the TV and film star writes about finding an outlet for her feelings through community theater and how it eventually led to her pursuing an acting career. Authentic and very moving.” —G.Y.

Touched by the Sun: My Friendship With Jackie by Carly Simon

“Simon’s first book, Boys in the Trees , is what all celebrity memoirs should aspire to be, toggling between childhood struggles, musical stardom, and a highly publicized marriage to James Taylor with plenty of wit and revelations sprinkled throughout. Touched by the Sun is more scaled back, focusing on the iconic singer-songwriter’s unlikely but enduring friendship with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Detailing the lunches, movie dates, and nights out on the town that the two women shared before Onassis’s death in 1994, Simon highlights the woman beneath the public persona.” —K.B.

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore

“If you’re a completist, start with Drew’s first memoir, the propulsive Little Girl Lost (out of print but easy to find secondhand), which she wrote when she was 14. It recounts a young Barrymore’s stratospheric rise and quick drug-fueled descent, while Wildflower finds an older, more assured Barrymore looking back at a larger-than-life existence, one in which she emancipated from her parents, forged out on her own, and paved her distinctive path. As Drew writes, “I wanted to rescue myself. And I did.” —D.F.

Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton

“Before picking up Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics , take a peek at Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business from the 1990s. Get to know the rhinestone-studded, smooth-talking country singer as she discusses her personal philosophies, marriage, and her transformation from a music-loving teenager into one of the world’s most iconic women.” —G.Y.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

“Smith’s National Book Award–winning memoir is a portrait of a place and time—New York, Summer of Love—and a love letter to a bygone era that produced two iconoclasts: poet and musician Smith, and late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. The story follows the duo’s trials and tribulations as they traverse Brooklyn, Coney Island, and Times Square, before settling at the infamous Chelsea Hotel. Smith has said that she didn’t write the book to be cathartic, but to fulfill a vow she made to Mapplethorpe on his deathbed. Ultimately, it’s the reader who reaps the rewards of that request.” —D.F.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe

“It’s over 10 years later, and I’m still crushed by Sam Seaborne’s departure from The West Wing , so I couldn’t resist Lowe’s memoir. It’s packed with plenty of sordid stories from his wild days as part of the Brat Pack, but also has so many great behind-the-scenes memories from some of my favorite TV shows and movies. While it probably won’t win a Pulitzer, any fan of ’80s rom-coms will still find this delightful!” —Becca Freeman, co-host of the Bad on Paper podcast

Me by Elton John

“Honest, charming, and all too real, Me follows the extraordinary life of Elton John from his origins in a London suburb to his rise to fame, legendary friendships, struggles with drug addiction, and philanthropy work.” —G.Y.

My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

“I’ve been reading this in fits and starts for about a decade, and I’ve still yet to encounter another life story so dutifully (and beautifully) re-examined. It’s easy to take Fonda’s cool self-assuredness—even in handcuffs!—for granted these days, but before Firebrand Jane there was “plain Jane,” woefully uncomfortable in her skin and desperate for outside validation. To chart her path from then until now (and to think of all that’s still to come) is something I wouldn’t mind doing for another 10 years.” —M.M.

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

“All three of Fisher’s memoirs reflect her trademark cool demeanor and self-deprecating nature, but her final release is my favorite. The beating heart of the book is the story of teenage Fisher’s secret three-month-long affair with Harrison Ford, then 33 and married with two kids. Fisher was hopelessly, naively in love with him, and Ford took advantage of the situation. You won’t find much behind-the-scenes Star Wars intel, but you will find an honest, painful account of Fisher’s experience as a young woman in love and at the mercy of so many patriarchal forces.” —Cristina Arreola, senior publicity and marketing manager, Sourcebooks

More Great Culture Stories from Vogue

Why So Many People (Myself Included) Are Experiencing Family Estrangement

The Best Books of 2024 So Far

Everything We Know (So Far) About And Just Like That Season 3

The Best Documentaries of 2024

Listen to The Run-Through with Vogue , a weekly podcast featuring the most exciting stories and hot takes from the worlds of culture, politics, sports and–of course–fashion

Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.

The Vogue Runway app has expanded! Update to the latest version to see all Vogue content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from Vogue contributors.

Vogue Daily

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Vogue. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Select your cookie preferences

We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie notice . We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements.

If you agree, we'll also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie notice . Your choice applies to using first-party and third-party advertising cookies on this service. Cookies store or access standard device information such as a unique identifier. The 96 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Click "Decline" to reject, or "Customise" to make more detailed advertising choices, or learn more. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences , as described in the Cookie notice. To learn more about how and for what purposes Amazon uses personal information (such as Amazon Store order history), please visit our Privacy notice .

Actor & Actress Biographies

Browse books, popular in books.

• Best Books of 2023
• Top New Releases
• Amazon Charts
• Best Sellers
• School Books
• Amazon Editors' Choice

Books Deals

• All Deals in Books
• Books Outlet
• 10% off for Prime Student members

More in Books

• Kindle Books
• All Kindle Books
• Kindle Deals
• Kindle Unlimited
• Free Kindle Reading Apps
• Kindle Newsstand
• Prime Reading

Popular Brands

• Harry Potter
• Danielle Steel
• Last 30 days
• Last 90 days
• Next 90 days
• Film, Television & Music

Actors & Entertainers

• Radio Performers
• Television Performers
• Spiral-bound
• 4 Stars & Up & Up
• 3 Stars & Up & Up
• 2 Stars & Up & Up
• 1 Star & Up & Up
• £50 & above
• All Discounts
• Today's Deals

• UK Modern Slavery Statement
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Associates Programme
• Fulfilment by Amazon
• Seller Fulfilled Prime
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• The Amazon Barclaycard
• Credit Card
• Amazon Money Store
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Payment Methods Help
• Shop with Points
• Top Up Your Account
• Top Up Your Account in Store
• COVID-19 and Amazon
• Track Packages or View Orders
• Delivery Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Amazon Mobile App
• Customer Service
• Accessibility

• Conditions of Use & Sale
• Privacy Notice
• Cookies Notice
• Interest-Based Ads Notice

•   25 best celebrity autobiographies to read right now

25 best celebrity autobiographies to read right now

Discover the true stories behind these famous faces. .

Whether it be a comedian, singer, actor or athlete, celebrity autobiographies give us facinating insight into the glitz and glamour (or not!) of some of the world’s most renowned personalities. But the best celebrity autobiographies provide raw, unfiltered narratives that look beyond the red carpet façade and into the real lives of their authors. From Elton John to Louis Theroux, here are our favourites. 

by Rick Astley

"Never Gonna Give You Up" catapulted Rick Astley to fame and transformed his life forever. Now, he tells his story in his own words. At nineteen, he signed with Pete Waterman of Stock Aitken Waterman, leading him to global fame, platinum albums, and world tours. But at 27, Rick left the industry at the peak of his success to deal with the fame and pressure, as well as his complex family dynamics. A break from music allowed for reflection, therapy, and eventually, a comeback. Never is an intimate exploration of Rick Astley's journey, combining nostalgia, humor, and the astounding power of contentment.

From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir

By lisa marie presley.

In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter, Riley, to help complete her long-awaited memoir. A month later, Lisa Marie passed away. Riley, determined to fulfill her mother's wish, listened to tapes Lisa Marie had recorded, recounting vivid and emotional memories: joyful moments at Graceland, the love and loss of her father, tumultuous school years, her relationships with Danny Keough and Michael Jackson, the struggles of motherhood, addiction, and enduring grief.  From   Here to the Great Unknown  is a poignant and revealing memoir, blending Lisa Marie’s and Riley’s voices to share a deeply personal journey of love and healing.

by Chris Kamara

One of the most well-known faces of the beautiful game, Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara is a national treasure. Now, he’s sharing the story of his incredible life. From his days in the Royal Navy and a playing career that took him all over England to becoming one of the game’s best-loved commentators, Kammy lifts the lid on a career that he could never have dreamt of growing up in Middlesbrough. Told with unflinching honesty, but with his trademark humour and positivity, this is a must-read for any football fan.

A Life Reimagined

By jill halfpenny.

In A Life Reimagined , Jill shares her heart-wrenching journey of navigating profound grief twice over, first losing her father at age four, and then her husband in her adult life. These two tragic events frame Jill’s story as she explores how she processed her grief in unexpected and unusual ways. But this book is more than Jill's story; it's also a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a space to share what she has learnt – both about herself and about how we view grief as a society – in the hope that she can help others.

by Adrian Edmondson

Ade Edmondson smashed onto the comedy circuit in the 1980s and brought anarchy to stage and screen. How did a child brought up in a strict Methodist household – and who spent his formative years incarcerated in repressive boarding schools – end up joining the revolution? Well, he is part Norse. Could it be his ‘berserker’ heritage? His star-studded anecdotes and outrageous stories are set to a soundtrack of pop hits, transporting the reader through time and cranking up the nostalgia. But, as one would expect, these stories are also a guaranteed laugh as Ade traces his journey through life and comedy. 

Being Henry

By henry winkler.

Beloved by generations for his charm and humour, actor Henry Winkler is best known to many as ‘The Fonz’, the star of cult 70s sitcom Happy Days. Now, for the first time, he shares the story of how he made it to Hollywood against the odds in his autobiography, Being Henry . From a difficult childhood and battling severe dyslexia to the pressures and problems that overnight stardom can bring, Winkler’s trademark wit and positivity shine through. As much a story of the importance of kindness as it is one of fame, this book would make a brilliant gift for fans of all ages. 

When Fury Takes Over

By john fury.

John Fury is a fighter, a family man, and a traveller at heart. Born to a long line of bare-knuckle fighters, he was destined to follow in their footsteps and into the ring. Now, John Fury, the father of six sons, including British heavyweight champion and star of At Home With the Furys, Tyson Fury, is setting the record straight on his extraordinary life. From serving time in Borstal and his struggles with depression, to conquering the boxing ring and buying a home of his own, this is John Fury's story in his own words.

by Elton John

The first and only official autobiography by one of the most iconic singer-songwriters of all time, Me packs a significant punch. Elton evocatively describes his childhood in the London suburbs when he dreamed of becoming a pop star; his drug addiction, kept secret for over a decade; and finally, what it was like to come clean, find love with David Furnish and become a father. Among the brave confessions and frank revelations are glimpses into the glittering, electric, star-spangled world of the music industry, making this wonderful book a source of escapism as well as inspiration.

Gotta Get Theroux This

By louis theroux.

Renowned for exposing the inner lives of controversial groups and characters on screen, Louis Theroux has also turned his hand to paper to reveal his own story. Theroux has tackled big subjects: scientology, prison gang culture and US militias to name a few. But what has made him a national treasure is his ability to tell these stories with wry observation and self-deprecating humour. The same is true of Gotta Get Theroux This – we learn of the highs and lows of Louis' career, but he also candidly reveals snapshots of his personal life including his anxiety-prone childhood, wooing his wife Nancy, and his struggles grappling with the Jimmy Savile revelations. 

Beyond the Story

Published in celebration of their 10th anniversary, this is the BTS's first official book , including unreleased photos, QR codes of videos and other exclusive content. Through in-depth interviews and years of coverage by Myeongseok Kang, the world of K-pop comes alive. As digital artists, BTS has been communicating with the world through the internet and this book allows readers to immediately access trailers, music videos, and more online to have a rich understanding of all the key moments in BTS history. Complete with a timeline of all major milestones,  Beyond the Story is a remarkable archive — truly everything about BTS in one volume.

More Myself

By alicia keys.

One of the most celebrated musicians of our time, Alicia Keys has enraptured the nation with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache over the challenging relationship with her father, her people-pleasing nature, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the expectations of female perfection. Part autobiography, part narrative documentary, this is a book that asks big questions: who am I, really? And once I discover that truth, how can I become brave enough to embrace it?

I Wanna Be Yours

By john cooper clarke.

John Cooper Clarke is a phenomenon: Poet Laureate of Punk, rock star, fashion icon, TV and radio presenter, and cultural commentator. I Wanna Be Yours covers an extraordinary life, filled with remarkable personalities. Interspersed with stories of his rock and roll and performing career, John also reveals his boggling encyclopaedic take on popular culture over the centuries: from Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe to Pop Art, pop music, the movies, fashion, football and showbusiness – and much, much more, plus a few laughs along the way. This is a memoir as wry, funny and vivid as its inimitable subject himself. 

On Days Like These

By martin o'neill.

Martin O’Neill has had one of the most incredible careers in football – winning European Cups, captaining his country at a World Cup, and decades as a hugely successful manager.  On Days Like These  tells his fascinating story in his own words for the first time. We get insight into the exhilarating highs and painful lows of the beautiful game, written with his trademark honesty and humour. This is one of the most insightful and captivating sports autobiographies and a must-read for any fans of the beautiful game.

Don't Miss

More autobiographies from you favourite sports personalities

What are you doing here, by floella benjamin.

Actress, television presenter, and member of the House of Lords – Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration to many. But it hasn't always been easy: in What Are You Doing Here?  she describes her journey to London as part of the Windrush generation, and the daily racism that caused her so much pain as a child. In adulthood, she went on to win a role in the groundbreaking musical  Hair, call for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, and much more. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.

Cheers, Geoff!

By geoff shreeves.

There are just a handful of people who have been ever-present for the thirty years of the Premier League, but only one person has been at the very epicentre for the entire period: Geoff Shreeves. Packed full of hilarious stories on and off the pitch – including trying to teach Sir Michael Caine how to act, a frightening encounter with Mike Tyson, as well as getting a lift home from the World Cup with Mick Jagger –  Cheers, Geoff!  is a must-read autobiography for any football fan. A natural storyteller, Geoff brings an astonishing catalogue of tales to life with his unique brand of experience, insight and humour.

The 50 best autobiographies & biographies of all time

A funny life, by michael mcintyre.

Comic Michael McIntyre specialises in pin-sharp observational routines that have made him the world's bestselling funnyman. Michael’s first book ended with his big break at the 2006 Royal Variety Performance. Waking up the next morning in the tiny rented flat he shared with his wife Kitty and their one-year-old son, he was beyond excited about the new glamorous world of show business. Unfortunately, he was also clueless . . . This bracingly honest memoir covers the highs, lows and pratfalls of a career in comedy, as Michael climbs the greasy pole of success and desperately attempts to stay up there. 

Too Many Reasons to Live

By rob burrow.

Perhaps the most inspiring celebrity autobiography on this list, Too Many Reasons to Live follows rugby league legend Rob Burrow on his career, his friendship with fellow Rhino Kevin Sinfield, and his battle with motor neurone disease. As a boy, Rob was told he was too small to play the sport. Even when he made his debut for Leeds Rhinos, people wrote him off as a novelty. But Rob never stopped proving people wrong. And then in December 2019, Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given a couple of years to live. Far more than a sports memoir,  Too Many Reasons to Live  is a remarkable story of boundless courage and infinite kindness.

With You Every Step, a celebration of friendship by Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield

Scenes from my life, by michael k. williams.

When Michael K. Williams died in September 2021, he left behind a career as one of the most electrifying actors of his generation. At the time of his death, Williams had nearly finished his memoir, which traces his life from his childhood and his early years as a dancer to his battles with addiction. Alongside his achievements on screen he was a committed activist who dedicated his life to helping at-risk young people find their voice and carve out their future. Imbued with poignance and raw honesty,  Scenes from My Life  is the story of a performer who gave his all to everything he did – in his own voice, in his own words.

by Elliot Page

Pageboy  is a groundbreaking coming-of-age memoir from the Academy Award-nominated actor Elliot Page. Before the world premiere of  Juno  Elliot was on the edge self-discovery. But with  Juno 's massive success and his dreams coming true, Elliot found himself trapped by the spotlight and the pressure to perform was suffocating him. Until enough was enough. From chasing down secret love affairs to battling body image and working through his difficult childhood,  Pageboy  is a beautiful, intimate book about searching for ourselves and our place in the world.

My Thoughts Exactly

By lily allen.

'I am a mother, and I was a wife. I'm also a singer and a songwriter. I have loved and been let down. I've been stalked and assaulted. I am a success and a failure. I've been broken and full of hope. I am all these things and more.' My Thoughts Exactly is Lily Allen's no holds barred account of her life from childhood to stardom. She shares her thoughts and experiences on marriage and divorce, motherhood, the music industry and so much more. Lily Allen is not afraid to admit to getting things wrong – it is this honesty that makes the book so heartbreaking and heartwarming, and everything in between.  

And Away...

By bob mortimer.

National treasure and beloved entertainer, Bob Mortimer, takes us from his childhood in Middlesborough to working as a solicitor in London in his highly acclaimed autobiography. Mortimer’s life was trundling along happily until suddenly in 2015 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that required immediate surgery and forced him to cancel an upcoming tour. The book covers his numerous misadventures along his path to fame but also reflects on more serious themes, making this both one of the most humorous and poignant celebrity memoirs of recent years. 

Greenlights

By matthew mcconaughey.

In this unconventional memoir, the Academy Award-winning actor reflects on his fifty years through life, sharing raucous anecdotes, unconventional wisdom, and hard-earned lessons for a more fulfilling existence. With diaries spanning thirty-five years, he explores triumphs and missteps, joys and sorrows, offering insights on fairness, stress reduction, finding fun, and fostering kindness. Upon revisiting these diaries, he unveils a recurring theme – achieving what he dubs 'catching greenlights,' a state of triumph. It's a narrative of resilience and growth and a celebration of life's diverse hues. 

They Don't Teach This

By eniola aluko.

Shortlisted for the Telegraph Sports Book Awards, They Don't Teach This is the memoir of Eni Aluko. As well as being a successful footballer on the pitch, Eni is also the first female pundit on Match of the Day, a UN Women UK ambassador, a Guardian columnist and a first class law graduate. This memoir is both the story of these extraordinary achievements, and a discussion of dual nationality and identity, race and institutional prejudice, success, failure and faith. It is an inspiring manifesto to change the way readers choose to view the challenges that come in their life applying life lessons with raw truths of Eni's own personal experience.

by Stanley Tucci

Before Stanley Tucci became a household name with  The Devil Wears Prada ,  The Hunger Games , and his legendary Negronis, he grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around he table. In  Searching For Italy , he revealed his passion for the secrets and delights of the country's many cuisines. Now, he shares the magic of a lifetime of meals, and the stories behind them. Filled with anecdotes about growing up, shooting foodie films like  Julie & Julia , falling in love across the table, and making dinner for his family,  Taste  is a reflection on the joys of food and life itself. 

You may also like

The best non-fiction books of 2024, and all time, the best sports books and autobiographies, the best books to gift for christmas 2024.

‘One Tree Hill’ Star Bethany Joy Lenz Announces Memoir ‘Dinner for Vampires’ Detailing Her Decade in a Hollywood Cult

By Anna Tingley

Anna Tingley

• ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stars Taylor and Mayci on Letting Jen Affleck ‘Learn the Hard Way’ About Her Husband Zac and Whitney’s MomTok Status: ‘She’s Not Really Close With Anyone’  1 day ago
• Harris-Trump Debate: How to Watch the Political Showdown Live Online 3 days ago
• How to Watch the 2024 U.S. Open Men’s Singles Final Live Online 6 days ago

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

“One Tree Hill” star Bethan Joy Lenz, best known for her role as Haley Scott in the beloved CW drama series, has announced a memoir set to release on Oct. 22 (and is available to pre-order on Amazon starting today).

Related Stories

Venu Legal Fight Is About More Than FuboTV: What’s at Stake for the Entire Industry

Zurich Reveals Second Wave of Gala Titles Including Films Starring Tilda Swinton, Sebastian Stan, Nicole Kidman, Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson

Popular on variety.

Lenz’s book follows a long list of best-selling celebrity memoirs that have come out recently, such as Barbra Streisand’s “My Name Is Barbra,” Jada Pinkett Smith ‘s “Worthy” and Britney Spears ‘ “The Woman in Me.” Below, check out more of the most captivating, top-selling celebrity memoirs to read this year.

‘Dinner for Vampires’

‘my name is barbra’.

In Barbra Streisand’s highly anticipated memoir, the chart-topping singer and actor recounts her life in a way that has never before been told. In addition to her years in the spotlight, she delves into her early years as a struggling actor, forging friendships with other legends such as Marlo Brando and her marriage to James Brolin

My Name Is Barbra $47.00   $21.99 Buy Now On Amazon

‘Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing’ by Matthew Perry

In Perry’s memoir, the beloved late “Friends” actor gets candid about his decades-long struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. From his alcohol-induced erectile disfunction to the one time all of his teeth fell out of his mouth after biting into peanut butter toast, Perry doesn’t hold back from revealing some of his bleakest moments in his first book, which he wrote entirely on his own without a ghostwriter (a rarity for celebrity memoirs). 

‘Making a Scene’ by Constance Wu 

In this candid collection of essays, Constance Wu shares private stories from her childhood in Richmond, Virginia, a string of unhealthy romantic relationship throughout her 20s, her experience with sexual assault and harassment in Hollywood and an honest look at the impact that her breakthrough role on “Fresh Off the Boat” had on her mental health.  

‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jennette McCurdy

In her first book, Jennette McCurdy best known for her starring role in the show “ICarly,” the 30 year-old actor gets candid about the struggles she faced as a child actor on the Nickelodeon show, such as eating disorders, OCD and her infamously strained relationship with her mother Debra McCurdy who died in 2013. For McCurdy, this is her first body of work that feels like is wholly her own.

‘Hello Molly’ by Molly Shannon

‘finding me’ by viola davis.

Although Viola Davis ‘ first memoir doesn’t come out until April 26, it shot to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list since becoming available for pre-order. Much of the book focuses on the racism the award-winning actor has experienced within Hollywood, recalling the racist incidents she endured throughout her childhood in Rhode Island. Of course, the book also takes readers through Davis’s illustrious career, benchmarked by defining moments like when she was first cast for ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder” that catapulted the actor to another level of fame.

‘Will’ by Will Smith

Part autobiography, part self-help book, Will Smith’s first memoir is more than just a chronicling of his own inspiring journey from West Philadelphia to rap stardom to Hollywood fame. With the help of Mark Manson, the author of the multi-million-copy bestseller “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” Smith paints a candid portrait of his life in the public eye, along with the genuine wisdom and profound self-knowledge he’s learned on the way.

‘You Can’t Be Serious’ by Kal Penn

Kal Penn is famous for his starring role in the buddy stoner comedy “Harold & Kumar” and has also become a household name during his tenure as a staffer in Barack Obama’s White House. But it’s more personal details that make his brand new best-selling memoir so buzzy online. Most notably, he reveals his eleven-year engagement to his partner Josh and, in doing so, comes out publicly first the first time in the books’ pages. In addition to recounting in heartwarming detail his and Josh’s first dates, he also writes about growing up in suburban New Jersey, his journey to Hollywood and his relationship with politics.

‘Unprotected’ by Billy Porter

Before snagging a Tony and Grammy for his groundbreaking role in Broadway’s “Kinky Boots,” and an Emmy for his inimitable performance in Fox’s “Pose,” Billy Porter was just a young boy in Pittsburgh struggling to fit in. In his first-ever memoir “Unprotected,” already a #1 bestseller on Amazon, Porter unpacks his formative teenage years, during which he tapped into his craft, voice and creativity amidst deep trauma.

‘Taste: My Life Through Food’ by Stanley Tucci

‘the storyteller: tales of life and music’ by dave grohl.

Dave Grohl has lived through some of the most extraordinary experiences as one of the most famous rock-and-roll drummers in the world, and now he’s chronicled his story in his own words. This #1 best-selling memoir details Grohl’s most formative years as a musician, from going on tour with Scream at 18 to his time with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.

‘Yearbook’ by Seth Rogen

From the beloved comedian known for his iconic roles on “Superbad” and “Freaks and Geeks” comes the New York Times Bestseller “Yearbook.” In the hilarious page-turner, Rogen recounts his wildest and funniest stories, from doing stand-up as a teenager to making awkward conversation with A-listers at star-studded Hollywood parties.

‘Broken Horses’ by Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile’s insightful autobiography has been heralded as one of the best music memoirs ever written since it came out earlier this year. In “Broken Horses” the Grammy-winning musician tell the stories from her life that helped shape the raw music that continues to resonate with millions of fans around the word. She shares her experience of coming out as gay in her very small, religious town and finding salvation through the music of heroes that have become collaborators, like Elton John and Dolly Parton. In a Variety review, Chris Willman wrote, “The best-written, most engaging rock autobiography since her childhood hero, Elton John, published ‘Me.'”

‘Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood’ by Danny Trejo

Trejo’s remarkable story became an instant best-seller since hitting the shelves earlier this year. The captivating memoir tells the actor’s remarkable story of growing up in an abusive and drug-addicted home and landing in some of the country’s most notorious state prisons before going onto become a recognizable face in some of Hollywood’s biggest shows and movies.

‘Make it Nice’ by Dorinda Medley

Dorinda’s memeable one-liner came out of an episode of “Real Housewives of New York” when she invited the rest of the housewives for a visit at her storied Berkshires estate. When they made a mess of the weekend (as always), she yelled: “Make it nice!” It’s a motto she’s lived by her entire life, journeying through not-so-glitzy experiences before landing the glamorous reality show life we all know and love.

Check out more of the best gifts for “Housewives” fans here.

‘All In’ by Billie Jean King

‘unfinished’ by priyanka chopra jonas.

From her childhood in India, growing up as a teenager in the states and then moving back to her home country as a beauty pageant tar, Jonas’s rise to fame has been far from ordinary. In her best-selling memoir, the actress reflects on her challenges and triumphs as she doggedly pursued her calling, while sharing honest stories about her father’s death, her marriage with Nick Jonas and her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, McConaughey’s memoir and self-proclaimed “approach book” is filled with raucous stories and one-of-a-kind bits of wisdom from the actor’s less-than-average life. His approach to living life is captured in the book’s motto: catching greenlights, or learning how to deal with, and even thrive amidst life’s challenges. You might also enjoy the audiobook version, read aloud by the actor himself and his distinct Southern-style drawl.

‘Just As I Am’ by Cicely Tyson

Tyson died at 96 just months after her memoir was released at the beginning of the year. In the 400-page chronicle, co-written by Michelle Burford, the iconic actress recounts her very full life, from being brought up by immigrant parents in Harlem throughout the 1920s and ’30s, getting pregnant at 17 and eventually making her way to Hollywood as a model and actress. Weaved through all her stories is Tyson’s strength and resilience as she finds success against a backdrop of racism and sexism, serving to inspiring to countless Black creatives that came after her, and also one of the many reasons former President Barack Obama awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

‘The Beauty of Living Twice’ by Sharon Stone

Stone gets brutally honest in this New York Times Bestseller as she opens up about her near-death experience after suffering a massive stroke and losing her career, family and fortune in the process. In the candid pages, she chronicles her efforts to rebuild her life and regain her health, while also taking readers back to a childhood of trauma before making her way in an industry filled with their own types of demons

‘Letters to America’ by Willie Nelson

Following his best-selling memoir “It’s a Long Story,” the beloved country musician and activist is back with “Letters to America” in which he writes patriotic and heartfelt letters to a younger generation, in addition to important figures in his life such as family members, his hero Gene Autry and his guitar “Trigger.”

More from Variety

Matt Bomer, Debbie Allen to Be Honored by Project Angel Food (EXCLUSIVE)

First Paramount, Now SiriusXM: Can Warren Buffett’s Media Investments Be Trusted?

Colin Farrell Complained About ‘The Penguin’ That ‘I F—ing Want It to Be Finished,’ Thought After Wrapping: ‘I Never Want to Put That F—ing Suit on Again’

Sony’s ‘Concord’ Shutdown an Indictment of Live-Service Gaming

More from our brands, pharrell’s something in the water festival postponed until 2025: ‘it has to be the best’.

Art Basel Miami Beach Opens with a Bang

NBA Strikes Airbus Deal for 13 Planes, Delta to Operate Flights

The Best Loofahs and Body Scrubbers, According to Dermatologists

American Horror Stories Returns: Debby Ryan, Victor Garber and More Stars Revealed

There is perhaps no other genre of books more hit-or-miss than the celebrity memoir and biography . It sometimes feels as though anyone who has ever experienced 15 minutes of fame has a book deal. But the truth is that there are many incredible books written by and about some of the most beloved celebrities of our time. And this fall, a number of behind-the-scenes stories from actors, musicians, sports stars, reality TV gurus, and more are hitting bookstores.

Below, you'll find 20 brand new memoirs and biographies that will make you smile. Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness's new memoir Over the Top puts his zany humor and empowering self-confidence on full display, Comedian Ali Wong's book contains heartfelt and hilarious letters to her daughters that will make you cry and laugh. The Jonas Brothers memoir includes all the juicy details about their break-up and reunification in 2019. And the late musician Prince and actress Carrie Fisher are the subjects of two new books that will give you never-before-seen details of their fascinating lives and groundbreaking careers.

There is certainly shortage of riveting true stories to be read this fall. Here are 21 celebrity memoirs and biographies to add to your autumn reading list:

'Antoni in the Kitchen' by Antoni Porowski (Sept. 9)

Queer Eye's food expert Antoni Porowski is finally releasing his cookbook, and it's full of his favorite easy-to-recreate recipes like simple ramen, chili shrimp, carrot pesto, and salty lemon squares. And if we know Antoni, there is bound to be at least one avocado recipe.

Click here to buy.

'Space Between: Explorations of Love, Sex, and Fluidity' by Nico Tortorella (Sept. 17)

Younger actor and LGTBQIA+ advocate Nico Tortorella openly speaks about their own sexual and gender fluidity in this book, which also deals with their past experience with addiction and their rise to fame.

'Inside Out: A Memoir' by Demi Moore (Sept. 24)

Famed actress Demi Moore is telling her story for the first time in Inside Out. The book chronicles Moore's traumatic childhood, her struggles with addiction, her Hollywood success, and her struggle to balance motherhood with life in the public eye.

'Year of the Monkey' by Patti Smith (Sept. 24)

Patti Smith's latest memoir, Year of the Monkey , follows the artist as she embarks on a year of solitary wandering. Over the course of the Year of the Monkey, Smith reckons with loss, aging, and a dramatic shift in the political landscape of America.

'High School' by Sara Quin and Tegan Quin (Sept. 24)

Indie musicians and sisters, Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, write about all their formative high school experiences — from first loves to first songs, academic meltdowns to their parent's divorce and, of course, explorations of identity and sexuality.

'Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love' by Jonathan Van Ness (Sept. 24)

Queer Eye's grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness has stolen hearts with his unique brand of self-love and self-confidence. In his memoir, he brings readers on his journey from growing up in a small Midwestern town where he endured years of ridicule to his dazzling rise as a member of the Fab Five.

'Queen Meryl: The Iconic Roles, Heroic Deeds, and Legendary Life of Meryl Streep' by Erin Carlson (Sept. 24)

In Queen Meryl , author Erin Carlson explores just why Meryl Streep is so beloved. This fun biography is filled with stories from her early life as a student and activist, as well as memorable moments from her career.

'Face It' by Debbie Harry (Oct. 1)

Rockstar Debbie Harry is one of the most esteemed musicians in history. In her first memoir, she writes about Blondie's rise in '70s New York City, her path to commercial success, overcoming addiction, and her career as an actress and activist.

'Horror Stories: A Memoir' by Liz Phair (Oct. 8)

When Liz Phair was just starting out in the Chicago, music scene in the early 1990s, she became synonymous with a "girly sound" belittled by the industry. Ten years later, she had cemented her status as a feminist icon and celebrated musician. Here, Phair tells the story of her life and career.

'Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years' by Julie Andrews (Oct. 15)

In her first memoir, Home , Andrews wrote about her difficult childhood and beginnings as a performer. In Home Work, she shares reflections on her astonishing career, and discusses her famous roles in Mary Poppins , The Sound of Music , Victor/Victoria , and more.

'Beautiful on the Outside: A Memoir' by Adam Rippon (Oct. 15)

Former Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon was a sensation during the 2018 games. In his memoir, Rippon writes of his journey from homeschooled kid in Scranton, PA to Bronze-winning Olympic medalist.

'Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life' by Ali Wong (Oct. 15)

Comedian and actress Ali Wong takes to the page to share heartfelt and hilarious letters to her two young daughters, covering everything they need to know in life, like dating, how to be a working mom in a male-dominated profession, and how to stay connected to their roots.

'Me' by Elton John (Oct. 15)

In his first official memoir, legendary musician Elton John reveals never-before-heard truths about his life and career, including stories from his shy childhood in the London suburb of Pinner, about his meteoric rise to musical fame at the age 23, and about getting clean, finding love, and becoming a father.

'Janis: Her Life and Music' by Holly George-Warren (Oct. 22)

Janis Joplin has passed into legend as a brash, impassioned soul doomed to become a member of the infamous "27 club" of iconic musicians who died before their time. But in this biography, Holly George-Warren provides a revelatory portrait of Joplin as a passionate, hard-working, boundary-pushing free spirit who refused to play by anyone's rules but her own.

'Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie' by Carly Simon (Oct. 22)

A chance encounter at a summer party on Martha's Vineyard blossomed into an improbable but enduring friendship for free-spirited musician Carly Simon and Jackie Kennedy. In this memoir, Simon recounts their time together.

'The Beautiful Ones' by Prince (Oct. 29)

This memoir, which Prince began writing before his death in 2016, follows the iconic musician from his childhood to his early years as a musician, his artistic evolution, and the creation of what many argue is his greatest achievement, Purple Rain . Filled with candid images and handwrittten notes, The Beautiful Ones is the ultimate musical journey.

'Little Weirds' by Jenny Slate (Nov. 5)

Actress Jenny Slate turns the celebrity memoir on its head with this collection of magical nonfiction vignettes that deal with everything from ghosts to breakups. Each story combines her life experiences with whimsical (and, yes, weird) treatises on feminism, love, spirituality, death and more.

'Blood' by Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas & Nick Jonas, with Neil Strauss (Nov. 12)

When the Jonas Brothers suddenly disbanded in 2013, fans were shocked — and so was the music industry. Now reunited, Joe, Kevin, and Nick Jonas tell the true story of their childhood in New Jersey, their band's unexpected rise to fame, and the real reason behind their breakup.

'A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston' by Robyn Crawford (Nov. 12)

For the first time since Whitney Houstons death in 2012, her friend and confidant Robyn Crawford breaks her silence to share the moving and complicated story of her relationship with the superstar performer.

'Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again' by Andrea Barber (Nov. 12)

Best known for her role as Kimmy Gibbler on '80s sitcom, Full House , Andrea Barber ruminates on growing up behind the camera, the self-doubt, insecurities, and debilitating anxieties she experienced after the show's cancelation.

'Carrie Fisher: A Life on the Edge' by Sheila Weller (Nov. 12)

Biographer Sheila Weller turns her attention to Carrie Fisher in A Life on the Edge , in which she dives into her storied career, her relationship with her famous parents, and her lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder and drug addiction.

• Famous Antisocial People
• People Who Use Stage Names
• Celebrity Black Belts
• Literal Life Savers
• Celebrities Who Have Side Businesses
• People Born the Exact Same Day
• Famous People with Very Long Names
• Former Boy Scouts
• Celebs Who Have Been Knighted
• Licensed Pilots
• In Celebrity Memoirs

The Best Celebrity Biographies

List of celebrity biographies, ranked best to worst by fans. Books written about famous people in Hollywood are included in this list. So what makes a celebrity biography a must-read? The more revealing it is about the subject, the better. Juicy details about the lives of the rich and famous makes celebrity biographies some of the best-selling books of all time. This list of best celebrity biographies has the most scandalous details and intimate truths about film and television icons, legendary singers and musicians, controversial politicians, and even members of the British royal family.

The greatest celebrity biographies range from inspirational to tragic and elegant to trashy, but the one thing that connect these top-selling books is that they are all very entertaining to read. Each page-turning chapter of these comprehensive celeb bios, which are mostly unauthorized, take readers behind the closed doors of the lives of superstars past and present. Some biographies about the stars are funny, irreverent, and candid while others chronicle the dark side of fame and fortune. These are just some of the reasons why millions of readers can't wait to get their hands on a biographical book about a famous person once it comes out.

Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography

Joan Crawford: the Essential Biography

The Diana Chronicles

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

As I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling

A Twist of Lemmon

The Top 30 Must-Read Celebrity Memoirs

From Britney Spears to Barbra Streisand and everyone in between

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The last few years in celebrity memoir releases has felt, at times, genuinely monumental. Memorable reads from our favorite stars are a staple of the publishing world, and there’s something to be said for Elliot Page, Viola Davis, and Michelle Obama releasing memoirs back to back, not to mention Will Smith, Dolly Parton, and Paris Hilton, among so many others. 2023 still has its biggest release to look forward to in October, with Britney Spears’s eagerly anticipated memoir The Woman in Me , a book with so much buzz and intrigue, it feels like it could change the celebrity landscape forever upon arrival. With Barbra Streisand’s own memoir following hot on Spears’s heels in November, there are almost too many options as summer beach-read season winds down. Fall fast approaches, and there’s never been a better time to curl up with some of the best celebrity memoirs in recent memory.

Pageboy: A Memoir

Elliot Page’s memoir takes every societal narrative about the actor, built over a storied career, and flips them entirely. Filled with poignant reflections on identity, sex, fame, and family, Pageboy was an instant New York Times no. 1 bestseller—and for good reason.

The Woman in Me

While not technically out yet, there’s no doubt that The Woman in Me is going to fundamentally alter the narrative on Britney Spears’s tumultuous career. After decades of everyone but herself controlling her life and legacy, one of our generation’s greatest performers is going to speak, for the very first time since her almost 14-year conservatorship ended, entirely in her own words. I might have to sleep outside the bookstore before its release—waiting for a package in the mail just won’t cut it for this memoir.

Love, Pamela: A Memoir of Prose, Poetry, and Truth

Like Britney’s, Pamela Anderson’s life story has been recounted (incorrectly) by everyone but the famed actor and former Playboy Playmate herself. In the engrossing Love, Pamela , she tracks the arc of her career from the football game where she was discovered, and explores what it was like to lose control of her life and public image seemingly overnight.

Prince Harry’s hotly anticipated tell-all was the book to read when the year started, especially since he and wife Duchess Meghan had decided to step away from royal duties in early 2020. While Spare didn’t quite dig into the dirty details of the rumored rift between the prince and the rest of the royal family, it did detail his courtship with Meghan, past girlfriends, and the lingering trauma following the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Paris: The Memoir

Paris Hilton has steadily redefined her image over the past few years, and her New York Times best-selling memoir, Paris , cemented this steady rebrand. Not only does she attempt to set the record straight on her various tabloid misadventures, Hilton also explores her struggles with ADHD, abortion, and the “troubled teen” industry at places like Provo Canyon and CEDU. Like her 2020 YouTube documentary This Is Paris , her memoir offers a new perspective on oft-repeated gossip.

Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You: A Memoir

Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You is as incisive as Lucinda Williams’s songwriting, full of stories about her childhood in the Deep South and her struggles to find recognition in a music industry not made for women who tell the truth as brazenly as she does. A child of working-class parents, Williams gives longtime fans and readers a glimpse into the events that shaped her songwriting prowess and storied discography.

Chita: A Memoir

Chita Rivera is about as iconic as it gets among the Broadway elite. Born Dolores Conchita Figuero del Rivero, the performer’s memoir offers a riveting backstage look into her experiences with Stephen Sondheim, Bob Fosse, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and so many other stars who had the immense good fortune to work with her over her decades-long career.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s upcoming memoir, Worthy , details the behind-the-scenes turmoil of a woman who, by all accounts, had the perfect Hollywood power marriage. In it, she opens up about her relationship with Tupac Shakur, career, family life, and the now infamous slap heard round the world . Her stories also come with meditations and prompts written by Pinkett Smith, and this book is sure to be an instant bestseller when it releases October 17.

Call Me Anne

Anne Heche’s memoir was published posthumously, as her manuscript was almost finished when the actor died from injuries sustained in a car crash in August 2022. In this sequel to her first book, Call Me Crazy , Heche shares never-before-heard details about her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, abuse at the hands of Harvey Weinstein, and many other moments from a life cut far too short.

I’m Glad My Mom Died

The rumors about Jennette McCurdy’s experiences at Nickelodeon have swirled about the former child star for a decade. At long last, McCurdy opened up about her experiences as one of the most well-known faces of tween television, with brutally honest stories about her on-set life, relationship with an abusive and troubled mother, and the long journey she’s been on to self-acceptance and healing. To call I’m Glad My Mom Died an “important” or “necessary” read would be underselling it. If you haven’t yet, drop what you’re doing and pick it up immediately.

Finding Me: An Oprah’s Book Club Pick

It’s hard to find words to express just how monumental Viola Davis’s career has been—and continues to be. In her long-awaited memoir, the legendary actor details her early life in Rhode Island and origins as a working actor in New York City, going on to eventually become one of the most influential Hollywood figures of all time. As she writes in the foreword: “My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.”

Making a Scene

After a meteoric rise in the wake of Fresh Off the Boat and Crazy Rich Asians , Constance Wu was beset by critics and an internet that seemed primed to turn on her at the drop of a hat. Afterward, she retreated from the public eye, only to reemerge with a stunning clarity, ready to set the record straight with Making a Scene. Vulnerable and captivating, her memoir is full of insightful commentary and cutting reflections on her career and the warnings of people early on in her life, who warned her: “Good girls don’t make scenes.”

Down the Drain

Another eagerly anticipated memoir—from the visual tastemaker behind some of the pandemic era’s most memorable fashion moments—Julia Fox’s Down the Drain is set to drop October 10. In it, she writes about her life with the authenticity that has become her brand, and has made her the most meme-able online figure of the last few years. Per the book’s official synopsis, she discusses her childhood, “a heroin habit that led to New Orleans trap houses,” a jail stint, and whirlwind relationship with Kanye West.

Hello, Molly! A Memoir

There are few women who possess the comedy prowess and captivating aura of Molly Shannon, whose memoir Hello, Molly! is frank in its observations and profoundly healing for those who’ve experienced grief. Beginning with the car crash that stole her mom, baby sister, and cousin when she was four, Shannon details how the experience changed her perspective on the world forever, and shaped the innate comedic talents that would go on to cement her as one of the funniest women ever to grace our television screens.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

What better way for Dolly Parton to write her memoir than with music? Part songbook, part guided journey through the real-life experiences that shaped her iconic songwriting abilities, Songteller is about as Dolly as it gets. Complete with never-before-seen photos, this is a must-read for anyone who’s ever sung “Jolene” or “9 to 5” at karaoke.

Miss Memory Lane: A Memoir

Raw doesn’t quite begin to capture the lengths Colton Haynes goes to in his memoir, Miss Memory Lane . Underpinned by his sobriety journey after he nearly died from seizures and organ damage, Haynes explores his sexual development in small-town Kansas, his early brushes with fame as a teenage model, and the stress of keeping everything together for the cameras when you’re falling apart on the inside.

My Name Is Barbra

What can’t Barbra Streisand do? Not only does she boast 46 Grammy nominations and is an EGOT winner, she is also arguably one of the greatest singers to ever live. All that and more will be the focus of her upcoming memoir, My Name Is Barbra , which will chronicle her life as a child in Brooklyn to her breakout role in Funny Girl , which blossomed into one of the most legendary careers on record in Hollywood. My Name Is Barbra is set to release on November 7, just in time for the holidays.

I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir

It’s almost unbelievable how many interesting stories Harvey Fierstein has to tell, but isn’t that expected of one of Broadway’s most influential figures? Funny, frank, and illuminating, I Was Better Last Night tells it all: the sex, the parties, the interior worlds of Andy Warhol and the many artists Fierstein has gotten entangled with, life during the AIDS crisis, and so much more.

Miss Major Speaks: Conversations With a Black Trans Revolutionary

There are few trans luminaries as influential or widely known as Miss Major, who for the first time ever shares the captivating stories of her precious and wild life. A former sex worker and veteran of the Stonewall riots, she recounts her journey from the Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital and Attica Prison to the formation of the Griffin-Gracy Educational and Historical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, also known as the House of GG.

Coivos Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up

Very few people would go quite the distance Selma Blair does in the emotionally raw Mean Baby , which offers an honest account of her troubled childhood, early encounters with alcohol, and her brutally complicated relationship with her mother. Writing after her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis , Blair chronicles her public battle with the disease in a memoir that is equal parts triumphant and devastating.

Art, Books & Music

Addison Rae on Her Daring VMAs Look

At the VMAs, Everybody Wanted to Be Britney Spears

Watch Megan Thee Stallion's Sexy VMAs Performance

Chappell Roan's VMAs Debut Was Worth the Wait

Sabrina Pays Homage to Britney at the 2024 VMAs

Lisa Lights Up the 2024 VMAs Stage

A New Book Explores the African Gaze

Let’s Be Clear: The CMAs Don’t Deserve Beyoncé

Kendrick Lamar To Headline 2025 Super Bowl Show

Our Bazaar Book Chat August Pick Is “Rip Tide”

What Comes After the Girlboss

Remi Wolf Is in a Pop Lane All Her Own

Danica McKellar

Who Is Danica McKellar?

Danica McKellar is an American actress and author who shot to stardom at age 13 when she landed the role of Winnie Cooper on the hit drama The Wonder Years . She went on to earn her Ph.D. in mathematics, and in 2007, she published her first book, Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail .

Early Life and Child Stardom

Danica Mae McKellar was born in La Jolla, California, on January 3, 1975. From the time she was 7 years old, McKellar was raised in Los Angeles. Her father, Christopher, was a real estate developer and her mother, Mahalia, was a stay-at-home mom. McKellar has a sister named Crystal who also became an actress. As a child, McKellar took acting classes at a performing arts school called the Diane Hill Hardin Young Actors Space.

In 1984, when McKellar was just 9 years old, she started acting in television commercials. By 1987, she had appeared in two episodes of the revamped TV show The Twilight Zone .

At 13, McKellar landed her big break with a part on the popular television series The Wonder Years . She was cast as Gwendolyn "Winnie" Cooper, starring opposite Fred Savage as Kevin Arnold. McKellar played Kevin's first love and was central to the show's coming-of-age storyline. Her sister, Crystal, appeared on The Wonder Years as well, in the recurring role of Becky Slater— Kevin's spurned and vengeful romantic interest. The Wonder Years ran for five years, ending in 1993.

Over the course of the show's lifespan, McKellar earned several award nominations for her work as Winnie Cooper. In 1989, she won a Young Artist Award for best young actress in a featured, co-starring, supporting or recurring role in a comedy or drama series or special.

After The Wonder Years ended, McKellar took a break from acting to attend college. She enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in math. When she ambitiously signed up for a complex analysis class in her senior year, she found a mentor in the course's teacher, professor Lincoln Chayes. Impressed with McKellar's mathematical prowess, Chayes recruited her and a fellow student named Brandy Winn to help him with a research project. The result was a new mathematical proof named the Charles-McKellar-Winn theorem. McKellar graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from UCLA in 1998.

Return to Acting

After receiving her undergraduate degree, McKellar considered going to graduate school but decided to return to acting instead. From the early 1990s on, McKellar made a long string of guest appearances on television shows, including Babylon 5 , Sirens , NCIS , NYPD Blue , The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother and The West Wing . From 2006 to 2007, she wrote and performed on the Lifetime web-based miniseries Inspector Mom .

Beginning in 2010, she provided the voice for M'gann M'orzz in the animated superhero series Young Justice, winning a string of BTVA Television Voice Acting Awards for best vocal ensemble. McKellar also donned her dancing shoes to compete on Dancing With The Stars in 2014, and the following year was seen on TV in such shows as King of the Nerds and Impractical Jokers .

Ph.D. and Math Author

Eventually, McKellar decided that her other passion, math, had been on the back burner long enough. Picking up her education where she left off, McKellar enrolled in graduate school. In 2005, she received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Chicago.

Her reignited enthusiasm for math spurred McKellar to start a personal website, which she uses to give tween and teen girls advice about math. She enjoyed the endeavor so much that she was inspired to expand on her advice in a book. In 2007, she published Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail .

McKellar's appealing, teen-friendly style of writing took a lighthearted pop-culture approach to what otherwise might be considered a dry subject. The well-received book was then expanded in an entire series of New York Times bestsellers, including Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss (2008); Hot X: Algebra Exposed! (2010); and Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape (2012).

Personal Life

In 2012, McKellar filed for divorce from her husband of three years, composer and visual effects artist Mike Verta, citing irreconcilable differences. McKellar and Verta share custody of their son, Draco. In 2014, she married lawyer Scott Sveslosky.

Aside from acting, math-related projects and motherhood, McKellar enjoys ballroom dancing and doing yoga in her spare time.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Danica McKellar
• Birth Year: 1975
• Birth date: January 3, 1975
• Birth State: California
• Birth City: La Jolla
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Actress Danica McKellar played Winnie Cooper on 'The Wonder Years.' She has also written a series of best-selling mathematics books and starred in numerous television movies.
• Astrological Sign: Capricorn
• University of Chicago
• The Diane Hill Hardin Young Actors Space
• University of California, Los Angeles

We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us !

CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Danica McKellar Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/actors/danica-mckellar
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: August 28, 2019
• Original Published Date: September 15, 2014
• Math can be dry and boring when taught in certain ways, and it can also be very interesting. And so I teach math in the context of things that preteens and teenage girls are already thinking about, like shopping and makeup and pizza and puppies.

Famous Actors

Meryl Streep

Sofía Vergara

Carol Burnett

Quinta Brunson

James Earl Jones Helped Schwarzenegger Be a Star

Lily Gladstone

Prove You’re A J-Law Superfan With This Quiz

Ayo Edebiri

James Earl Jones

Jeremy Allen White

Jodie Foster

New Releases in Actor & Entertainer Biographies

• ← Previous page
• Next page →

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices