McCurdy's Sam Puckett, a one-girl wrecking crew who nevertheless manages to do the right thing, was a popular element of the series and garnered the young performer several kid-oriented acting nominations. Her success also inspired her to try her hand at a music career, which was met with modest popularity. McCurdy's appeal on numerous fronts seemed to indicate that she was an up-and-coming talent whose true potential seemed limitless.
Born June 26, 1992, Jennette Michelle Faye McCurdy grew up with her parents and three older brothers in Garden Grove, CA. While still very young, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, which required her to be away from the family home for weeks on end while undergoing treatment. To help distract McCurdy from the pain and fear she was experiencing, her brothers did their best to preoccupy her. Among their favorite ways of bonding was over movies, and "Star Wars" (1977) was a particular hit in the McCurdy household. The film not only gave the family a great deal of joy when it was needed, but also served as inspiration for McCurdy to try her hand at acting. The youngster was wowed by Harrison Ford's bravura performance as Han Solo, and once her mother had recovered from her illness, McCurdy announced to her that she too wanted to pursue this particular craft. Though her mother had her initial doubts - McCurdy suffered from a persistent shyness - her daughter's persistence eventually led to finding an agent and guest appearances on television series like "MADtv" (Fox, 1995-2009) and "Malcolm in the Middle" (Fox, 2000-06).
Almost out of the gate, McCurdy earned a Young Artist Award for a 2005 guest appearance on "Strong Medicine" (Lifetime, 2000-06). She also logged minor roles in several feature films - the most prominent of these being "Hollywood Homicide" (2003) opposite her acting idol, Harrison Ford. In 2007, she gained her widest exposure as the irascible Sam Puckett, best friend to Miranda Cosgrove's precocious web show hostess on "iCarly." Though loyal to Carly, Sam was a bit of a wild card as preteens go; prone to fight and even harass others, she could be counted on to raise a ruckus at the drop of a hat. But Sam had her positive side as well, and frequently rose to the occasion when a best friend was in need.
McCurdy's "iCarly" performance was singled out by fans and critics alike for its energy and off-kilter charm, and she received a 2008 Young Artist Award nomination and a 2009 Teen Choice Award nomination for her performance. McCurdy also received a Young Artist Award nod for her turn in the broadly comic Nickelodeon Original Movie, "The Last Day of Summer" (2007).
In addition to her acting career McCurdy made significant strides to become a country singer. Her first single, "So Close," reached No. 16 on the iTunes Country chart in 2009, and was followed by a cover of Amanda Stott's "Homeless Heart," which went to No. 43. Portions of the proceeds from its iTunes sales went to a foundation created in the memory of a terminally ill girl she had befriended through St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. In mid-2009, McCurdy announced that she had signed a deal to record for Capitol Records Nashville.