Jilly Cooper Scolded 'Rivals' Team for Making Her 'Macho Men' Cry
Dame Jilly Cooper, author of the Rutshire Chronicles, scolded the production team of the Disney+ series 'Rivals' for making her 'macho men' cry too often, executive producer Laura Wade revealed at the Hay Festival. Cooper, who died unexpectedly in October 2024 at age 88 after a fall, was an executive producer on the show. Wade described Cooper as 'human sunshine' but noted her one memorable criticism: 'stop making my macho men cry all the time.' Cooper's novel 'Rivals,' published in 1988, became a hit Disney+ series in 2024. Actress Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maud O'Hara, recalled the cast's devastation upon learning of Cooper's death, noting her active involvement across all episodes and season three. Cooper sold over 11 million books in the UK alone. Queen Camilla led tributes, calling Cooper a 'legend' and 'wonderfully witty and compassionate friend.'
Key facts
- Dame Jilly Cooper told writers to stop making her 'macho men' cry in the Disney+ series 'Rivals'.
- Cooper died unexpectedly in October 2024 at age 88 after a fall at home.
- Laura Wade, executive producer, revealed the criticism at the Hay Festival.
- Cooper's novel 'Rivals' was published in 1988 and adapted into a Disney+ series in 2024.
- Cooper served as an executive producer on the show and was involved in season three.
- Victoria Smurfit recalled the cast's shock at Cooper's death.
- Cooper sold over 11 million books in the UK.
- Queen Camilla led tributes, describing Cooper as a 'legend' and 'wonderfully witty and compassionate friend'.
Entities
Artists
- Dame Jilly Cooper
- Laura Wade
- Alex Hassell
- Victoria Smurfit
- Eliza Mellor
Institutions
- Disney+
- Hay Festival
Locations
- United Kingdom