45°
Cook was born on May 4, 1940, in New York City.
He turns 76 on Wednesday.
The author's family moved to Leonia at the age of 8.
He would go on to graduate from Wesleyan University and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, with his medical background inspiring his writing.
Cook began writing fiction in 1970 and his novels have covered controversial issues, such as organ donation, fertility treatment, genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization, research funding, managed care, medical malpractice, drug research, organ transplantation and more.
Seven of Cook's books have been adapted as feature films, TV movies or mini-series, notably "Coma" and "Sphinx," among others.
More than 400 million copies of his thriller novels have been sold worldwide, leading his work to be featured on The New York Times bestseller list and in Reader's Digest.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fort Lee and receive free news updates.
