Just as the career of each celebrity is unique, so too is the path they took to stardom. Some were born into fame, while others were born into a small town in the middle of nowhere. But they all became household names.
Check out these celebrity autobiographies to learn how 30 different icons grew up to have their name in lights.
The 30 best celebrity autobiographies are…
1. Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler
Comedian Chelsea Handler shares her journey toward a more meaningful life in this simultaneously poignant and hilarious memoir. You’ll walk away feeling inspired to reflect on your own opportunities for growth.
2. I, Tina by Tina Turner
Being a global music icon doesn’t mean your life is always glamorous. In her autobiography, Turner recounts her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner as she ascended to stardom. Read it when you need to feel resilient.
3. My Autobiography by Charlie Chaplin
Has anyone had a bigger impact on the world of movies than Charlie Chaplin? Read this book to get a glimpse into the golden age of Hollywood and to learn more about this cinematic icon.
4. Confessions of an Heiress by Paris Hilton
This is a great read when you want something fun and fluffy. Hilton invites you into her world as an heiress and shares playful tips for living the high life.
5. Me: Stories of My Life by Katherine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn was born to be a leading lady, and in her autobiography, you’ll find out why. This is a perfect way to get a more intimate look at this fierce female film legend.
6. My Story by Marilyn Monroe
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Miss Monroe. Though she was a beauty icon, she lived a tumultuous life. Get a deeper look into what it meant to be Marilyn in this autobiography.
7. Just Kids by Patti Smith
Do you feel inspired by the bohemian scene in 1970s New York? Pick up Patti Smith’s autobiography. You’ll get to tag along on her journey as a young artist during this iconic era.
8. If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) by Betty White
Just like Betty White herself, this autobiography is witty and charming. But just because it’s entertaining doesn’t mean it’s not also wise; there are a lot of good nuggets of truth in this book.
9. Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Anyone who has been a bodybuilder, a super-famous actor, and a governor is worth reading about, in our opinion! Don’t miss Schwarzenegger’s autobiography if you want to know what it looks like to achieve.
10. Driven from Within by Michael Jordan
Need a kick-in-the-butt to work a little harder toward your goals? Read Jordan’s Autobiography. It chronicles how he became one of the best basketball players of all time and the grit and determination it took to get there.
11. Love Life by Rob Lowe
If you love Lowe’s acting, pick up his autobiography. You’ll get a fun insider look at the entertainment industry and be treated to some very candid stories.
12. Melissa Explains it All: Tales from My Abnormally Normal Life by Melissa Joan Hart
Ever wonder about the young girl behind the beloved Clarissa in Clarissa Explains it All? Grab a copy of this autobiography by Hart, who also played Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
13. UnSweetined by Jodie Sweetin
Sweetin may have played a wholesome character on Full House, but her real life was more complex. In her autobiography, she details her journey with addiction and recovery.
14. Little Girl Lost by Drew Barrymore
Fame found Drew Barrymore at a young age, but so too did drugs, alcohol, and other vices. Learn how she grew up to overcome a rough early start in her autobiography.
15. I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short
You know this Saturday Night Live alum is going to make you laugh in his cheekily-titled autobiography. You’ll learn a lot about the worlds of comedy and entertainment in this read.
16. Over the Top and Back: The Autobiography by Tom Jones
This legendary singer has had an enduring career in the music industry, and this autobiography will give you some insight into how that happened. Read to experience the mind of a celebrated artist.
17. Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson is back and better than ever. Known primarily for her time on Baywatch and as a Playboy Playmate, Anderson wrote this book to prove that she’s not just a sex icon. Read about her activism and the life she leads now in this brand-new book.
18. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
Even if you’re not into rock and roll, you’ve likely heard of Dave Grohl: former drummer of Nirvana and current frontman of the Foo Fighters. This is an excellent read if you’re looking to be inspired creatively. After all, Grohl is a masterful artist.
19. Making a Scene by Constance Wu
Famed for her role in Crazy Rich Asians, Wu is a vocal advocate of diversity in Hollywood. Read this if you’d like to advocate for more diversity wherever you work, live, or create.
20. My Body by Emily Ratajkowski
Ratajkowski is known for her stunning looks, but with her autobiography, she proves that’s not all that made her famous. Read to learn about the brilliance behind the pretty face and all the work she’s done in the name of feminism.
21. This is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe
This sassily-titled autobiography by the Academy Award-nominated star of Precious will have you feeling optimistic about mental health, inclusivity, and more.
22. Mean Baby by Selma Blair
Actress Selma Blair, known for her roles in films like Cruel Intentions, shares her inspiring story about acting and living with multiple sclerosis.
23. Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan van Ness
If you’ve ever watched JVN on Queer Eye (or on his Instagram page for that matter), there’s a 100 percent chance you’re smiling. This outspoken, cheery television host has written a beautiful autobiography about his journey toward self-acceptance.
24. Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris
You likely know Harris from How I Met Your Mother, and his autobiography proves to be just as fun and quirky as the show. Plus, it has a unique interactive format to keep you entertained.
25. Handbook for an Unpredictable Life by Rosie Perez
Perez, an actress, choreographer, and activist, is a big advocate for Puerto Rican communities. If you identify with that, give her autobiography a read. You’ll feel inspired by her push for Latinx representation.
26. The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
When you think about legendary classic actors, chances are Paul Newman is somewhere on your list. But his legacy wasn’t just cinematic, he was also a race car driver and a major philanthropist. Read his autobiography to learn more!
28. Grace Will Lead Me Home by Robin Givens
Givens is an actress and an activist, known for bringing awareness to issues of domestic violence. Read her biography to learn about the personal experiences that led to her advocacy.
28. The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is famous for the range and clarity of her voice, along with her chart-topping hits. If you want to learn how she became one of the most celebrated singers of our time, pick up her autobiography.
29. Yearbook by Seth Rogan
Seth Rogan, the actor known for his roles in Knocked Up and Superbad will make you laugh out loud as he recounts his life story and his journey into the world of comedy. Prepare for lots of ridiculous stories about doing drugs, and don’t say we didn’t warn you!
30. How Y’all Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived by Leslie Jordan
Actor and comedian famed for his role on Will and Grace, Leslie Jordan shares his humorous and witty take on his life’s adventures and his journey into Hollywood in his autobiography.
Final thoughts
There you have it! Some of the best books to read if you want to know more about your favorite celebrities. Now that you’ve been inspired by others, are you ready to write your own autobiography? If so, we’re here to help. Just schedule a book consultation to get started.
