**Renowned Thriller Author Frederick Forsyth Dies at 86**
Frederick Forsyth, the internationally acclaimed writer best known for the classic thriller “The Day Of The Jackal”, has died at the age of 86. Forsyth passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning after a short illness, with his family at his side, his literary agency Curtis Brown has confirmed.
Forsyth’s storied life extended well beyond his career as a prolific novelist. Before making his name as a master of suspense, he served as one of the youngest pilots in the Royal Air Force. Launching himself into journalism not long after leaving military service, his linguistic prowess—in German, French, and Russian—helped him establish a reputation as a foreign correspondent. His international assignments included covering the Biafran conflict, which would later inform much of his writing.
Jonathan Lloyd, Forsyth’s agent at Curtis Brown, spoke fondly of his client: “Only weeks ago, I sat with him to watch a new documentary about his life, which will soon air on BBC One. It was a powerful reminder of an extraordinary journey. The literary world has lost one of its giants.” Lloyd also noted Forsyth’s enduring legacy through his works and the significant impact he made on millions of readers worldwide.
Forsyth rose to worldwide prominence in 1971 with the publication of “The Day Of The Jackal”, a meticulously researched tale surrounding an attempt on the life of French President Charles de Gaulle. The novel, inspired partly by Forsyth’s own reporting, became a massive bestseller and was swiftly adapted into a classic film starring Edward Fox. In recent years, actor Eddie Redmayne took on the role of the enigmatic assassin for a fresh television adaptation, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Forsyth’s narrative.
With over 25 books to his name—including “The Fox”, “The Kill List”, and “The Afghan”—his titles have sold more than 75 million copies globally, many having been adapted for film and television. Forsyth’s engaging storytelling was often praised for its authenticity, thanks to his deep-rooted experience in both journalism and intelligence work. His 2015 memoir, “The Outsider: My Life In Intrigue”, revealed his secret involvement with MI6, adding another layer of intrigue to his public persona.
In recognition of his literary achievements, Forsyth was awarded two Edgar Awards and, in 1997, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was also among the first British authors to publish a book exclusively online, breaking new ground in 2000.
Born in Ashford, Kent, in 1938, Forsyth—known informally as “Freddie”—married Sandy Molloy in 1994, sharing their lives in Buckinghamshire until her passing in 2024. Tributes have poured in since the announcement of his death. Singer and actress Elaine Paige praised him on social media for his encyclopaedic knowledge and will miss him greatly. Conservative MP Sir David Davis remembered Forsyth as a man of integrity and a loyal friend, highlighting his belief in honour, patriotism, and courage as well as his support for the armed forces.
Further homage came from prominent figures such as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who called Forsyth “one of the finest thriller writers of all time.” Webber reflected on their professional connection during the adaptation of “The Odessa File” and praised Forsyth’s remarkable talent for creating compelling characters and narratives.
Frederick Forsyth’s contribution to the literary world and his commitment to his craft have left a lasting mark on generations of readers and writers. His complex characters, meticulous attention to detail, and vivid depictions of international intrigue will ensure that his stories continue to captivate audiences for years to come.