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Freida McFadden, the mastermind behind The Housemaid, felt the moment was right to disclose her actual identity. With her novel achieving international acclaim and inspiring the celebrated motion picture featuring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, Freida shared her authentic name: Sara Cohen.
“I’ve arrived at a stage in my career where I no longer wish to keep this confidential,” Sara — who also practices medicine — mentioned in a 2026 interview with USA Today. “I’m weary of the constant discussion about whether I’m a genuine individual or a collective of three men. I am, in fact, a real person with a verifiable identity, and I have no reason to conceal it.”
This wasn’t the initial instance of Freida addressing her alternate profession. As The Housemaid gained traction, the author spoke candidly regarding her background in medicine during a prior interview on Today.
Below, discover essential facts regarding Sara, also known as Freida, and her life beyond the world of The Housemaid.
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Freida McFadden Majored in Mathematics at Harvard
Sara, otherwise known as Freida, pursued mathematical studies while a student at the distinguished Ivy League institution, Harvard University. Subsequently, she matriculated at Stony Brook University to train in the field of medicine. However, she never abandoned her passion for imaginative writing. Throughout these formative years, Sara cultivated a robust work ethic by writing and distributing fictional narratives.
Her debut novel, The Devil Wears Scrubs, drew inspiration, albeit loosely, from her authentic encounters as a medical intern.
Sara Cohen Is a Medical Doctor
Sarah is a physician specializing in the treatment of neurological conditions. She transitioned from full-time employment in 2023. Presently, she maintains a reduced schedule, working only once or twice per month, as stated by the New York City native in her April 2026 conversation with USA Today.
“However, I have significantly reduced my involvement in my medical practice,” she clarified.
Why Did Sarah Cohen Embrace the Pen Name Freida McFadden?
Sarah opted for a lifestyle reminiscent of Hannah Montana, compartmentalizing her professions and personas, because she was not prepared to “retreat” from her role as a doctor, and she wished to prevent her published works from “jeopardizing” her contributions to the medical community.
“I simply came to the realization that juggling both became overwhelming,” she revealed to USA Today. “My overarching objective was to maintain secrecy until I felt (ready) to lessen my commitment to my medical role, so it wouldn’t result in immediate awareness among my colleagues, which would undermine my effectiveness at my job.”
Sarah even dons a wig, albeit merely due to her “inability to style [her] own hair.”
“Despite withholding my true identity until this juncture, I believe I’ve consistently shared my authentic self, and all my disclosures have been truthful,” Sarah, also known as Freida, affirmed. “Although the revelation of my name may be unexpected, nothing else will be. I’ve consistently engaged with my readership honestly.”