Actresses Who Are Published Authors or Poets

Plenty of stars don’t stop at the screen—many also publish books, from children’s stories and novels to memoirs and poetry collections. Below are actresses who’ve released work through traditional publishers, often across multiple genres. You’ll find bestselling essayists, celebrated poets, and writers of picture books and thrillers. Each entry includes the kinds of details readers look for: notable titles, subject matter, and the type of writing they’re known for.

Carrie Fisher

Fisher published multiple books, including the semiautobiographical novel ‘Postcards from the Edge’ and the memoirs ‘Wishful Drinking’ and ‘The Princess Diarist.’ Her work often explores addiction, mental health, and Hollywood family dynamics with sharp, self-deprecating humor and candor. She also worked as a sought-after script doctor, rewriting and polishing screenplays for studios. Several of her books have been reissued with new forewords and bonus material reflecting on her legacy.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore’s memoirs ‘Little Girl Lost’ and ‘Wildflower’ trace her early fame, family history, and journey to adulthood. She has also written lifestyle-forward reflections that blend personal essays with snapshots from her career and entrepreneurship. Her books frequently land on bestseller lists and are featured in celebrity book clubs. Audiobook editions are narrated by Barrymore, adding behind-the-scenes context in her own voice.

Lauren Graham

Graham authored the novel ‘Someday, Someday, Maybe’ about a young actor navigating New York City, drawing on her early-career experiences. She’s also known for essay collections like ‘Talking as Fast as I Can’ and ‘Have I Told You This Already?’ that cover on-set stories, craft, and creative life. Her writing balances practical advice with humor and industry insight. Graham’s books are widely available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats.

Mindy Kaling

Kaling’s essay collections ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’ and ‘Why Not Me?’ combine personal anecdotes with workplace and cultural commentary. She often writes about writing rooms, representation, and the realities of building a career in comedy. Kaling has also created and produced original fiction projects, extending her voice beyond print. Her books are commonly assigned in classes on humor writing and media studies for their accessible tone.

Tina Fey

Fey’s ‘Bossypants’ became a breakout nonfiction bestseller, blending memoir with observations about improv, television production, and leadership. The book includes practical sections on writing sketch comedy and navigating male-dominated rooms. Readers often cite its chapters on mentorship and work-life balance for actionable takeaways. The audiobook, read by Fey, includes additional live material recorded at events.

Gabrielle Union

Union’s collections ‘We’re Going to Need More Wine’ and ‘You Got Anything Stronger?’ address identity, fertility journeys, and Hollywood’s expectations of women. She writes about advocacy, family-building, and navigating the business as a Black woman. Union has also authored children’s picture books with themes of confidence and self-love. Her titles frequently appear in community and campus reading programs tied to social issues.

Reese Witherspoon

Witherspoon’s lifestyle book ‘Whiskey in a Teacup’ shares family recipes, home traditions, and Southern cultural practices. She includes hosting tips, DIY projects, and personal stories that connect to food and community. The book complements her broader literary advocacy through a popular reading club spotlighting women authors. Companion materials like recipe cards and event guides are often used for book-club gatherings.

Krysten Ritter

Ritter wrote the psychological thriller ‘Bonfire,’ which follows an environmental lawyer returning to her hometown to investigate corporate misconduct. The novel blends small-town secrets with legal intrigue and atmospheric suspense. It was published by a major imprint and translated into multiple languages. Ritter has discussed outlining and research methods in interviews, offering insight into her fiction process.

Anjelica Huston

Huston’s two-part memoir—‘A Story Lately Told’ and ‘Watch Me’—documents a childhood in an artistic family and a career spanning modeling and film. She writes extensively about craft, collaboration with directors, and the evolution of roles for women. The books offer portraits of creative communities in London, New York, and Hollywood. Detailed indexes and photo sections provide historical context for the periods she describes.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Curtis is a prolific children’s author with picture books such as ‘Today I Feel Silly’ and ‘Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born.’ Her stories emphasize emotional literacy, adoption, and family structures in approachable language. Longtime collaborator Laura Cornell illustrates many of the titles, giving them a distinctive visual identity. Educators frequently use her books in classroom lessons about feelings and self-expression.

Lupita Nyong’o

Nyong’o’s picture book ‘Sulwe’ centers on a girl who learns about self-worth and colorism through a magical journey. The story has been praised for its lyrical text and inclusive messaging. It includes author’s notes and educator guides that support discussions of beauty standards and identity. ‘Sulwe’ has been adapted for supplemental reading programs and translated for international audiences.

Amber Tamblyn

Tamblyn is an established poet with collections like ‘Bang Ditto’ and ‘Dark Sparkler,’ the latter examining the lives of deceased Hollywood actresses. Her work appears in literary journals and often fuses performance with written text. She also writes essays on gender politics and the entertainment industry. Tamblyn’s readings and festival appearances frequently pair poetry with panel discussions on advocacy.

Demi Moore

Moore’s memoir ‘Inside Out’ details family history, career milestones, and recovery, supported by extensive personal archives. The book covers formative roles, health challenges, and relationships with a focus on resilience. It includes photographs and documents that deepen the narrative’s authenticity. The memoir sparked wide media coverage and book-club conversations about boundaries and self-narration.

Taraji P. Henson

Henson’s memoir ‘Around the Way Girl’ chronicles her path from Washington, D.C., to stage and screen success. She writes about drama school, single motherhood, and persistence in an industry with limited opportunities. The book includes behind-the-scenes looks at auditions and character preparation. Henson also addresses pay equity and advocacy, themes she continues to speak about publicly.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Chopra Jonas authored the memoir ‘Unfinished,’ mapping her journey from pageants and Bollywood to global projects. The narrative discusses family influences, cross-cultural transitions, and producing work across markets. She provides career insights on brand-building and philanthropic initiatives. International editions include region-specific forewords and photo inserts.

Gillian Anderson

Anderson co-wrote the science-fiction series beginning with ‘A Vision of Fire,’ blending geopolitics with paranormal phenomena. She has also co-authored ‘WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere,’ a wellness and empowerment guide. Her fiction features recurring investigative elements and global settings. Anderson participates in book-tour conversations about collaboration and research, often with her co-writers.

Julie Andrews

Andrews has authored numerous children’s books and the memoirs ‘Home’ and ‘Home Work,’ many co-written with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. Her picture books and early readers prioritize creativity, music, and kindness. The duo also produces guides for young writers and resources for families and educators. Andrews’ titles are staples in libraries and literacy programs.

Evangeline Lilly

Lilly created the children’s series ‘The Squickerwonkers,’ a darkly whimsical set of cautionary tales. The books are illustrated with a Victorian-theater aesthetic and focus on character foibles and consequences. She has presented the series at comic conventions and literary festivals, emphasizing world-building. Special editions and companion art prints are popular with collectors.

Alyssa Milano

Milano authored the ‘Hope’ series for middle-grade readers, featuring a socially engaged protagonist navigating school and activism. She also published the essay collection ‘Sorry Not Sorry,’ addressing politics, advocacy, and personal experience. Her books include discussion questions and resources designed for classroom or book-club use. Milano often partners with nonprofits to align releases with civic-engagement campaigns.

Mary-Louise Parker

Parker’s ‘Dear Mr. You’ is a memoir told through letters to significant figures—some real, some imagined—across her life. The structure allows her to explore themes of family, art, and vulnerability in a literary format. The book is frequently cited for its stylistic approach and lyrical prose. Audiobook and print editions both include curated epigraphs and interludes that frame each section.

Emma Thompson

Thompson has written multiple children’s books in Beatrix Potter’s world, including ‘The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit’ and ‘The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit.’ She has also published ‘The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit’ and tie-in books related to ‘Nanny McPhee.’ Her stories emphasize character, wit, and classic storytelling structures for young readers. Special editions often include author notes about adapting beloved characters for modern audiences.

Shirley MacLaine

MacLaine has authored numerous memoirs and spiritual explorations, including ‘Out on a Limb,’ ‘Dancing in the Light,’ and ‘Sage-ing While Age-ing.’ Her books chronicle film work alongside travel, personal growth, and philosophical inquiry. Several titles incorporate diaries, letters, and photographs from decades in the industry. Updated editions add prefaces that contextualize earlier experiences with later perspectives.

Bella Thorne

Thorne released the poetry collection ‘The Life of a Wannabe Mogul: Mental Disarray’ and a YA novel series beginning with ‘Autumn Falls.’ Her poetry addresses themes of identity, relationships, and self-reinvention. The ‘Autumn’ books follow a teen protagonist confronting family mysteries and new powers. Printings include author Q&As and playlists tied to chapters.

Cameron Diaz

Diaz co-authored ‘The Body Book’ and ‘The Longevity Book,’ which combine health science research with practical routines. The texts cover nutrition, exercise, sleep, and aging, with interviews from medical experts. Both works include worksheets and goal-setting sections for readers. International editions adapt resources and recommended reading lists to local guidelines.

Hilary Duff

Duff’s ‘Elixir’ launched a paranormal romance trilogy that continues with ‘Devoted’ and ‘True.’ The series follows a young photographer entangled with immortality, family secrets, and a centuries-old connection. She has also written picture books for children that focus on family and belonging. Paperback editions include bonus excerpts and discussion questions.

Keke Palmer

Palmer authored ‘I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice,’ blending memoir with practical guidance for young adults. She later released the picture book ‘Big Boss,’ expanding on entrepreneurial themes from her music-film project. Her writing addresses creative agency, boundaries, and self-definition in the entertainment industry. Audiobook versions feature Palmer performing reflective interludes.

Diane Keaton

Keaton has written the memoirs ‘Then Again’ and ‘Brother & Sister,’ as well as the essay collection ‘Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty.’ Her books blend family history, archival photographs, and reflections on design and image-making. She also curated visual projects that examine architecture and collecting. The texts include acknowledgments of long-term collaborators and preservation partners.

Brooke Shields

Shields authored ‘Down Came the Rain,’ a memoir on postpartum depression, and later ‘There Was a Little Girl,’ about family and public life. She has also written children’s books that highlight resilience and confidence. Her works often include resource lists and afterwords from medical professionals and educators. New editions provide updates on advocacy and outreach.

Molly Ringwald

Ringwald published the novel-in-stories ‘When It Happens to You’ and the nonfiction ‘Getting the Pretty Back.’ She has also translated literature from French, including ‘Lie with Me’ by Philippe Besson. Her fiction examines relationships, parenting, and moral choices with linked narratives. Author tours frequently pair readings with conversations about translation and acting craft.

Julie Walters

Walters wrote the novel ‘Maggie’s Tree’ and the memoir ‘That’s Another Story.’ Her fiction follows a group of friends navigating grief, creativity, and loyalty. She discusses performance training, stage roots, and ensemble work in her life writing. Paperback editions include reading-group guides and author interviews.

Pamela Anderson

Anderson’s memoir ‘Love, Pamela’ traces early life, fame, and activism, and she previously published the hybrid photo-poetry book ‘Raw.’ She has also written novels and lifestyle reflections that incorporate journals and imagery. Her books include archival photos and personal documents that map career phases. Recent editions add contextual timelines and notes on restoration of materials.

Rose McGowan

McGowan’s ‘Brave’ recounts her upbringing, career, and advocacy, with appended resources on reporting and support. The book documents industry structures and personal experiences that motivated her public work. She has also released manifestos and multimedia projects aligned with the text’s themes. International versions include additional endnotes on legal frameworks and outreach.

Lena Dunham

Dunham’s ‘Not That Kind of Girl’ collects essays about adolescence, creative work, and health, structured as personal lessons. She has edited and contributed to literary zines and online journals, expanding topics introduced in the book. The print edition includes illustrations and curated reading lists. The audiobook features live excerpts recorded during tour events.

Sally Field

Field’s memoir ‘In Pieces’ covers early family history, acting training, and landmark roles. She details collaboration with directors and the process of character work across stage and screen. The book draws on personal letters and therapy notes to anchor chronology. A photo insert documents costumes, scripts, and family moments.

Miranda July

July, also known for film work, is the author of ‘No One Belongs Here More Than You’ and the novel ‘The First Bad Man.’ Her writing blends offbeat scenarios with intimate psychological detail. She has published art books and scripts that extend the themes of her fiction. Museum programs often pair her readings with performance and installation.

Judy Greer

Greer’s memoir ‘I Don’t Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star’ offers behind-the-scenes accounts of long-term character work. She writes about auditioning, set etiquette, and balancing television and film schedules. The book includes practical tips for working actors and annotated filmographies. A companion audiobook features bonus Q&A segments.

Issa Rae

Rae authored ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,’ expanding on her web series with essays about identity, tech, and media. She details early DIY production methods and community-building strategies. The book includes lists, scripts, and prompts that reflect her digital-first approach. Educators use it in courses on new media and entrepreneurship.

Busy Philipps

Philipps’s memoir ‘This Will Only Hurt a Little’ compiles journals, timelines, and production artifacts from multiple series and films. She documents career pivots, health events, and collaborative dynamics. The book includes annotated photos and a resources section on creative resilience. Subsequent printings add a reader’s guide for book clubs.

Betty White

White wrote several books, including ‘If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t),’ ‘Here We Go Again,’ and ‘Betty & Friends.’ Her works mix career anecdotes with animal-welfare advocacy and archival photos. She documents shifts in television production from live broadcasts to multi-camera formats. Later editions include tributes and expanded image captions.

Amy Poehler

Poehler’s ‘Yes Please’ blends memoir, humor pieces, and practical notes on improvisation and collaboration. The book features contributions from colleagues and family alongside archival images. She includes exercises and checklists adapted from training environments. The audiobook incorporates live recordings and cameo readings from creative partners.

What other author-actresses would you add to this list—share your favorites in the comments!