Celebs Who Wrote Bestselling Books

Many famous actors, performers, and public figures are now also becoming successful authors. Some share their personal stories, while others write novels or helpful guides that appeal to readers worldwide. These books often become bestsellers, quickly topping charts like the New York Times Best Seller list. The following celebrities have proven their writing talent by creating books that have captured the public’s interest and sold very well.

Matthew McConaughey

In his book ‘Greenlights’, Matthew McConaughey shares stories from his life, lessons he’s learned, and his advice for achieving success – all drawn from journals he’s kept over many years. The book was a New York Times bestseller for months after it came out in 2020. McConaughey tells his story with a distinctive voice, detailing his Texas roots and his unusual path to becoming a Hollywood star. It’s known for its unique format and honest look at how the actor thinks about life and his career.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir, ‘Becoming,’ was a huge success, breaking sales records and becoming one of the best-selling memoirs ever. In the book, she shares her life story, from growing up in Chicago to her career and experiences as First Lady. It’s a personal look at her journey of self-discovery, her commitment to public service, and the difficulties of juggling family and a demanding public life.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears’ memoir, ‘The Woman in Me,’ came out in 2023 and quickly became a bestseller, generating a lot of buzz. The book chronicles her journey to worldwide fame, the challenges she faced in the public eye, and her fight regarding the conservatorship that controlled her life for many years. It sold over a million copies in the U.S. in its first week, and both reviewers and readers praised its honest voice and the behind-the-scenes look it offered at the music industry from the late 90s and early 2000s.

Trevor Noah

I was completely captivated by Trevor Noah’s ‘Born a Crime.’ It’s his incredible life story, growing up in South Africa as apartheid was ending. What struck me most was learning that, because of the laws at the time, simply being born was actually illegal – his parents’ interracial relationship made it so. It’s a really powerful and moving book, and it’s no surprise it became a huge bestseller when it came out in 2016 and has stayed popular ever since. They’ve even made a version for younger readers, which is wonderful, and it truly feels like a modern classic now.

Jennette McCurdy

Jennette McCurdy, known for her role on ‘iCarly,’ published her memoir, ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died,’ in 2022, and it instantly resonated with many readers. The book details her challenging childhood as an actress and her difficult, often abusive relationship with her mother. It quickly became a bestseller, reaching the top of the New York Times list and staying popular for months. The memoir is praised for its honest and often darkly funny look at mental health and the pressures of being in the entertainment industry.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis, an Academy Award winner, released her memoir, ‘Finding Me,’ in 2022 to great praise. The book tells the story of her life, from growing up poor in Rhode Island to becoming a highly respected actress in Hollywood. She later won a Grammy Award for the audiobook version, making her an EGOT winner – someone who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. ‘Finding Me’ was a huge success, appearing on many bestseller lists thanks to its honest and compelling storytelling.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was not only a talented actress but also a successful author. She’s best known for her novel ‘Postcards from the Edge,’ published in 1987, which drew on her own life experiences with addiction and her complicated relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds. The book was a huge success, becoming a bestseller and later a popular movie starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine. Fisher continued to write throughout her career, with other well-received books like ‘Wishful Drinking’ and ‘The Princess Diarist,’ solidifying her reputation as a gifted writer.

Steve Martin

You know, a lot of people remember Steve Martin as hilarious – and he is – but he’s also a really fantastic writer. I was surprised when I found out just how much he’s published, both novels and memoirs. His novella, ‘Shopgirl,’ from way back in 2000, was a huge hit – a New York Times bestseller, and they even made a movie out of it! But I think ‘Born Standing Up’ is where he really shines. It’s his story about getting started in stand-up, and it’s surprisingly moving. People always talk about how clever and precise his writing is, but it’s the emotional honesty that really gets to me.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, known for his iconic acting roles, also became an author, starting with his 2017 collection of short stories, ‘Uncommon Type.’ A unique feature of the book was that each story was written on a different typewriter – a nod to Hanks’ hobby of collecting vintage machines. The book quickly became a bestseller, appearing on the New York Times list soon after it was published. He continued his writing career with his first novel, ‘The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,’ released in 2023, which delves into the complex process of filmmaking.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s 2011 memoir, ‘Bossypants,’ was a huge hit with readers. It stayed at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list for over five weeks and has sold millions of copies globally. The book tells the story of Fey’s career, from her early days performing in Chicago to her groundbreaking role as the first female head writer of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ ‘Bossypants’ is known for its clever humor and honest look inside the entertainment industry, making it a standout celebrity memoir.

Amy Poehler

I absolutely loved Amy Poehler’s memoir, ‘Yes Please,’ when it came out in 2014 – it was an instant bestseller! It’s such a fun read, filled with stories from her time doing improv and on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ plus lots of personal photos and really solid advice. She shares what’s helped her succeed in comedy, but it’s more than just career stuff – it’s a look at how she approaches life. What I really appreciated was how funny and encouraging it was, especially for women trying to make it in creative fields.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, the actress and writer, became a bestselling author with her 2011 essay collection, ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)’. The book is a funny and honest look at her life – from growing up to navigating her career and Hollywood. It was a hit, spending weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and making Kaling a popular voice in non-fiction. She continued her success in 2015 with another bestseller, ‘Why Not Me?’

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen, the actor and filmmaker, published his first book, ‘Yearbook’, in 2021. It’s a collection of funny and often bizarre personal stories about growing up in Canada and his early experiences in Hollywood. The book quickly became a New York Times bestseller, and reviewers and readers alike praised its writing style, noting it perfectly captured Rogen’s unique humor and talent for storytelling.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, surprised many with her bestselling memoir, ‘Broken Horses,’ published in 2021. The book offers a deeply personal look at her challenging upbringing, her journey to musical success, and her place within the Americana music scene. Critics and readers alike praised its beautiful writing and the honest, emotional way Carlile shared details about her life and career. ‘Broken Horses’ quickly topped the non-fiction bestseller charts, proving Carlile’s talent extends beyond music to captivating storytelling.

2026-03-09 08:46