Best-Selling Author Freida McFadden Reveals Her True Identity

The 'Housemaid' writer says she's tired of the secret and is ready to share her real name and profession.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of the embossed, metallic cover of a hardback book, capturing the high-contrast, glamorous textures associated with the publishing industry.The reveal of a best-selling author's true identity sheds light on the often private lives of writers and the challenges of balancing creative pursuits with professional careers.Los Angeles Today

Freida McFadden, the author of the hit novel 'The Housemaid', has revealed that her real name is Sara Cohen and that she works as a brain doctor when not writing books. Cohen said she's at a point in her career where she's 'tired of this being a secret' and wants to be open about her true identity.

Why it matters

The revelation that a popular author has been using a pseudonym sheds light on the often private lives of writers and the reasons they may choose to conceal their real identities. It also highlights the challenges of balancing creative pursuits with professional careers.

The details

Cohen, who writes under the pen name Freida McFadden, said she took a break from her medical practice a year after publishing 'The Housemaid' in 2022. She tried to keep the pseudonym under wraps, but her co-workers eventually found out. Luckily, they agreed to keep her author identity a secret. Cohen said her goal was to maintain the secret until she was ready to step back from her doctor job, so it wouldn't compromise her ability to do her work.

  • Cohen published 'The Housemaid' in 2022.
  • She took a break from her medical practice a year after publishing the book.

The players

Freida McFadden

The pen name used by Sara Cohen, a brain doctor who is the author of the hit novel 'The Housemaid'.

Sara Cohen

The real name of the author known as Freida McFadden, who works as a brain doctor when not writing books.

Paul Feig

The director who recently adapted 'The Housemaid' for Lionsgate, with the film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.

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What they’re saying

“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. I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don't have anything to hide.”

— Sara Cohen, Author

“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. Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I've always been genuine with my readers.”

— Sara Cohen, Author

What’s next

Cohen said she still plans to use the Freida McFadden moniker even though her real name is now public, as she feels she has been genuine with her readers all along.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex balance that some authors must strike between maintaining their public persona and being open about their true identities, especially when their creative pursuits differ from their primary professions. It also shows how readers can develop strong connections with authors, even when their real names are kept private.