Helen Gurley Brown Helen Gurley Brown Helen Gurley Brown (February 18, 1922 – August 13, 2012; born Helen Marie Gurley) was an American author, publisher, and businesswoman. She was the editor-in-chief of "Cosmopolitan" magazine for 32 years. Helen Marie Gurley was born February 18, 1922 in Green Forest, Arkansas, the daughter of Cleo Fred (née Sisco; 1893-1980) and Ira Marvin Gurley. At one time her father was appointed Commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. After his election to the Arkansas state legislature the family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. He died in an elevator accident on June 18, 1932. In 1937,
Helen Brown (author) diagnosed with breast cancer. During recovery, her sister suggested she get another cat. She adopted a Siamese cat and named him Jonah, after Jonah Lomu the famous rugby player. Jonah became the subject of her next book, "After Cleo". Helen Brown (author) Helen Brown (born 1954) is a New Zealand-born author and columnist, best known for her memoirs about cats and the meaning of life. Her book "Cleo" was a New York Times Best Seller and a film adaptation is in development by John Barnett (producer of Whale Rider) through his company Endeavour Ventures Ltd. Brown was born Helen Blackman