Nickelodeon Star Jennette McCurdy’s Mom Dies Of Cancer — So Sad

What a tragedy. 'iCarly' and 'Sam & Cat' star Jennette McCurdy's mom died on Sept. 20 after a long battle with breast cancer. Jennette McCurdy is devastated by the loss of her mother, Debra McCurdy, whom she was very close to all her life. Debra fought cancer for 17 years before passing away on Sept. 20.

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September 20, 2013 8:50PM EDT
Jennette McCurdy Mom Died
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Jennette McCurdy’s Mom Died — Debra McCurdy Dead After 17-Year Cancer Battle

What a blow. After Debra’s cancer went into remission and she had been living cancer-free for more than 15 years, Jennette, 21, thought her mom had survived the worst. But the cancer came back in 2010 and spread throughout her body, making its way to her brain, according to TMZ.

Jennette was scheduled to host Nickelodean’s Worldwide Day of Play in New York City on Sept. 21, but TMZ is reporting that she had to cancel.

Poor Jennette must be beside herself as it’s clear her mom meant the world to her. Thankfully, she has the support of her friends, family and boyfriend, NBA Detroit Pistons’ player Andre Drummond, to get her through this. 

Nickelodeon is also standing by the young star, saying in a statement to HollywoodLife.com:

“We are deeply saddened to learn that Debbie McCurdy, Jennette McCurdy’s mother, passed away. Much like her daughter, Debbie’s strength was an inspiration to everyone who knew her, especially those of us at Nickelodeon who considered her family. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Jennette and her loved ones.”

Jennette McCurdy Opens Up About Her Mother’s Cancer In ‘Wall Street Journal’ Article

Jennette was dedicated to sharing her mother’s story with the world, and she even wrote an article called “Off-Camera, My Mom’s Fight With Cancer,” which was published in the Wall Street Journal in June, 2011. The article gave a detailed description of Debra’s long battle with cancer and revealed how she and her family coped with it. Jennette also offered suggestions for people who have a loved one who has cancer.

“I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for my mother to tolerate all she has gone through and continues to go through – the pain, the worry and the battle,” Jennette writes in the article. “She wakes up every day hurting and goes to sleep hurting even more. My mother, the constant optimist and effervescent, sprightly woman I know her to be, is caged along with this hideous beast they call cancer.”

We hope Jennette will take comfort in knowing her mother no longer has to suffer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jennette and her family during this difficult time.

— Tierney McAfee

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