Bonnie Greer dies aged 77: Acclaimed British-American playwright and author passes away after brief illness

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 09:03 EDT, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 09:21 EDT, 16 September 2026 British-American playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer has died aged 77 after a brief illness.Her husband David Hutchins said today: '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.'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.'At this immensely difficult time, we ask that our family's privacy be respected. She will be deeply missed.'Greer was born in Chicago and lived in New York City before moving to Britain in 1986. She became a British citizen in 1997. She 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). British-American playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer has died aged 77 Bonnie Greer after she was made an Officer of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace in 2010 Bonnie Greer poses before introducing 'The Lost Man' at the BFI Southbank in London in 2016 Bonnie Greer with Zawe Ashton as the latter launches her book 'Character Breakdown' in 2019In October 2009, her memoir and music history, Obama Music, was published.Some of her 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 Royal Opera House and the London Film School and was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2022.Greer appeared as a panellist on Newsnight Review and Question Time and served as Chancellor of Kingston University in south-west London.She was appointed an OBE in 2010 for services to the arts.Greer was also known for her commentary on issues relating to culture and race. She told the Guardian in 2016: 'When I wake up in the morning, I'm just myself. It's only when I leave the front door that I become a black woman to the world.'She added: 'I tell black women all the time, "Don't apologise for yourself and keep your hair nappy – whatever that means to you. Never apologise, make sure you are heard".'