Freida McFadden, a renowned author celebrated for her enigmatic storytelling, recently unveiled a surprising revelation about her true identity. In an exclusive statement to USA Today, McFadden disclosed that her birth name is Sara Cohen, marking a significant shift in her public persona.
Throughout her illustrious career, Cohen, under the pen name Freida McFadden, captivated audiences with gripping psychological thrillers like “The Housemaid” and “Never Lie.” Despite her literary success, she maintained a veil of anonymity, sporting a distinctive brown wig and concealing her true identity behind the pseudonym.
Explaining her choice of disguise, Cohen admitted, “I have no idea how to style my hair.” Beyond her literary pursuits, she has dedicated her professional life to treating brain disorders as a medical practitioner. Cohen meticulously safeguarded her real name to prevent any interference with her medical responsibilities until she made the decision to step back from full-time clinical work in 2023.
Reflecting on her dual roles, Cohen acknowledged the challenges of balancing her medical career with her writing endeavors. Despite her revelation, she intends to continue publishing under the pseudonym Freida McFadden, emphasizing that her authenticity and connection with readers remain unwavering.
Having launched her literary career in 2013, Cohen achieved widespread acclaim with the success of “The Housemaid” in 2022, later adapted into a hit film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Subsequent bestsellers solidified her status as a prolific author, with a new adaptation, “The Housemaid’s Secret,” slated for a 2027 release starring Kirsten Dunst alongside Sweeney.