British-American writer, playwright and cultural commentator, Bonnie Greer has died at the age of 77 following a brief illness, her husband, David Hutchins confirmed.

Hutchins, announcing her death, described Greer as a woman whose intelligence, courage and distinctive voice had left a lasting mark, while remembering her as his partner, confidante and inspiration.

He also highlighted her warmth, humour and generosity, saying she had an exceptional ability to bring people together.

Greer’s death has prompted tributes from writers, broadcasters and politicians who worked with her or knew her personally.

BBC presenter Clive Myrie described her as both a friend and mentor, while former deputy prime minister David Lammy called her a powerful writer and artist known for her eloquence and exacting standards.

Lammy recalled Greer’s appearance on BBC’s Question Time in 2009 alongside then-British National Party leader Nick Griffin, describing her response during the programme as an expression of her “quiet fearlessness.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also paid tribute, saying Greer brought courage, humour and humanity to Britain’s cultural discussions and helped open opportunities for others.

Born in Chicago in 1948, Greer developed an early interest in theatre. She studied theatre in the city before continuing her training at the Actors Studio in New York, where she worked with renowned director Elia Kazan.

She moved to Britain in 1986 and became a familiar presence on British television, appearing regularly on programmes including Question Time and Newsnight Review.

Her body of work spanned theatre, fiction, memoir and cultural criticism. Her play Munda Negra won the Verity Bargate Award for best play, while her novels included Hanging by Her Teeth and Entropy.

Greer frequently explored issues surrounding culture, race and public institutions in her work.

In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, she discussed the way race influenced how she was perceived, saying she simply saw herself as herself until she stepped outside and was viewed by society as a Black woman.

She also encouraged Black women to speak with confidence and resist societal pressure to apologise for their identity.

Beyond her writing and broadcasting career, Greer held roles with major cultural institutions, including the British Museum, Royal Opera House and London Film School. She also served as chancellor of Kingston University.

Her other works included the memoir A Parallel Life, a biography of American poet and playwright Langston Hughes, and Obama Music, a 2009 book combining memoir and music history.

Greer was appointed an OBE in 2010 for services to the arts and became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2022.

Writer and broadcaster John Simpson described Greer as a close friend who supported him during a difficult period, praising her intelligence and noting that she could be forceful in public debate without resorting to personal attacks.

Journalist and broadcaster Sangita Myska also remembered Greer as a smart and outspoken figure whose absence would be felt in public life.