Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Jennifer Aniston in Controversial Role: Fans Divided Over 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' Adaptation

Jennifer Aniston will play Jennette McCurdy 's mother in a new series based on Jennette's book I'm Glad My Mom Died; seen September 15, 2024

JENNIFER ANISTON TO PLAY JENNETTE McCURDY'S ABUSIVE MOTHER IN APPLE TV+ DRAMEDY

In a shocking casting move, Friends icon Jennifer Aniston is set to play Jennette McCurdy's mother in an upcoming Apple TV+ series based on the former child star's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died. The 56-year-old actress will also serve as executive producer for the project, which promises to be a wild ride into the troubled world of a Hollywood family.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennette McCurdy, now 33, and writer Ari Katcher will serve as showrunners for the drama-comedy series. The show is inspired by Jennette's best-selling memoir, which details her traumatic childhood with her domineering stage mother Debbie.

Jenette published the memoir in 2022, nine years after her mother's death

The book was a massive hit, dominating the New York Times Best Seller list for an astonishing 52 weeks. In celebration of the one-year anniversary of its release, Jennette took to social media to thank fans and express gratitude for the opportunity to tell her story.

But Jennette's memoir is more than just a tale of a tumultuous childhood – it's a searing exposé of the dark secrets that lurked beneath the surface of her family's seemingly perfect facade. Debbie McCurdy, Jennette's mother, was infamous for her controlling behavior and emotional abuse, which left deep scars on her daughter.

In a jaw-dropping revelation, Jennette has revealed in a recent podcast episode that her mother would shower with her until she was 17 years old, performing breast and vaginal exams under the guise of checking for cancer. The experience left Jennette feeling uncomfortable, violated, and trapped.

As Jennette grew older, Debbie's grip on her only tightened. She forced Jennette to count calories daily, measuring her thighs with a measuring tape in a desperate attempt to stave off puberty. This toxic relationship ultimately led to Jennette developing an eating disorder, which she struggled with for years.

But now, Jennette is ready to confront the demons of her past head-on, and Apple TV+ has greenlit her project as part of their ongoing commitment to telling powerful stories that need to be told.

As Jennifer Aniston steps into the role of Debbie McCurdy, fans are divided on the casting choice. Some believe it will bring her a Golden Globe award, while others predict a Demi Moore-esque career renaissance. One fan even joked that this could be "the role of her lifetime" for Jennie, given her stuck-in-the-Rachel-Green- phase reputation.

While some may question Jennifer's acting range in a serious dramatic role, it's undeniable that she has the talent and charisma to bring Debbie McCurdy to life. With Ari Katcher and Jennette at the helm as showrunners, this series promises to be a must-watch event.

As TheScholarlyNote.com goes live with this explosive casting news, fans are buzzing with excitement. Will Jennifer Aniston's performance as Debbie McCurdy be her crowning achievement? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this drama-comedy series has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of TV.

Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy story!

Fans were divided on the Jennifer casting news, with some calling the move that will bring Jennifer a Golden Globe award

The tell-all explores the star's disturbing relationship with her domineering stage mother Debbie, who passed away in 2013 from cancer; Jenette seen with her mom Debbie in 2009

The Friends star will also serve as the executive producer and Jenette and Ari Katcher will be the showrunners, according to The Hollywood Reporter

The actress rose to fame on the Nickelodeon shows iCarly and Sam And Cat, only to eventually quit acting as an adult in 2017; seen in 2022

In 2023, McCurdy celebrated the book's — which dominated the New York Times Best Seller list for 52 weeks — one year anniversary by thanking those who've given her the opportunity to tell her story and deal with grief in her own way