After years of speculation and mystery surrounding her persona, bestselling author Freida McFadden has finally revealed her true identity. In a candid interview, McFadden disclosed that she is actually Dr. Sara Cohen, a physician specializing in brain disorders.
"I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret," McFadden told USA Today. "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."
The author, best known for her psychological thriller The Housemaid, explained that she originally adopted the pseudonym to separate her literary career from her medical profession. Her writing journey began with 2013's The Devil Wears Scrubs, and she wanted to ensure her patients and colleagues didn't view her differently.
"My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was ready to step back from my doctor job," she said, "so it wouldn't be like everyone I work with suddenly knew and it compromised my ability to do my job."
McFadden transitioned from full-time medical practice in 2023, citing the overwhelming demands of maintaining both careers simultaneously. While some colleagues eventually discovered her secret identity, she noted they were "really nice about it" and helped maintain her privacy.
The author confirmed that while her signature glasses are authentic, the hairstyles she's known for are indeed wigs. "I have no idea how to style my hair," she admitted with characteristic humor.
Despite the revelation, McFadden emphasized that her connection with readers remains genuine. "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," she reflected. "Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I've always been genuine with my readers."
Looking ahead, McFadden's next novel, The Divorce, is scheduled for release in May. Meanwhile, the film adaptation of The Housemaid continues to expand, with a sequel currently in development featuring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Kirsten Dunst.