Jessica Fletcher is a renowned mystery writer from the TV show, Murder She Wrote. Many people are familiar with her work, but there are some things that even her fans may not know about her. Here are 10 secrets about Jessica Fletcher that will surprise you.

1. Jessica Fletcher was based on a real life mystery writer

While she may seem like a figment of someone’s imagination, Jessica Fletcher is actually based on a real life mystery writer named Agatha Christie. Christie was one of the most successful and prolific authors of her time, and it is said that the character of Jessica Fletcher was inspired by her.

2. The role of Jessica Fletcher was originally offered to another actress

The role of Jessica Fletcher was originally offered to Angela Lansbury, but she turned it down. It is rumored that she did not want to be typecast as a mystery writer, but whatever the reason, she ultimately decided against taking on the role.

3. Jessica Fletcher has a PhD in English Literature

You may not know this, but Jessica Fletcher actually has a PhD in English Literature. This makes sense when you consider her profession as an author, but it is still something that many people are surprised to learn about her.

4. Jessica Fletcher is left-handed

This may not seem like a big deal, but it is actually quite rare for someone to be left-handed. In fact, only around 10% of the population is left-handed. This makes Jessica Fletcher even more unique.

5. Jessica Fletcher has a fear of heights

Despite the fact that she frequently finds herself in precarious situations, it turns out that Jessica Fletcher is actually afraid of heights. This phobia does not seem to stop her from accomplishing her goals, but it is still something that many people are surprised to learn about her.

6. The role of Jessica Fletcher was originally going to be played by a man

When the show was first being developed, the role of Jessica Fletcher was originally going to be played by a man. The producers eventually decided against this and cast Angela Lansbury in the role instead.

7. Angela Lansbury almost quit the show after the first season

After the first season of the show, Angela Lansbury was reportedly ready to quit. She was apparently not happy with the direction that the show was going in and did not want to continue playing the role of Jessica Fletcher. Thankfully, she ultimately decided to stay on for many more seasons.

8. Jessica Fletcher has a cat named Harry

In the show, Jessica Fletcher is frequently seen taking care of her cat, Harry. What many people don’t know is that Angela Lansbury actually has a real life cat named Harry. It is unknown if this was coincidence or if the writers of the show decided to name Jessica’s cat after Lansbury’s own.

9. Jessica Fletcher’s hometown is never mentioned on the show

Throughout the entire run of the show, Jessica Fletcher’s hometown is never mentioned. This has led to much speculation among fans about where she is actually from. Some believe that she is from New York, while others think she could be from anywhere in the world.

10. There is a real life town called Cabot Cove

Although it is never mentioned on the show, there is a real life town in Maine called Cabot Cove. This town was actually used as the filming location for many of the exterior shots of Jessica Fletcher’s home.