Freida McFadden Unmasked: The Author Behind the Bestsellers Reveals Her Real Name
For years, readers have been captivated by the thrilling novels penned by Freida McFadden, the bestselling author of hits like The Housemaid. Behind the pseudonym and a carefully constructed public persona, a secret identity was carefully guarded. Now, the author has finally decided to step into the light, revealing her true name: Sara Cohen.
Years of Speculation Come to an End
McFadden, known for appearing in public with a wig and glasses, has long fueled speculation about the person behind the pen. In a recent interview with USA Today, Cohen explained her decision to reveal her identity. “I’m at a point in my career when I’m tired of this being a secret. I’m tired of people debating if I’m a real person or if I’m three men,” she stated. “I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don’t have anything to hide.”
A Doctor’s Double Life
The revelation that Freida McFadden is, in fact, Sara Cohen, a 45-year-old doctor specializing in brain disorders, adds another layer of intrigue to her story. Cohen initially chose anonymity for practical reasons, aiming to keep her writing career separate from her demanding medical profession. “My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was [ready to] step back from my doctor job, so it wouldn’t be like everyone I work with suddenly knew and it compromised my ability to do my job,” she explained.
Fortunately, her colleagues eventually discovered her double life and were supportive, respecting her privacy. Cohen, who resides in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children, has since reduced her medical work to occasional shifts, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing both careers.
From Self-Published Beginnings to Global Success
Cohen’s writing journey began in 2013 with the self-published novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs. However, it was The Housemaid, released in 2022, that catapulted her to widespread commercial success. To date, she has authored 27 novels, selling tens of millions of copies worldwide.
The popularity of The Housemaid led to a film adaptation starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, grossing nearly $400 million (£300m) globally. A sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, is currently in development, with Sweeney reprising her role alongside Kirsten Dunst. You can learn more about the film adaptation on IMDb.
Remaining True to Her Readers
Despite revealing her true identity, Cohen plans to continue publishing under the established pen name of Freida McFadden. “Even though I haven’t told my real name until now, I feel like I have shared the real me all along and everything I’ve told [readers] has been the truth,” she said. “Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I’ve always been genuine with my readers.”
This revelation marks a new chapter for the author, allowing her to connect with her fans on a more personal level while continuing to deliver the thrilling stories they’ve come to expect from Freida McFadden.
