Bestselling novelist Nelson DeMille has died after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of thrilling literary works.
According to Daily Mail Online, DeMille passed away on Tuesday, September 17, at the age of 81 due to stage-four esophageal cancer.
The Long Island native was known for his action-packed novels, including "Plum Island," "Charm School," and "The General's Daughter," which was adapted into a film starring John Travolta.
DeMille's family released a statement expressing their grief while celebrating his life and lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller. They praised his courage, grace, and good humor during his nine-month battle with cancer.
Throughout his career, DeMille published 23 novels, with 17 of them becoming bestsellers. His first novel, "By the Rivers of Babylon," was published in 1978, while his final work, "Blood Lines," was released in 2023.
Interestingly, DeMille wrote all of his novel manuscripts by hand on legal pads, maintaining a traditional approach to his craft. His works often drew inspiration from everyday life, with many of his stories set on Long Island or featuring New York-based characters.
Three of DeMille's novels - "The General's Daughter," "Word of Honor," and "Mayday" - were adapted into films, further expanding his reach and influence in popular culture.
Born on August 23, 1943, DeMille's life experiences greatly influenced his writing. He attended Hofstra University before joining the army, where he served as a Lieutenant from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War.
For his military service, DeMille was awarded an Air Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Combat Infantry Badge. After his time in the army, he returned to Hofstra to complete his bachelor's degree in Political Science and History.
DeMille's son Alex shared insights into his father's personality, stating, "He got joy out of being around people." This sentiment was echoed in Alex's description of DeMille as "someone who brings people together."
His three children survive DeMille: Lauren, Alex, and James. His wife, Sandra, passed away in 2018 due to cancer. His children fondly remembered moments spent with their father, highlighting his warmth and hospitality.
According to his children, DeMille's favorite original novel was The Gold Coast, published in 1990. The book delves into the lives of the super-rich residents of Long Island's North Shore and showcases DeMille's keen eye for social observation and storytelling.
Nelson DeMille's passing marks the end of an era in American literature. He leaves behind a rich legacy of thrilling novels, a devoted readership, and a family who cherished his warmth and storytelling prowess. His contributions to the literary world, spanning over four decades, will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.
