Nicole Avant, former U.S. ambassador and accomplished film producer, has released a powerful memoir "Think You'll Be Happy" that chronicles her path through profound personal loss while celebrating her parents' enduring impact.
The memoir details the tragic night in 2021 when her mother Jacqueline Avant, a respected Los Angeles philanthropist and activist, was fatally shot during a home invasion. Rather than focusing solely on loss, Avant crafted a narrative about embracing life's full journey.
"My mom lived a life, and she lived a great life of 81 years, and she was purposeful with her life and positive with her life," Avant shared during a recent CBS Mornings interview. She emphasized her mother's dedication to children's programs and the arts.
The timing of her mother's passing coincided with another family loss - her husband Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, lost his father just days prior. The couple made a conscious decision to face their grief together, with Avant noting they pledged not to let tragedy damage their marriage.
In 2023, Avant experienced another profound loss when her father, legendary music executive Clarence Avant, passed away at 92. Sarandos, who was present for Clarence's final moments, described it as an intimate and meaningful experience.
The couple's personal journey has also influenced their professional collaboration. Their latest project includes "Six Triple Eight," a film Avant produced that found its home on Netflix. Sarandos continues expanding Netflix's offerings, with plans for more live streaming events following their 2024 Christmas NFL games.
Through her memoir, Avant hopes to normalize conversations about death as part of life's natural cycle. "My mom would always say, we all talk about the circle of life, and then we put death outside of the circle, but death is inside of the circle," she reflected, aiming to help others feel less alone in their grief journey.