We are all fascinated by those in the spotlight in one way or another. Whether we are totally immersed in celebrity culture or just curious bystanders on the fringe, we want to know more about the lives of those we see across media every day.
From actors and actresses to singers to athletes to political figures, we all want to know more. For some, we want to allow them the chance to inspire us further. Some memoirs go above and beyond what we ask for, but all of them leave us with a better understanding of the person telling the story.
In no particular order, here are our picks for the Top 15 Must-Read Celebrity Memoirs.
1. Mama’s Boy: A Story from Our Americas by Dustin Lance Black
The beauty of this particular memoir is that it focuses not only on Dustin Lance Black’s history but his mom’s as well. After all, the way he sees it, his story isn’t possible without hers.
We start with Black’s account of the day his mom died, seamlessly traveling back to her birth and continuing the family history forward from there, eventually making it to Black’s part of the story. It’s a remarkable account of rising above circumstances and fighting against all odds.
Dustin Lance Black, best known for his LGBTQ+ rights advocacy and as the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk, attributes his desire to create connections and tell stories to the lessons his mom taught him. Ultimately, this memoir will leave you wanting to call your mom, if you can, and beg her to tell you a story about her life.
Bonus: This memoir has now been made into a documentary called Mama’s Boy, which is on Max.
2. Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales by Kristian Nairn
If you have ever felt not good enough or that your contributions to the greater world don’t matter, this is the memoir for you. The famous Irish actor Kristian Nairn has experienced that many times throughout his life and details how he muddled through.
From his early days being raised by a single mom to his exploration of self as a drag artist and DJ in the Irish scene to his acting career, Nairn never shies away from the honesty of life’s complexities. He details just how challenging being a gay man was early on in his life and how that empowered him to be the fierce, confident advocate he is today.
In his own way, Nairn weaves a tale of resilience, courage, and, above all, love. If you loved him on Game of Thrones or Our Flag Means Death, this read is perfect for you.
3. Finding Me by Viola Davis
For decades, Viola Davis has been breaking down walls and barriers within Hollywood to make a name for herself. Now known for iconic roles in such projects as How to Get Away with Murder, The Help, The Woman King, and Fences, Davis uses her memoir to detail her journey to where she is today.
Often, our careers set us on a path of triumphs and setbacks—all of which teach us a thing or two about life. Davis’ tale is no different. Focusing on her journey of self, she takes readers through her struggles to break out in Hollywood.
In addition, Viola Davis’ memoir reminds us that we are always searching for clarity and learning more about ourselves and our pasts.
4. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
At this point in his career, Matthew McConaughey is a household name. In fact, his saying “Alright, Alright, Alright” might be more famous than McConaughey himself.
The most fascinating thing about McConaughey’s memoir isn’t what he has experienced in life but his positivity about everything, whether it be a successful moment or one that feels like a failure.
He cuts into his own narrative from time to time to give little “notes to self,” “prescriptions,” and “bumper stickers” about embracing life’s moments. He has a complex understanding that we aren’t always given our positive moments; sometimes, we have to create them for ourselves in the wake of disappointments.
If handed a red or yellow light, reframe it into a green light.
5. Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton
While Dolly Parton has written a few books in her time, this one is probably the best one. It’s especially great if you get the audiobook version because you get snippets of her songs alongside each story.
Dolly Parton is well-known for her charity work and overly generous spirit, probably more so than her music career. This memoir peels back the curtain to reveal that her giving nature comes from growing up in extreme poverty surrounded by the most loving family she could’ve ever asked for.
This memoir is as warm, loving, and kind as we all know Parton to be. We think better of ourselves simply by listening to her bits of wisdom intertwined within her history.
Each song she’s ever written, sung, or both has a story behind it. Even the songs that might not seem to connect directly to Parton’s life and experiences have a way of bringing out those nuggets of truth within her heart.
6. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant
If you are like me, you know of Kobe Bryant, even if you know very little about sports in general. Prior to his well-publicized and untimely death, Bryant revealed to the world how he made it to the pinnacle of his career.
His mantra, both on and off the court, came to be known as “The Mamba Mentality.” This memoir fully dissects what that is. This talented man doesn’t leave a single stone unturned when exploring who he is and why.
To be great, you have to believe you are great. This is the true essence of what Kobe Bryant imparted to the world around him.
7. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Often, when we talk about death and grief, it’s with a heavy heart. The social standard for losing a family member, such as a parent, is that we are supposed to be sorry they are gone.
However, what if your parent was someone who created many of the self-image issues you have as an adult? What if your parent was abusive in some way? Are we still supposed to mourn them?
These are the questions that the young former actress, Jennette McCurdy, attempts to answer in her own sardonic and humorous way. By looking at death through the lens of truth, McCurdy makes us uncomfortable in ways that help us change our view of the world.
While this memoir can be a bit heavy at times, she balances that out with more lighthearted observations.
8. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
Any fan of sci-fi and fantasy films knows Carrie Fisher as not only the iconic Leia Organa from Star Wars but also the brash, opinionated voice of reason. She became more beloved the more she spoke up and out about things that didn’t sit right with her.
Sure, being the famous daughter of equally famous parents wasn’t always easy, but Carrie Fisher made it through with a unique brand of humor and boldness. Of all her written works, Wishful Drinking is Fisher’s most humorous and honest.
Fisher doesn’t hold back, nor does she come across as too heavy-handed in her depictions of her Hollywood experiences. If there is ever a nepo baby to get behind, it’s Carrie Fisher.
While this memoir made our list, we highly encourage you to read her other books as well.
9. Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock’s Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout by Laura Jane Grace
With the number of negative feelings regarding the transgender community circulating these days, this memoir might be one that’ll bring awareness and acceptance to the best of us. As part of the Florida DIY Punk Scene, Laura Jane Grace made history for being her authentic trans self.
While this memoir is one of the more heavy ones on this list, it contains content warnings for severe dysphoria and drinking/substance abuse, it’s still a candid look at what it means to be authentically yourself.
The music scene is never an easy place to exist when you go against the mold in such big, bold ways. But Grace has never shied away from being honest about herself and her journey.
Laura Jane Grace is definitely not a mainstream celebrity name, but her memoir deserves recognition for proving that we are all different in some way.
10. Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame by Mara Wilson
While child actors are a dime a dozen at this point in Hollywood’s history, few of them have the life challenges and experiences of Mara Wilson. After all, she rose to fame as a young girl in movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda before seeming to drop into obscurity.
Where did she go, and what prompted those decisions? In this candid memoir about childhood loss, growing up female, and finding yourself amongst the glitz and glamour of fame, Wilson gives us insight into her life since we last heard from her.
Losing your mom at a young age is never easy, and Mara Wilson explains how that shaped her into who she is today. She also talks candidly about the identity crisis that came with finding fame so early in life and how she moved beyond it.
11. Pageboy: A Memoir by Elliot Page
In recent years, one particular person has made an impact on the world at large by publicly coming out as trans. We are, of course, talking about Elliot Page.
His journey from female to male shocked the world, but that soon eased into an open dialogue about authenticity and inner peace. In his memoir, Elliot Page opens up about many moments in his career that he’s kept to himself until now.
Fans of his career will benefit from reading his words if nothing more than to gain a deeper understanding of their private journey. After all, Page is proof positive that you never truly know what someone might be going through on any given day, even those in the spotlight.
The inner pain Page suffered for years is bound to make any reader a more empathetic human.
12. Last Words: A Memoir by George Carlin
You can’t talk about stand-up comedy without including George Carlin in the conversation. He is, after all, the king of comedy. His jokes never punch down but always leave you thinking.
One of the best things about George Carlin is that he challenges others to reconsider what they’ve always been told or taught. Through humor, Carlin always broke down barriers and influenced people to further educate themselves.
His memoir is more of the same. Written over the course of many years, Carlin worked with Tory Hendra to capture the essence of who he is with humor and raw honesty.
Through this novel, Carlin’s wisdom and wit can live on forever.
13. A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Apart from being a very kind and considerate politician, Former President Barack Obama is a masterful storyteller and orator. For his memoir, Obama decided to focus mostly on the political part of his life instead of diving into his early years.
That’s not to say you can’t read his own thoughts on those early years. Those can be found in Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. However, for those who love learning more about the inner thoughts of our fearless leaders while they are in the thick of it, this memoir is perfect.
Obama spends 700 pages (don’t let that discourage you from reading) detailing the earliest campaigns and political positions of his career up to the death of Osama Bin Laden. While the details can get a bit complicated at times, especially if you aren’t aware of the way politics work in America, overall, this memoir gives insights into the challenges Obama faced that many didn’t hear about.
This memoir is only Part One of a Two Part series, so be on the lookout for the second half in the near future.
14. This Time For Me by Alexandra Billings
In a time when most people fear the unknown with regard to trans individuals, Alexandra Billings remains a fierce and vocal advocate for truth. She uses her social platforms to bring awareness to the way trans individuals are just out there living their truths similarly to everyone else.
Alexandra Billings’ memoir is the perfect read for those under the queer umbrella as well as folks looking to further their understanding of experiences they’ll never personally know. As Billings often says to her followers, to know and understand is to love and support.
In her memoir, Billings explains how it took her years to accept her life as her own, especially as a prominent trans actor in the business.
She has now reached an understanding that if she doesn’t put herself first, how can she expect others to do the same? If you ever feel like you don’t matter, a quick read of this memoir will remind you that everyone is special in their own unique ways.
15. Just As I Am: A Memoir by Cicely Tyson
Before her passing, Cicely Tyson was probably the most recognizable Black actress in Hollywood. Her decades-long career was a testament to her dedication to the craft and her determination to do what others felt she couldn’t.
Similarly, her memoir explains how, at the start of her career, she had to fight against strong forces to break through. She became a household name because she faced each challenge with strength and faith and refused to let anyone tell her she couldn’t.
Reading this memoir will open your heart and mind to the struggles of the past and how those struggles have changed slightly but still remain to this day. Your respect and admiration for Tyson’s career will only increase tenfold by reading more about her life.
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What are some celebrity memoirs that you’ve read and loved? Sound off in the comments below to let us know what your picks would be.
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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love reading the latest in Queer novels -- especially romance ones and watching the latest dramas, sci-fi/fantasy, Star Wars, and romcom films/TV shows. You can join the conversation by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.
