Legendary Writer Behind Disney’s 'Rivals' Dies at 88, 3 More Movies and TV Shows to Revisit in Her Memory

Published 10/06/2025, 9:14 AM EDT

Another legendary figure bids farewell to Hollywood, leaving behind a heavy heart. Jilly Cooper, the celebrated author known for her raunchy novels and witty take on the lives of Britain’s upper class, has passed away at the age of 88. Over the years, many of her bestselling books have made their way to the screen. Most recently, Cooper worked as an executive producer on the Disney+ adaptation of her hit novel, Rivals. It turned out to be a successful modernization of the beloved novel and brought her beloved characters to life once again, reminding audiences why her stories have stood the test of time. But that is not where her screen journey ends.

There are three more adaptations from Cooper’s work that are just as worth watching as Rivals

Riders (1993)

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Based on Jilly Cooper’s 1985 novel, Riders was turned into a British TV film in 1993. The story follows Rupert Campbell-Black, a wealthy and charmingly arrogant showjumper, and his fierce rivalry with Jake Lovell, a rider who worked his way up from humble beginnings. The film had split opinions, though.

Some found it wonderfully outrageous, while others loved its glimpse into the glamorous, competitive world of showjumping. Either way, Riders still stands as one of the most memorable adaptations of Cooper’s work.

Prudence (1979)

Though it never made it to television, Prudence found its voice on the airwaves in 1979 when Capital Radio turned it into a 10-episode radio serial. Starring the ever-charming Felicity Kendal, the series was based on Cooper’s 1978 novel. It stands out as one of the first times her work was brought to life in audio form.

The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous (1997)

Based on Cooper’s 1993 novel, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous was turned into a British TV film in 1997. The story follows Lysander Hawkley, who is a handsome, charming man and a little too good at causing chaos in the lives of the women around him.

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Directed by Robert Knights and produced by Sarah Lawson, the film dives into love, temptation, and the messy world of high-society romance. While there is not much written about how it was received, it is still remembered for its drama, flair, and very Cooper-style look at relationships.

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What do you think about Jilly Cooper's adaptations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Hriddhi Maitra

2268 articles

Hriddhi Maitra is an Entertainment Journalist and Primary Editor at Netflix Junkie. With over 2,000 articles under her belt, she blends her English Literature background with a flair for turning streaming trends into engaging, reference-rich stories. Hriddhi's sharp editorial instincts and versatility across genres make her a go-to voice for everything from on-screen drama to deep-dive cultural commentary.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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