Jilly Cooper is a British novelist whose name is synonymous with romance, drama, and humor. She is an author and journalist. Her writing style blends romance, scandal, and vivid character portraits. Cooper quickly gained attention for her lively storytelling and bold narratives. Her novels are known for their dramatic plots, colorful characters, and playful wit. She has captivated millions of readers worldwide with her imaginative storytelling. Cooper’s work has left a lasting mark on British popular literature. She was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2024 King’s New Years Honor’s List for her services to Literature and to Charity.
Birthday / Date of Birth
She was born on the 21st of February 1989, in Hornchurch, Essex, England.
| Birth Name | Jilly Sallitt |
| Nickname | Jilly |
| Date of Birth | 21st of February 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Hornchurch, Essex, England |
| Died | 5th of October 2025 (aged 88), in Gloucestershire, England (following a fall). |
| Sun Sign | Pisces |
| Profession | Author |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christianity |
Education
Cooper was educated at the Moorfield School in Ilkley and Godolphin School in Salisbury.
Family Details
- Father – Brigadier W. B. Sallitt, OBE
- Mother – Mary Elaine (née Whincup)
- Siblings – Information not widely known.
Marital Status
Married
Boyfriend / Spouse
Jilly Cooper has dated –
- Leo Cooper (1972 – 2013, his death) – In 1972, Jilly was married to Leo Cooper, a British publisher. In 2013, The couple shared a long and supportive marriage until Leo’s passing. Together, they had two children, and their family life was often kept private from the public eye. Their partnership was marked by mutual respect, encouragement, and a shared love of literature.
Physical Statistics
| Height |
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| Weight |
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| Body Measurements |
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| Body Build | Slim |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Jilly is known for the Rutshire Chronicles, which mix romance, scandal, and humor. Readers admire her sharp wit and ability to depict upper-class British society with flair. Her novels often explore relationships, ambition, and social intrigue in engaging ways. Cooper’s distinctive style has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal global readership.
Jilly Cooper Net worth
Jilly Cooper has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Jilly Cooper
- Jill grew up in Ilkley and Surrey. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as a journalist and columnist.
- After unsuccessfully trying to begin a career in the British national press, Cooper became a junior reporter for The Middlesex Independent, based in Brentford.
- She worked as an account executive, copywriter, publisher’s reader and receptionist. Her break came with a chance meeting at a dinner party. The editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, Godfrey Smith, asked her to write a feature about her experiences.
- She was encouraged to write romantic fiction by the editor Desmond Elliott, who had read the short stories she had written previously for teenage magazines.
- Cooper’s best-known works are her Rutshire novels. The first was Riders (1985), an international bestseller, and the first volume of Rutshire Chronicles.
- Jill also wrote a series of four children’s books based on the misadventures of a young mongrel puppy called Mabel.
- On November 13, 2009, she received an honorary degree (Doctor of Letters) from the University of Gloucestershire at a ceremony in Gloucester Cathedral. She received another honorary degree (Doctor of Letters) from Anglia Ruskin University (2023).
- Despite her fame, she has kept her personal life relatively private and away from the media spotlight. Aged 88, Cooper died on 5 October 2025, following a fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jilly Cooper?
She was a writer and actress, known for Rivals (2024), Comedy Playhouse (1961) and It’s Awfully Bad for Your Eyes, Darling (1971).
What is the age of Jilly Cooper?
She is 88 years old (21st of February 1989).
What is the real name of Jilly Cooper?
Her real name is Jilly Sallitt.
What is Jilly Cooper Height?
The Height of Cooper is 1.68 m (5′6”).
What is Jilly Cooper Weight?
The Weight of Cooper is 60 kg (132 lbs).
What is the Net worth of Jilly Cooper?
She has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.
Why is Jilly Cooper Famous?
She is known for her bestselling Rutshire Chronicles and other romantic dramas, celebrated for their vivid characters, witty storytelling, exploration of British upper-class society, and adaptations into television and film that have captivated readers worldwide.