Nelson Richard DeMille is an American author known for his action adventure and suspense novels. He was born on August 23, 1943, in New York City to Huron and Antonia (Panzera) DeMille and later moved to Long Island with his parents. He graduated from Elmont Memorial High School, where he was an athlete, playing football and running track.

DeMille attended Hofstra University for three years before joining the US Army. He attended Officer Candidate School and became a Lieutenant, serving as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He earned several decorations, including the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, as well as the Combat Infantry Badge. After military service, he returned to Hofstra University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.

DeMille's first major novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, was published in 1978. His other notable works include Plum Island, The Charm School, and The General's Daughter. He has written under the pen names Jack Cannon, Kurt Ladner, Ellen Kay, and Brad Matthews.

He is a member of American Mensa, The Authors Guild, and the Mystery Writers of America, where he served as past president. He has been a Book-of-the-Month Club Judge and a member of International Thriller Writers, honored as ThrillerMaster of the Year in 2015. DeMille is also an Honorary Trustee of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association. He holds honorary doctorates from Hofstra University, Long Island University, and Dowling College.

DeMille resides on Long Island and has three children. His extensive bibliography includes collaborations with his son, Alex DeMille.