Best-selling author Nelson DeMille has died at 81 years old.
DeMille died from stage-four esophageal cancer on Tuesday, his family revealed.
The Long Island native was known for his action-packed novels like ‘Plum Island’, ‘Charm School’ and ‘The General’s Daughter’ – which was later turned into a film starring John Travolta.
His family wrote in a statement: ‘Nelson fought a valiant nine-month battle with esophageal cancer.
‘True to form, he faced this ordeal with courage, grace, and good humor. We are grieving, but also celebrating his wonderful life and his lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller.’
Best-selling author Nelson DeMille died from stage four esophageal cancer on Tuesday evening
DeMille published 17 best-selling novels throughout his career
He wrote 23 novels throughout his life and 17 of them were best-sellers.
The first novel he wrote, ‘By the Rivers of Babylon,’ was published in 1978. The last one he published was ‘Blood Lines’ in 2023.
Every single one of his novel manuscripts were written by hand on legal pads.
He leaves behind his three children, Lauren, Alex and James. His wife Sandra passed away in 2018 from cancer.
Alex told Newsday: ‘He’s always been someone who brings people together,
‘I have lots of fond memories sitting around the dining room table, the Christmas tree, or in the kitchen having coffee or wine, he was just a wonderful host.
‘He got joy out of being around people.’
The acclaimed author was born on August 23, 1943, according to the author’s official website.
DeMille’s family posted on his Facebook page after he died, sharing their love for the acclaimed author
Actress Susan Lucci and DeMille attended the Double Helix Medal Dinner at the American Museum of Natural History in 2022
He went on to study at Hofstra University for three years before joining the army. He went to Officer Candidate School and became a Lieutenant from 1966 to 1969.
He earned an Air Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Combat Infantry Badge for his service in the Vietnam War.
After leaving the army, DeMille went back to Hofstra to get his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.
DeMille went on to have a flourishing writing career defined by his creative and thrilling style.
Alex and Lauren told Newsday that ‘The Gold Coast’ was their father’s favorite original novel.
Published in 1990, the book details the lives of the super-rich residents of Long Island’s North Shore.
Madeleine Stowe and John Travolta in DeMille’s ‘The General’s Daughter’ film
DeMille holding a copy of his novel ‘The Cuban Affair,’ which was published in 2017
Three of his novels – ‘The General’s Daughter’, ‘Word of Honor’ and ‘Mayday’ – were made into movies.
He drew inspiration from everyday life to incorporate into his pieces.
For example, ‘Wild Fire’ follows an NYPD detective and ‘The Maze’ is set on Long Island.
In addition to his success as a writer, DeMille will be remembered for his kind spirit.
Alex told Newsday: ‘He’s always been someone who brings people together.’