Nelson DeMille, Bestselling Author of Plum Island and The General’s Daughter, Dies of Cancer at 81

Bestselling author Nelson DeMille has died.

The writer died on Sept. 17 from esophageal cancer, his family confirmed to CBS News and the New York Post.

“Nelson fought a valiant nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. True to form, he faced this ordeal with courage, grace, and good humor,” his family said in a statement to CBS News. “We are grieving, but also celebrating his wonderful life and his lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller.”

DeMille was born on Aug. 23, 1943 in New York City. Per his website, he was enrolled at Hofstra University for three years before leaving to join the U.S. Army. DeMille earned a Bronze Star serving in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division before he returned to Hofstra University to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.

DeMille published his debut novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, in 1978. During his career, he published 23 novels, 17 of which were bestsellers. He primarily wrote suspense adventure stories, and many of his books, including Plum Island (1997), The Lion’s Game (2000), Night Fall (2004) and Wild Fire (2006), featured the character of former homicide detective John Corey.

His other novels included Cathedral (1981), The Gold Coast (1990) and The Cuban Affair (2017). His 1992 novel The General’s Daughter was adapted into a 1999 film starring John Travolta, and his books Mayday (1979), written with Thomas Block, and Word of Honor (1985) were also adapted into television movies. He co-authored the novels The Deserter (2019) and Blood Lines (2023) with his son Alex.

DeMille was also an Honorary Trustee of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association and held honorary doctorates from Hofstra University, Long Island University and Dowling College.

“His warmth, generosity and kindness touched everyone who knew him, and will leave as much of a lasting legacy as his novels,” DeMille’s children wrote on Sept. 18 on the author’s official X account. “We grieve, but we also celebrate a life lived to its fullest. We love you Dad, and you will be with us always.”

In a previous interview with January Magazine, the author looked back on his prolific writing career and success.

“Some people want to be writers and you ask if they’ve written anything. ‘No I haven’t.’ You want to be a writer? Sit down and write. There’s nothing stopping you. All you need is a typewriter,” DeMille said. “I’ve had a good career.”

DeMille was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, in 2018, and is survived by his children Lauren, Alex and James.