Jilly Cooper, the prolific British author whose Rutshire Chronicles novels were the basis of Disney+ comedy-drama Rivals, has died aged 88.
She passed away suddenly on Sunday morning after a fall, according to a statement from her agent, Curtis Brown.
“Mum was the shining light in all of our lives,” read a statement from her children, Emily and Felix. “Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”
Rivals, on which Cooper was an executive producer, has become a huge banger for Disney+. Following the launch of Season 1 a year ago, Season 2 has in production ahead of a 2026 launch, with Happy Prince again making the show.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of the irreplaceable Dame Jilly Cooper – a trailblazer in British literature celebrated for her joyful, naughty and insightful writing in a world often too serious,” said Lee Mason, Executive Director of Scripted, Disney+ EMEA. “It has been a privilege to bring her beloved world of Rivals to television. Our thoughts are with Jilly’s family, friends and fans as we raise a glass – of champagne, naturally – to her extraordinary legacy.”
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