The Housemaid author Freida McFadden unveils real identity after 23 years
Topics: TV And Film, Books, Celebrity, US News, Entertainment
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Manoli Figetakis/WireImage
Topics: TV And Film, Books, Celebrity, US News, Entertainment
The best-selling author known as 'Freida McFadden' has revealed her true identity.
In a brand new interview, the genius behind The Housemaid claimed she's grown 'tired' of using a pseudonym and wearing a full-fledged disguise to attend red carpet events.
It’s long been known among bookworms that 'McFadden' isn't the writer's real name, and that she chose it to protect her identity.
She previously revealed the decision was based on the high-profile, powerful job she holds away from writing, telling Open Book podcast host Jenna Bush Hager back in December: "It's very hard. I see all these authors doing these huge book tours, which I never do. I feel so bad that I never do it."
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Speaking to USA Today this week, however, the writer claimed she'd had enough of living a lie following a 23-year side hustle as one of the world's most successful thriller writers.
Astonishingly, 'McFadden' began by revealing that her real name is actually Sara Cohen.
"I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret," Cohen, 45, confessed. "I'm tired of people debating if I'm a real person or if I'm three men. I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don't have anything to hide."
When she's not writing a head-spinning murder mystery, Cohen works as a doctor who specialises in treating brain disorders.
Until now, she has balanced her high-stakes hospital role with her literature career.
"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.
Prior to coming forward of her own accord, Cohen claims a number of her co-workers figured out she was 'Frieda McFadden'.
Thankfully, she claims, they were 'really nice about it', and had agreed to keep her secret.
The New York Times best-selling writer also insisted her real life is 'so much more boring than anything that happens in my books'.
At the premiere for the A-list movie adaptation of her most popular novel, The Housemaid, in December, Cohen wore a hairpiece she has since confirmed is a wig, which she paired with a simple black plunge dress, matching blazer and burgundy scarf.
She also wore a pair of glasses that she confirmed this week she does, in fact, need.
"I have no idea how to style my hair," Cohen went on to joke.
Despite coming forward with her real name, she insisted she still wants to go by 'Frieda McFadden' in the book world, claiming she's still the same writer her fans have followed for years.
"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 continued. "Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will.
"I've always been genuine with my readers."