Freida McFadden Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images The Housemaid author Freida McFadden, who delivers twists and turns in her bestselling thrillers, has been keeping a mystery of her own — until now.
In an interview with USA Today, the author publicly revealed her true identity for the first time after using a pseudonym for her books.
“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,” the author said. “I am a real person, and I have a real identity, and I don’t have anything to hide.”
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Her real name is Sara Cohen, and in addition to being an author she’s also a physician who treats brain disorders.
Also known for her signature bob and glasses, the author confirms that she does wear glasses but her hair is a wig simply because, “I have no idea how to style my hair.”
The reason Cohen created the pseudonym in the first place was because she didn’t want her writing and medical career to conflict.
“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,” Cohen explained.
However, in late 2023, Cohen stopped working as a physician full-time: “But I have stepped away from my job. I’m only working like once or twice a month.”
“I just realized I was completely overwhelmed from trying to do both,” she adds.
The hospital staff was privy to her double life as an author and kept her true identity a secret. Despite coming forward publicly with her name, Cohen assures that everything else she has shared has been true and she will continue to publish with her McFadden pseudonym.
“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 them has been the truth,” Cohen said. “Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I’ve always been genuine with my readers.”
The Housemaid, the first in a trilogy, was first published in 2022 with the psychological thriller later adapted into a feature film starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Morrone.
The film opened to $19 million before grossing $125 million domestically and nearly $400 million globally at the box office. Lionsgate announced that Paul Feig would direct the sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, which will have a theatrical release on Dec. 17, 2027. The adaptation of Freida McFadden’s novel sees Sweeney reprise her role, while Kirsten Dunst joins the franchise. Morrone will also return.
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