British-American author, playwright and cultural commentator Bonnie Greer has died aged 77 after a brief illness. Her husband, David Hutchins, announced her death in a statement expressing “profound sadness”.
Hutchins described Greer as an acclaimed playwright, author, critic and cultural and political commentator whose work made an enduring contribution to British public life. He also paid tribute to her warmth, humour, generosity and ability to bring people together. BBC presenter Clive Myrie led tributes, describing Greer as a friend and mentor.
Born in Chicago in 1948, Greer developed an interest in playwriting at a young age. She studied theatre in Chicago before attending the Actors Studio in New York, where she worked with director Elia Kazan. Greer moved to the UK in 1986 and became a familiar face on British television. She appeared as a panellist on programmes including Newsnight Review and Question Time.
Her work explored culture, race and public institutions across theatre, literature and broadcasting. Greer served on the boards of the British Museum, Royal Opera House and London Film School. She was also chancellor of Kingston University. Her published works included A Parallel Life, Hanging by Her Teeth, Entropy and Obama Music.
Greer received an OBE for services to the arts in 2010. In 2022, she became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
