Debra McCurdy, mom of 'iCarly' actress Jennette McCurdy, dies "iCarly" actress Jennette McCurdy attends the 2013 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on September 15, 2013. The Primetime Emmy Awards are presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American primetime television. 20 (UPI) -- Debra McCurdy, the mother of U.S. actress Jennette McCurdy, has died after a long battle with breast cancer, TMZ reported Friday. Debra was first diagnosed with the disease 17 years ago. It went into remission but returned and spread throughout her body, including her brain, in 2010, the celebrity news website said. Where she died Friday and how old she was were not reported. Jennette, 21, is best known for her work on the Nickelodeon shows "Sam & Cat" and "iCarly." She has canceled public appearances this weekend so she can grieve for her mom, TMZ said.