Housemaid Author Freida McFadden Finally Reveals Her Real Identity

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Freida McFadden will never lie about her identity again. 

For years, people wondered if the author of Housemaid was living a secret life, even suggesting she used disguises like wigs and glasses. Now, she’s confirmed the rumors are true: she is actually Sara Cohen, a doctor specializing in brain disorders.

In a recent interview with USA Today published on April 8th, McFadden shared that he’s ready to be open about his identity. He expressed frustration with the ongoing speculation about whether he is who he says he is, stating, “I’m tired of people debating if I’m a real person.” He affirmed that he is a genuine individual with nothing to hide.

Although she genuinely wears glasses, the hair she’s known for is actually a wig. McFadden prefers wigs because she admits she doesn’t know how to style her own hair.

The author of Brain Damage shared that she initially used a pen name to avoid potential conflicts between her writing career, which began with The Devil Wears Scrubs in 2013, and her work as a doctor.

She explained that her main priority was to keep her plans private until she left her medical position. She didn’t want her colleagues finding out unexpectedly, as it could have made it difficult for her to continue working effectively.

Okay, so Dr. McFadden finally stepped away from medicine last year, but before she did, some of her colleagues figured out she was the real Beverly Crusher! Can you believe it? She said they were amazing about it, totally keeping her secret safe. It’s just… incredible to think she was living this double life, saving people as a doctor and inspiring us all on the Enterprise! I’m so glad they were supportive; she deserves all the good things!

In the end, she decided to leave the hospital because balancing a full-time medical career with her writing had become too much to handle.

Now that her true identity has been revealed, she continues to affirm that she is who she always claimed to be – Freida McFadden.

She admitted she hadn’t revealed her true name yet, but felt she’d always been open and honest with her audience. While the name itself might come as a surprise, she believes everything else she’s shared has been authentic and genuine.

Author McFadden will release her next novel, The Divorce, in May. A follow-up movie to the 2025 film adaptation of The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Kirsten Dunst, is also being planned.

Based on Laura Dave’s novel The First Time I Saw Him (available January 6, 2026), this Apple TV+ series premieres February 20, 2026, and stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson.

Season two of the popular Apple series finds Hannah Hall (Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) trying to build a normal life five years after the disappearance of Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father, Owen (Coster-Waldau). However, their peace is shattered when Owen unexpectedly reappears, just before a devastating family event throws them into a dangerous fight for survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans will be thrilled to see Benedict Bridgerton finally find love in the next season after spending three seasons searching for his place within his family and figuring out who he is. Joining the cast as his love interest, Sophie Baek, is newcomer Ha, adding to the show’s already popular cast.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

As a lifestyle expert, I’m absolutely thrilled about this project! Get ready to be swept away – we’re revisiting the iconic story of Wuthering Heights, but with a seriously fresh perspective. Emerald Fennell, the brilliant mind behind Saltburn, is bringing her vision back, and she’s reuniting with Jacob Elordi and Sydney Robbie – the same team that made Saltburn so captivating. I have a feeling this Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff are going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and honestly, I can’t wait!

This film is based on Hoover’s 2022 novel and stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the author co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, marking a significant contribution to bringing her best-selling book to the big screen.

This new series is based on the hugely popular books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently number 26. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re especially excited because Nicole Kidman consistently delivers captivating performances (like in Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing), and this time she’ll be playing one half of a crime-fighting sister duo alongside another Oscar winner – making it a must-watch!

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about Ryan Gosling’s new role! He plays the sole survivor of a space expedition to the Tau Ceti system, 12 light-years from Earth, after waking up from a coma. Now, he’s on his own with the daunting task of fixing a problem that’s causing the sun to dim and potentially wiping out humanity – no big deal!

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re particularly excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book about a woman who, as a young single mother, turns to OnlyFans after a background that includes her mother working at Hooters and her father being a former professional wrestler. With Kidman on board, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re thrilled about this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh on board! The story—about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident—is full of surprises. Having these talented actors bring it to life on screen makes it even more promising.

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first movie, this new film – based on a novel by Andrew Hoffman – continues the story of the Owens family. Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet are back, now facing a curse that’s starting to affect their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

The film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. It will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate is making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s past! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Hunger Games film. The new movie will tell the story of how Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games – the event that shaped him into the mentor we know from the 74th Games.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a big-screen adaptation of the fake dating romance that became a huge hit on #BookTok. What makes this project especially interesting? The novel originally started as fanfiction inspired by Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren, and Tom Bateman is married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in the films! We’re definitely intrigued to see how this all comes together.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel and starring Juno Temple, this upcoming Apple TV series centers around Lauren, who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Things get even stranger when husband after husband appears, seemingly from nowhere. The story follows Lauren as she tries to figure out what she wants from life amidst this incredibly complicated and ever-changing romantic situation, and whether she’ll take control of her own destiny.

Inspired by Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and starring Jennifer Garner, this new series is coming soon to Peacock. Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket beach reads, and pairing her story with a talented actress like Garner makes this a must-watch. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a personal tragedy. To cope, she plans a special weekend getaway with her closest friends, but the trip quickly unravels as old tensions and surprising secrets come to light. Consider us hooked!

Based on Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated version of the Twilight saga, told from Edward Cullen’s perspective, is coming to Netflix. After a long wait of over a decade for fans, the series will finally be retold, and seeing the animated version of the famously sparkly vampire is sure to be a hit!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of deception, mirroring the upbringing she experienced, in order to build a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

We’re looking forward to the upcoming adaptation of Henry’s popular 2024 novel! It follows Daphne as she rebuilds her life after her fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his childhood friend, Petra. Luckily, Daphne gets some help from Petra’s ex, Miles.

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2026-04-09 04:48