Nelson DeMille, the renowned author, has passed away at the age of 81, according to NYpost.
Lauren DeMille from Sleepy Hollow and Alex DeMille from Brooklyn, his children, have confirmed his passing on Tuesday evening.
“Nelson bravely fought against esophageal cancer for a relentless nine-month period,” Nelson’s family expressed in a statement to The Post. “In his usual fashion, he confronted this challenging journey with remarkable bravery, poise, and a sense of humor. While we are filled with sorrow, we are also rejoicing in his remarkable life and the enduring impact he had as a father, friend, and storyteller.”
Nelson DeMille, originally from Long Island, gained recognition for his thrilling and action-packed novels. Some of his notable works include “Plum Island,” “The Charm School,” and “The General’s Daughter,” which was later made into a film featuring John Travolta in 1999.
During a March 2000 interview with January Magazine, the renowned author expressed his thoughts on the movie adaptation, stating, “It wasn’t a bad movie. Travolta did a commendable job. I enjoyed most of it. However, they did overdevelop certain aspects while neglecting others, and included unnecessary elements that were not in the book… Nonetheless, overall, the film was impactful. Unfortunately, it received unfavorable reviews from critics.”
Nelson DeMille, as stated on his website, was born in New York City on Aug. 23, 1943, before his family relocated to Long Island. He pursued his education at Hofstra University.
Prior to pursuing his career as a writer, DeMille served in the Army where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and earned the prestigious Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam.
Cecil B. DeMille, a prolific writer, crafted a total of 23 novels during his lifetime, with an impressive 17 of them becoming best sellers. Interestingly, DeMille’s preferred method of writing involved the use of pencils and legal pads, where he meticulously penned each word in longhand. This unique approach to his craft allowed him to bring his captivating stories to life.
He published his first novel, “By the Rivers of Babylon,” in 1978.
John Corey, a former NYPD officer, features prominently in several of his novels, including “The Lion’s Game.” Corey is portrayed as a member of a fictional Anti-Terrorist Task Force, showcasing his expertise in the field.
He expressed, “It was quite enjoyable. I had a great time, and I knew that if I found it fun, the reader would too.”
During a 2022 interview with Crime Spree Mag, DeMille revealed that he was facing challenges with his publisher, who insisted on making “politically correct” edits to John Corey.
According to the author, there was resistance to the character of John Corey. He mentioned that there were requests to alter the character, but he only made a few changes.
DeMille confidently stated, “I am well aware of my target audience, and I have no doubt that this book will make it to the top three upon its release. The issue at hand is not a decline in readership or poor sales; these books are already enormous best sellers. The publishers’ apprehension stems from the political correctness and woke culture surrounding the character. However, I made it clear that my primary focus is on writing for my readers, not catering to their concerns.”
“According to his son Alex, he has always had a talent for uniting people,” shared Newsday.
“I cherish the countless memories of gathering around the dining room table, adorned with a beautiful Christmas tree, or sharing a warm cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the kitchen. He was an exceptional host who found immense pleasure in the company of others.”
Lauren fondly remembers her father as someone who had a knack for storytelling and was an attentive listener.
According to the interviewee, he had a genuine interest in others and showed it by asking the right questions and finding humor or intrigue in what they shared. This engagement was a major reason why he was beloved by many. When he expressed interest in someone’s words, it made them feel good. He possessed a fascinating and generous mind.
DeMille’s wife, Sandra, passed away in 2018, leaving behind DeMille and their three children: Lauren, Alex, and James.
