Jennette Michelle Faye McCurdy (born June 26, 1992) is an American director, producer, writer, singer-songwriter, and former actress. She is known for her acting career, notably playing Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly (2007–2012) and its spin-off series Sam & Cat (2013–2014). She has also appeared in a number of other television series, including Malcolm in the Middle (2003–2005), Zoey 101 (2005), Lincoln Heights (2007), True Jackson, VP (2009–2010), Victorious (2012), and Between (2015–2016). She also produced, wrote, and starred in her own web series titled What's Next for Sarah? (2014).
In music, McCurdy independently released her debut single "So Close" in 2009. She released her debut extended play, Not That Far Away, in 2010. McCurdy's eponymous second extended play was released in 2012, followed by her eponymous debut studio album later that year. Its lead single "Generation Love" debuted at number 57 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number 44.
In 2017, McCurdy quit acting to pursue a career in writing and directing. She returned to acting in February and March 2020 with her tragicomedy one-woman show "I'm Glad My Mom Died" in theaters in Los Angeles and New York City; plans for further dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She later confirmed in March 2021 on her podcast Empty Inside in an interview with Anna Faris that she does not foresee herself ever returning to acting.