Actresses Who Are Published Authors

A growing number of well-known actresses are now writing books, adding another dimension to their careers. They’re publishing everything from deeply personal memoirs and suspenseful thrillers to creative stories for children. This move from acting to writing lets them share their life experiences in a more intimate way, demonstrate their skills as storytellers, and connect with fans through a different kind of art – one where they have full control over their voice and story.

Carrie Fisher

In 1987, Carrie Fisher published her novel Postcards from the Edge, a semi-autobiographical story inspired by her own experiences in Hollywood. The book centers on an actress named Suzanne Vale and her journey through recovery after a drug overdose, and Fisher later turned it into the screenplay for the 1990 film of the same name. Fisher was a prolific writer, also penning books like The Best Awful and The Princess Diarist. Her work is well-known for its clever humor and honest look at the challenges of mental health and living in the public eye.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis started writing children’s books in 1993 with “When I Was Little.” Since then, she’s published over a dozen books for young readers, including the popular “Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day.” Her books often help children learn about their feelings and accept themselves. She works with illustrator Laura Cornell to create colorful, engaging stories that kids have loved for many years. Curtis is known as a highly successful and consistent author of children’s books among celebrities.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore started writing children’s books in 2007 with Freckleface Strawberry, a story based on her own experiences growing up and the nicknames she had. The book is about a young girl who learns to love what makes her unique. Moore continued the Freckleface Strawberry story with several books, and it was later turned into a successful off-Broadway musical. Despite her busy career as a well-known actress, she continues to write books for children.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon started her writing career in 2018 with Whiskey in a Teacup, a book blending personal stories with advice and recipes inspired by her Southern roots. It shares how growing up in Nashville shaped her life and career. In 2022, she published Busy Betty, a children’s book about a lively and imaginative girl, drawing on her own childhood experiences and the value of never giving up. She’s continued the Busy Betty series with more books that highlight the importance of working together and being part of a community.

Natalie Portman

In 2020, Natalie Portman released “Natalie Portman’s Fables,” a collection of three familiar stories reimagined for today’s readers. The book features fresh takes on “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Three Little Pigs,” and “Country Mouse and City Mouse.” Portman aimed to make these classic tales more inclusive and relevant to modern life, while still teaching valuable lessons. Each story is beautifully illustrated and written in a lyrical style perfect for sharing aloud. Portman shared that becoming a parent inspired her to create this book for children.

Lauren Graham

Lauren Graham is also an author, having first published the novel Someday, Someday, Maybe in 2013. The book, which follows an actress trying to make it in New York City, quickly became a New York Times bestseller, earning praise for its realistic look at the entertainment world. She followed that up with Talking as Fast as I Can, a 2016 collection of essays about her life and experiences, including her time on the show Gilmore Girls and its return to television. Graham also wrote In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It, a brief book adapted from a graduation speech she gave.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff began writing young adult novels in 2010 with her first book, Elixir. The story centers on Clea Raymond, a photographer who tries to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance. Combining romance and supernatural themes, the book spawned two follow-up novels, Devoted and True. Duff worked with author Elise Allen on the series while also pursuing her music and acting careers. More recently, in 2021, she released a children’s book called My Little Brave Girl, which was inspired by her own experiences as a mom.

Anna Kendrick

In 2016, actress Anna Kendrick released ‘Scrappy Little Nobody,’ a collection of personal essays. The book tells the story of her life, from growing up in Maine to achieving success in movies like ‘Up in the Air’ and ‘Pitch Perfect.’ Her writing is funny and self-deprecating, just like her popular social media posts. She writes about tough early auditions and the strange world of Hollywood award shows. Kendrick also narrates the audiobook herself, making the stories even more engaging and personal.

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald, best known for her roles in 1980s movies, has also pursued a writing career. In 2010, she published a memoir called Getting the Pretty Back, which covered topics like friendship, family, and fashion. Two years later, in 2012, she released her debut fiction book, When It Happens to You, a collection of connected stories that delve into themes of betrayal, family relationships, and the challenges of modern love. Ringwald has often expressed her deep love for writing and her wish to be known for more than just her film work. Critics often praise her writing as both intelligent and deeply moving.

Gabrielle Union

I’ve been really impressed with Gabrielle Union’s writing. Her 2017 memoir, We’re Going to Need More Wine, immediately struck me with its raw honesty – she doesn’t shy away from tough topics like race, sexuality, and the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood. Then, in 2021, she followed it up with You Got Anything Stronger?, which was a deeply personal look at her experiences with motherhood and the difficult path to it, including surrogacy. And it’s not just for adults! She’s also ventured into children’s books, like Shady Baby, clearly inspired by her adorable daughter, Kaavia James. What really stands out about all her work is how open and vulnerable she is, sparking important conversations about who we are and where we come from.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher started writing novels as a teen, publishing two romance stories for young adults – Bewitched and Seduced by Fame – in the 1990s. Later, she returned to writing children’s books with the Marge in Charge series, featuring a playful nanny known for her colorful hair. This series includes books like Marge and the Pirate Baby and Marge and the Great Train Rescue. In 2022, she published Mazy the Movie Star, a picture book about a dog who discovers that being true to herself is more important than being famous. Fisher uses her experiences as an actress in Hollywood to create funny and engaging stories for kids.

Whoopi Goldberg

I’m a big fan of Whoopi Goldberg, and I was really excited to discover she’s also an author! She started a series called Sugar Plum Ballerinas back in 2008, and it’s geared towards younger readers – it’s all about girls at ballet school and the ups and downs of friendship. The first book, Plum Fantastic, was a fun read. But she doesn’t just write fiction! She also wrote a book called Book back in ’97, which is basically her thoughts on life, and then in 2015, she released If Someone Says “You Complete Me,” RUN!, which is hilarious and really honest about relationships. Her writing style is just like her – super direct, funny, and totally relatable!

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling started her writing career with the memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, published in 2011. The book is a funny look at her childhood, her time working on The Office, and her thoughts on friends and life in Hollywood. She later wrote Why Not Me? in 2015, focusing on her experiences creating and starring in The Mindy Project. More recently, she’s published a collection of essays through Amazon Original Stories called Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes). Through her writing, Kaling has become a popular voice for readers who enjoy funny and relatable stories about work and life.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s 2011 memoir, Bossypants, was a huge hit with both readers and critics. In it, she shares her experiences starting out in improv, her time working on Saturday Night Live, and how the show 30 Rock came to be. Fey uses humor to talk about the difficulties women face in a traditionally male industry, as well as the realities of being a mother. The book was a bestseller for weeks and its audiobook version was even nominated for a Grammy. Many credit Fey with inspiring other comedians to write and publish their own successful memoirs.

Amy Poehler

As a huge fan of Amy Poehler, I was thrilled when her book, Yes Please, came out in 2014. It’s a really engaging read – part memoir, part funny essays, and even has some great advice. She takes you through her journey, starting with her improv days at the Upright Citizens Brigade, then her time on ‘Saturday Night Live’, and of course, her fantastic run on ‘Parks and Recreation’. What I loved is she didn’t just tell her own story; she included contributions from friends and family, which gave a really well-rounded look at her life. It’s a book that really champions hard work, thinking on your feet, and – importantly – supporting other women in comedy and the arts. Like her friend Tina Fey, Amy really nailed the transition from acting to writing, and the book was a huge success – deservedly so!

Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter, known for her acting, also became a published author in 2017 with her first novel, Bonfire. The book is a suspenseful thriller about Abby Williams, a lawyer who goes back to her hometown to look into a possible corporate cover-up. As Abby investigates, she starts to uncover troubling secrets about both her own history and the people she grew up with. Ritter has said she worked on the story and characters for years, alongside her acting work on shows like ‘Jessica Jones’. Critics praised Bonfire for its eerie atmosphere and the compelling complexity of its main character.

Catherine Steadman

Catherine Steadman’s debut thriller, Something in the Water, was published in 2018 and quickly became a hit with readers around the world. The novel centers on a couple who find a bag of money and diamonds while scuba diving during their honeymoon, and the risky decisions they make afterward. Steadman, who is also known for her acting role in ‘Downton Abbey,’ has since written other popular novels like Mr. Nobody and The Disappearing Act. Her books often feature everyday people caught up in dangerous and suspenseful circumstances. She continues to work as both an actress and a successful novelist.

Celia Imrie

Celia Imrie launched her writing career in 2015 with the novel Not Quite Nice, a story about retirees finding friendship, love, and new beginnings on the French Riviera. The book was popular with readers and led to follow-up novels like Nice Work (If You Can Get It) and Sail Away. Known for her warm and funny writing style, Imrie often draws inspiration from her life in acting and her travels. She continues to be a well-known actress in British theatre and film while regularly publishing new novels.

Sharon Stone

In her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, Sharon Stone openly shares the story of her life and career. She writes about growing up in Pennsylvania, becoming famous in movies like Basic Instinct, and her difficult recovery from a stroke in 2001. Stone also discusses the obstacles she faced in Hollywood and her later dedication to charity work. The book was well-received for its honesty and willingness to address tough subjects, and it represents a powerful moment where Stone takes control of her own narrative.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s 2019 memoir, Inside Out, quickly became a national bestseller. In the book, she openly shares her life story, including a difficult childhood, her well-known marriages, and her battles with addiction and self-image issues. Moore reflects on her successful career in the 1990s, with films like ‘Ghost’ and ‘G.I. Jane’, while also revealing the personal challenges she faced behind the scenes. The memoir is praised for its raw honesty and its insightful look at the complex bond between a mother and daughter. Moore’s first book as an author sparked a lot of conversation because of her willingness to discuss both her weaknesses and her strength.

Viola Davis

In 2022, Viola Davis released her memoir, Finding Me, and won a Grammy for the audiobook version. The book tells the story of her life, from a difficult childhood filled with poverty and hardship in Rhode Island to her success as an Oscar-winning actress. Davis openly shares the challenges she faced and how she discovered her confidence and found her place in acting. The memoir highlights the importance of self-acceptance and dealing with the past to build a better future. Many have praised her writing as both powerful and inspiring, showcasing the determination it takes to thrive in Hollywood.

Taraji P. Henson

In her 2016 memoir, Around the Way Girl, Taraji P. Henson opens up about the experiences that defined her life. She recounts her childhood in Washington D.C., her college years at Howard University, and the difficulties of balancing single motherhood with her acting ambitions. The book also offers a glimpse behind the scenes of her work on films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the TV show Empire. Known for her advocacy for mental health, Henson inspires readers to overcome challenges with the same honesty and passion she brings to her acting.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine has written more than a dozen books during her extensive Hollywood career. Her first memoir, Don’t Fall Off the Mountain, came out in 1970 and detailed her childhood and adventures. She’s best known for books like Out on a Limb (1983), which delved into her fascination with spirituality and reincarnation. MacLaine’s writing uniquely mixes personal stories with her beliefs, generating widespread conversation and making her a distinctive voice in both memoir and New Age literature. She continues to write and share her perspectives today.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda’s memoir, My Life So Far, published in 2005, breaks down her life into three parts. The book details her upbringing, successful acting career, involvement in political causes, and personal connections. It was a bestseller, earning praise for its honest and thoughtful approach. In 2011, she followed up with Prime Time, a guide to healthy aging and enjoying life as you get older. Throughout her writing, Fonda emphasizes personal development, well-being, and staying involved in the world around you.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton has written several memoirs. Her first, Then Again (2011), is both her life story and a loving look at her mother, Dorothy Hall, using her mother’s journals to connect their experiences. She continued with Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty in 2014, where she shares her thoughts on beauty, getting older, and navigating life as a woman in Hollywood. In 2017, The House That Pinterest Built revealed her love of interior design and architecture. Keaton’s writing is known for being unique, chatty, and mirroring the playful personality she often portrays on screen.

Sally Field

As a film lover, I was really moved by Sally Field’s memoir, In Pieces, which came out in 2018. She spent seven years writing it, and you can really feel that honesty and effort in every page. It’s a surprisingly raw and open look at her life – she doesn’t shy away from talking about her difficult relationship with her mom, or the struggles she faced early in her career. She reflects on those iconic roles in Gidget and The Flying Nun, but also how she worked to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. What struck me most was that it’s completely her own voice – she didn’t use a ghostwriter – and it’s less about the events of her life and more about what was going on inside her, her emotional journey. Critics really praised it, and I can see why – it’s beautifully written and offers such a thoughtful look at what it means to be an actor.

Busy Philipps

I really enjoyed Busy Philipps’ memoir, This Will Only Hurt a Little, which came out in 2018. It’s a really honest look back at her early days as an actress, working on shows like Freaks and Geeks and Dawson’s Creek. She doesn’t shy away from the tough parts of the entertainment industry, and she’s incredibly open about her friendships and the challenges of being a mom. What I loved most was that her voice in the book felt exactly like what you see on her social media – totally unfiltered and relatable. It’s no surprise it hit the New York Times bestseller list; it’s a surprisingly frank and real portrayal of what it’s like to work as an actress.

Robinne Lee

Robinne Lee’s first novel, The Idea of You, published in 2017, became popular through recommendations and social media buzz. The story centers on a 40-year-old mother who unexpectedly falls in love with the singer of a hugely famous boy band. Though it’s often seen as a romance, Lee has explained that the book is really about how society often overlooks women as they get older. In 2024, the novel was made into a major movie, also titled The Idea of You. Lee continues to work as an actress and writer, and is currently developing new projects.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her writing career in 2017 with the release of her book, I Don’t Belong to You, a guide for young people offering personal stories and advice on building confidence and finding yourself. She continued writing in 2022 with the Southern Belle Insult series, a collection of short stories that highlight her comedic talent and skill for creating unique characters. Through her writing, Palmer aims to inspire others by sharing the valuable life lessons she’s learned since starting her career as a child in the film Akeelah and the Bee.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell started writing children’s books in 2020 with her first book, The World Needs More Purple People. Created with Benjamin Hart, the book helps kids find things they have in common with others while also appreciating what makes them unique. The story, told through a character named Penny, explains that being a “purple person” means being curious and kind. Although the book sparked some discussion online, it sold well and led to a follow-up book called The World Needs More Purple Schools. Bell’s work as an author reflects her well-known commitment to understanding others and communicating positively.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne began writing young adult novels in 2014 with the first book in her Autumn Falls series. The story centers on a teen who finds a magical journal where anything she writes becomes reality. Thorne used her own experiences, including challenges with dyslexia, to create a character young readers could connect with. She continued the series with Autumn’s Kiss and Autumn’s Wish. In 2019, she published a different kind of book, Life of a Wannabe Mogul: Mental Disarray, which is a collection of her personal poetry and reflections.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini’s 2015 memoir, Troublemaker, quickly became a major topic of conversation. In it, she shared her story of being involved with and ultimately leaving the Church of Scientology, detailing how it impacted both her personal life and her career, including her role on the sitcom The King of Queens. The book was a huge success and later inspired her acclaimed documentary series. Remini’s writing, like her public work, is known for being straightforward and direct.

Ellie Kemper

In 2018, Ellie Kemper published My Squirrel Days, a collection of funny and personal stories about her life. The book details her childhood in St. Louis and how she went on to become known for her roles in shows like The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Kemper shares everything from her experiences playing competitive field hockey to the strange world of acting auditions. Her writing style is cheerful and playful, much like the positive characters she often plays. Both readers and critics enjoyed the book’s funny yet thoughtful look at a life dedicated to comedy.

Issa Rae

In 2015, Issa Rae released a collection of essays called The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which grew out of her popular web series. The book shares her personal experiences dealing with social situations as an introverted Black woman, covering topics like work and dating with humor and insight. Its success established Rae as a talented creator before her HBO show, Insecure, debuted. People often connect with Rae’s writing because it’s relatable and offers clever commentary on today’s world.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie began her writing career with the 2005 novel, The Truth About Diamonds, a story inspired by her own experiences as a celebrity. The book centers on a young woman, adopted by a famous musician, as she deals with the challenges of fame and friendships in Hollywood. In 2010, she released Priceless, which follows a wealthy woman who unexpectedly loses everything and has to rebuild her life. Through her novels, Richie playfully critiques the celebrity world she knew in the early 2000s. Both books are known for their quick storylines and realistic glimpses behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson began her writing career with the novel Star in 2004, a fictional story loosely based on her own journey to fame. She continued the story with a sequel, Star Struck, in 2005. More recently, in 2023, she released Love, Pamela, a deeply personal memoir that offered a poetic and honest look at her life. Released alongside a Netflix documentary, the memoir was celebrated for its unique voice and thoughtful examination of her public persona. Over time, Anderson’s writing has shifted from fun, fictional stories to more serious and revealing autobiographical work.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore first shared her life story in her 1990 memoir, Little Girl Lost, when she was just 14 years old. The book covered her early success in the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and her difficult experiences with substance abuse as a young child. Later, in 2015, she published Wildflower, a collection of essays offering a more hopeful and grown-up perspective on her life and career. Barrymore has also written several books about photography and lifestyle, including Rebel Homemaker in 2021. Throughout her writing, she often highlights themes of overcoming challenges, the value of family, and appreciating the simple things in life.

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson’s 2020 memoir, Open Book, was a bestseller that offered a very personal look into her life. She openly shared details about her career in music and acting, her well-known relationships, and her battles with body image issues and addiction. Simpson reflected on her experience filming ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ and the challenges of being one of the first stars of reality TV. The book was celebrated for its honesty and for showing the real person behind the often sensationalized news stories. It also helped to remind people of Simpson’s success as a businesswoman and connected her with fans on a deeper level.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her acting, but she’s also written several popular books about health, wellness, and cooking, starting with Notes from My Kitchen Table in 2011. She’s had other bestsellers, like It’s All Good and It’s All Easy, which often share the same healthy living ideas found on her Goop website. Her books are both informative and personal, frequently including stories from her own life, and have established her as a leading voice in the wellness world.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham’s 2014 memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, shares a collection of personal stories about her experiences with work, friendships, relationships, and health. Published while her HBO show Girls was popular, the book quickly became a bestseller and sparked a lot of conversation because of its honest and sometimes controversial content. Dunham is known for her insightful writing, which often explores the challenges and worries faced by young women today.

Please share your thoughts on these multi-talented authors in the comments.

2026-02-13 03:51