Author of Rivals told writers to stop making her ‘macho men’ cry
Author of Rivals Told Writers to Stop Making Her “Macho Men” Cry
Controversial Feedback from a Literary Icon
Author of Rivals told writers to stop – Dame Jilly Cooper, the celebrated author behind the Rivals series, delivered a memorable piece of advice to the show’s creative team, instructing them to avoid evoking excessive emotional responses from her iconic “macho men” characters. According to Laura Wade, the show’s writer and executive producer, this directive came during a panel discussion at the Hay Festival. Wade recounted how Cooper, known for her sharp wit and keen sense of narrative, had a unique way of interacting with the production crew. Despite her reputation for being lenient with her characters, she had a specific concern: ensuring their resilience wasn’t undermined by overly sentimental scenes.
“We were so lucky to have Jilly… You would expect someone to be quite strict about what you do with their key characters, and she really wasn’t,” Wade explained. “She would tell us, if I was making Rupert (Campbell-Black) cry too often, that was one of her favourites – ‘stop making my macho men cry all the time.’”
Cooper’s novels, particularly *The Rutshire Chronicles*, had long been celebrated for their vivid portrayal of the affluent, rural elite and their intricate social dynamics. The 11-novel series, which began with *The Rutshire Chronicles* in the 1980s, had already cemented her status as a literary force. Her second book, *Rivals*, published in 1988, became a cornerstone of the series and introduced a new dimension to her storytelling. The novel’s themes of love, rivalry, and the complexities of high society resonated with readers, but it wasn’t until its adaptation into a Disney+ series in 2024 that Cooper’s work reached an even broader audience.
Wade, who worked closely with Cooper during the show’s production, emphasized the author’s involvement beyond just writing. “She’d been across all the episodes, she’d been across season three, she’d been across everything,” Wade added. “She dropped and rolled… And now she gets to have fun up there.” This sentiment reflects Cooper’s enduring presence in the creative process, even as she neared the end of her life. Her passing in October 2023, at the age of 88, marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades in both literature and television.
A Legacy Remembered by the Crown
At the time of her death, Queen Camilla took to the public platform to pay tribute to Cooper, calling her a “legend” and a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend.” The monarch’s words underscored the deep respect the royal family held for the author, whose work often blended the dramatic with the domestic. “May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs,” Camilla added, a line that resonated with the themes of Cooper’s novels and her own affection for animals.
Cooper’s passing was met with widespread mourning from fans and fellow writers alike. Her books had sold over 11 million copies in the UK alone, a testament to her enduring popularity. Even in her later years, she remained an active participant in the production of *Rivals*, serving as an executive producer. This role allowed her to maintain a direct influence on the adaptation, ensuring that her vision for the characters and their arcs was preserved. Her ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments made her a unique figure in the literary world, and her presence in the show’s development was a source of pride for the team.
Cast and Crew Reflect on the Shock of Her Passing
Victoria Smurfit, who portrays Maud O’Hara in the series, shared a poignant memory of the moment the cast learned of Cooper’s death. “I came back (from a break) and Eliza Mellor, our extraordinary on-set producer, was in the room, and everything about her was devastated,” Smurfit recalled. “I remember walking in and going, ‘Oh God, someone’s died.’” This moment of realization highlighted the deep personal connection the cast felt to Cooper, not just as a writer but as a mentor and collaborator.
Smurfit’s account also revealed how Cooper’s warmth and vitality had permeated the production. “It is a testament to Jilly’s sparkle and her champagne-soaked soul of heavenly delight that at 88 there was not one iota of me that thought it might be her,” she said. This quote captures the essence of Cooper’s personality, which had been a defining element of the show’s atmosphere. Her ability to command attention and infuse the creative process with her distinctive flair left an indelible mark on everyone involved, even in the face of her own mortality.
Cooper’s influence extended beyond the pages of her books and the screen of the Disney+ series. Her sharp dialogue and nuanced characterizations had become a benchmark for writers in both television and literature. The Rivals adaptation, which brought her fictional world to life, was praised for its faithfulness to the source material while also adding a modern layer of visual storytelling. Yet, it was Cooper’s direct feedback—her insistence on keeping her characters strong and unbroken—that remained a focal point of the show’s development.
A Lasting Impact on Literature and Screen
The success of *Rivals* as a TV series underscored the relevance of Cooper’s work in contemporary culture. Her novels, which often explored themes of class, gender, and romance, had already inspired generations of readers. The adaptation not only introduced her stories to a new demographic but also reinforced the timeless appeal of her characters. For instance, the portrayal of Rupert, a central figure in the series, had been a point of contention for Cooper. Her directive to the writers about his emotional arcs was a reminder of her deep investment in the narrative integrity of her creations.
Cooper’s ability to blend the personal with the universal was a hallmark of her writing. Whether through the scathing wit of her characters or the tender moments that softened their hardened exteriors, she painted a world where even the most stoic figures could be vulnerable. This duality was perhaps what made her so relatable to audiences. Her “macho men” were not just caricatures but complex individuals whose struggles and triumphs mirrored the realities of human emotion.
Even as her literary career reached its peak, Cooper continued to engage with her audience through her writing and her presence on set. Her sharp critiques and thoughtful insights were as valuable in the 2024 series as they had been in the 1980s. The production team, including Wade, credited Cooper’s involvement as a key factor in the show’s authenticity and charm. Her ability to connect with the writers and actors on a personal level ensured that her vision was not just followed but felt deeply by those who brought it to life.
Cooper’s legacy, both as an author and as a cultural figure, continues to inspire. Her books and the Disney+ adaptation serve as a bridge between the written and visual worlds, allowing her characters to transcend the page. As the show’s executive producer, she had ensured that her voice remained central to the project, even in the final stages of its creation. The blend of her literary genius with the collaborative spirit of television production exemplifies the depth of her contribution to the arts.