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American and British playwright-novelist Bonnie Greer has died aged 77.
Her husband David Hutchins announced the news, saying: “It is with profound sadness that I announce that my beloved wife, Bonnie Greer, has died aged 77 after a brief illness.”
“Bonnie was an acclaimed playwright, author, critic, cultural and political commentator whose intelligence, courage and distinctive voice made an enduring contribution to British cultural and public life.”
Hutchins added: “To me, she was my partner, confidante and inspiration, and I feel profoundly privileged to have shared my life with her. Those closest to Bonnie will remember her warmth, humour, generosity and extraordinary ability to bring people together.”
Born in Chicago in 1948, Greer moved to Britain in 1986. She became a familiar face on British television, including as a panelist on shows like Newsnight and Question Time.
Greer was awarded the Verity Bargate Award for Best Play for “Munda Negra” and she was also the author of the novels “Hanging By Her Teeth” (1994) and “Entropy” (2009).
Other works include the biography “Langston Hughes: The Value Of Contradiction” (2011) and the play “Marilyn And Ella” (2008) about actress Marilyn Monroe and singer Ella Fitzgerald.
Greer was appointed to the British Museum’s board of trustees in 2005 and later served as deputy chairwoman. She also served on the boards of the London Film School and Royal Opera House, and was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2022. She also served as Chancellor of Kingston University in Kingston upon Thames, London.
In 2010, Greer was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the arts.
RIP Bonnie Greer 1948 – 2026