• Published: Dec 11 2025 10:20 AM
  • Last Updated: Dec 11 2025 10:38 AM

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, dies at 55 after battling brain cancer. Learn about her net worth, final works, and legacy.



Newsletter

wave

Sophie Kinsella, the beloved author of the "Shopaholic" series and other bestselling romantic comedies, has passed away at the age of 55 after a battle with aggressive brain cancer. Her family confirmed her peaceful passing, noting that she was surrounded by her loved ones, music, and the warmth of Christmas in her final days. At the time of her death, Sophie Kinsella's net worth was estimated at around $40 million, reflecting her decades-long success as a global author and her impact on readers worldwide.

Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella Death News

Sophie Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, revealed her diagnosis of glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer, in April 2024. She underwent successful surgery and continued treatment at University College Hospital in London, but her condition worsened over time. Her family shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, expressing their grief and celebrating the joy she brought to their lives.

sophie kinsella

Sophie kinsella Family 

Sophie Kinsella's family includes her husband, Henry Wickham, and their five children. She was married to Henry Wickham since 1991, and they met while studying at Oxford University. Together, they had four sons and one daughter:

  • Freddy Wickham
  • Hugo Wickham
  • Oscar Wickham
  • Rex Wickham
  • Sybella Wickham​

Sophie Kinsella was also the eldest of three sisters. Her younger sisters, Gemma Townley and Abigail Townley, are both writers. Her parents, David and Patricia Townley, were educators. Sophie often spoke about how her family and home were the most important part of her life, and they were a major support during her illness

Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is famous book

Sophie Kinsella is famous for writing many bestselling books, especially in the romantic comedy genre. Here are some of her most popular books in points:

  • Confessions of a Shopaholic (also known as The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic)​
  • Shopaholic Abroad (also known as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan)​
  • Shopaholic Ties the Knot​
  • Shopaholic & Sister​
  • Shopaholic & Baby​
  • Mini Shopaholic​
  • Shopaholic to the Stars​
  • Christmas Shopaholic​
  • Can You Keep a Secret?​
  • The Undomestic Goddess​
  • Remember Me?​
  • Twenties Girl​
  • I've Got Your Number​
  • Wedding Night​
  • My Not So Perfect Life​
  • Surprise Me​
  • I Owe You One​
  • The Burnout​
  • What Does It Feel Like?​
  • The Party Crasher​
  • Love Your Life

Sophie Kinsella Biography and Legacy

Born in London, Sophie Kinsella studied music at Oxford before switching to Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She lived in the UK with her husband and family, and her writing career spanned more than two decades. Her latest novels, "The Burnout" (2023) and "What Does It Feel Like?" (2024), were inspired by her own experiences with exhaustion and cancer, and both received critical acclaim.

Kinsella was known for her witty, relatable style and her ability to turn personal struggles into engaging stories. Tributes poured in from readers and fellow writers, highlighting her influence on modern romantic comedy and her generosity as an author.

FAQ

Sophie Kinsella was 55 years old when she passed away.​

Her net worth was estimated at $40 million at the time of her death.

She died from complications of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, after a three-year battle.

Her most famous books include the Shopaholic series, "Can You Keep a Secret?", "The Undomestic Goddess", and "Remember Me?"​

Yes, her 2024 novella "What Does It Feel Like?" is a semi-fictional account of her cancer experience.

Search Anything...!