5 Surprising Truths About Miranda Cosgrove And Jennette McCurdy's Friendship Today

The friendship between Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy has been a subject of intense public curiosity for over a decade, especially since McCurdy’s departure from acting and the release of her explosive memoir. As of December 2025, the two former co-stars maintain a strong, loving bond that transcends their divergent career paths and the trauma detailed in McCurdy's bestselling book.

Their relationship, forged during their formative years on the set of the hit Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly, remains one of Hollywood's most enduring—and complicated—childhood friendships. Despite McCurdy's decision to skip the Paramount+ revival and her candid revelations about her time as a child star, Cosgrove has consistently offered support and love, confirming that their connection is still "strong" and meaningful.

The Complete Biography and Career Timeline of the iCarly Duo

Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy met as young teenagers and quickly became the faces of a new generation of Nickelodeon stars. Their respective biographies highlight a shared history in the demanding world of child acting, but also distinct personal and professional trajectories.

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Miranda Cosgrove (Carly Shay)

• Full Name: Miranda Taylor Cosgrove
• Born: May 14, 1993 (Los Angeles, California)
• Career Highlights: Rose to fame as the mischievous Megan Parker on Drake & Josh (2004–2007) before landing the lead role of Carly Shay on iCarly (2007–2012). She was once the highest-paid child actress on television. Her music career includes the album Sparks Fly. She currently stars in and produces the iCarly revival on Paramount+.
• Education: Attended the University of Southern California (USC).

Jennette McCurdy (Sam Puckett)

• Full Name: Jennette Michelle Faye McCurdy
• Born: June 26, 1992 (Long Beach, California)
• Career Highlights: Known for her role as the rebellious Sam Puckett on iCarly and the short-lived spin-off Sam & Cat (2013–2014) alongside Ariana Grande. She has since retired from acting to focus on writing and directing.
• Major Work: Author of the critically acclaimed and controversial memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died (2022), which details her mother’s abuse, eating disorders, and the alleged toxic environment at Nickelodeon.

The original run of iCarly spanned five years, during which Cosgrove and McCurdy spent nearly every day together, forming a bond that McCurdy herself described as "sisterly" and deeply emotional, particularly their final goodbye on set.

Jennette McCurdy’s Memoir and Miranda Cosgrove’s Supportive Reaction

The release of I'm Glad My Mom Died in 2022 brought intense scrutiny to the working conditions at Nickelodeon and the personal struggles of its young stars. The book, which became a number-one New York Times bestseller, is a raw account of McCurdy’s life, but it also paints a clear picture of her positive relationship with Cosgrove.

McCurdy's memoir confirms that while she experienced a toxic environment and felt shame and exploitation, her friendship with her co-star, Miranda Cosgrove, was a genuine source of light.

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When asked about the book's difficult claims and the trauma McCurdy endured, Miranda Cosgrove offered a deeply empathetic and protective response. She expressed that she was unaware of the extent of Jennette’s suffering during their time on the show. Cosgrove has publicly stated that she admires McCurdy's bravery in sharing her story.

Cosgrove's reaction was one of pure support, emphasizing that McCurdy is a "good friend" and that she is proud of her for speaking her truth. This public endorsement put to rest any rumors that the memoir had strained their bond, instead showcasing a friendship mature enough to handle painful and honest revelations about their shared past.

Why Jennette McCurdy Did Not Join the iCarly Revival

One of the most frequently asked questions among fans of the original series was whether Jennette McCurdy would reprise her iconic role as Sam Puckett in the 2021 iCarly revival on Paramount+. McCurdy's decision not to return was a professional choice rooted in her personal healing journey, not a personal conflict with her former co-stars.

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A Decision Rooted in Healing

Jennette McCurdy has been transparent about her reasons for stepping away from acting. She has spoken candidly about feeling "ashamed" of her previous roles and the emotional toll that her career took on her, which she details extensively in I'm Glad My Mom Died. She has fully transitioned into a new career as a writer and director, finding fulfillment behind the camera instead of in front of it.

Cosgrove, who is an executive producer on the revival, confirmed that she personally reached out to McCurdy to offer her a role. However, she fully respected McCurdy's decision, understanding that her friend had moved on from that chapter of her life.

Honoring the Sam and Carly Friendship

Despite Sam's absence, the iCarly revival has made a conscious effort to honor the deep friendship between Carly Shay and Sam Puckett. The show addresses Sam's whereabouts early on, explaining that the character is off traveling with a biker gang, a nod to Sam’s rebellious nature.

Miranda Cosgrove has confirmed that the spirit of Sam is still very much a part of Carly's life, and that the writers worked hard to ensure the friendship felt respected, even in her physical absence. This creative choice further reinforces the real-life bond between the two actresses.

The Current State of Their Enduring Bond

The current relationship between Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy is characterized by mutual respect, admiration, and a shared history that few people can truly understand. They are no longer the teenagers filming a sitcom every day, but their connection remains strong.

• Genuine Love: Cosgrove has repeatedly stated her enduring love for McCurdy, describing her as a supportive presence during their childhood. She told the press that she will "always love Jennette."
• Infrequent Contact: While the bond is strong, they are not in daily contact. As adults with separate lives and careers—Cosgrove in the *iCarly* revival and McCurdy focused on writing—they don't see each other as often as they did during the Nickelodeon years.
• Mutual Admiration: McCurdy has always spoken highly of Cosgrove, often calling her a "kind" and "supportive" person, a stark contrast to the other negative experiences she details from her time as a child star.

The story of Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy is not one of a typical Hollywood feud, but rather a mature friendship that has weathered the storms of childhood fame, personal trauma, and divergent career paths. Their bond stands as a testament to the powerful connection they forged as young girls navigating an extraordinary world together, a connection that continues to thrive today.