Jilly Cooper's 'Macho Men' Cries Angered Author

Jilly Cooper, the author of "Rivals," expressed her disapproval to producers for depicting her "macho men" characters weeping excessively on screen. Cooper, who passed away in October 2025 at age 88, served as an executive producer for the Disney+ adaptation.

Writer and executive producer Laura Wade mentioned that Cooper largely granted the creative team freedom in adapting her novels. However, Cooper would remark, "Why are you making my macho men cry all the time?" She also provided actors with notes of encouragement.

Rufus Jones, who plays Paul Stratton, recalled Cooper's attendance at a 10-hour read-through, after which she humorously set a tone of mischief by referencing "Snow White is about to have her first orgasm." The series, set in the 1980s, explores the lives of Britain's elite.

Actors also shared anecdotes about filming nude scenes, with Jones noting that modesty underwear proved unreliable. Victoria Smurfit, portraying Maud O'Hara, described the equipment as a "long, pink and a f

ing plaster" that detached during storming shower scenes, leading to humorous and less-than-modest moments.

Smurfit also shared that upon hearing of Cooper's death while filming, the crew was devastated, a testament to Cooper's vibrant personality, as her energy belied her age.