Author and critic Bonnie Greer dies aged 77
Author and critic Bonnie Greer dies aged 77. Image source, Getty ImagesByPaul GlynnCulture reporterPublished10 minutes agoBritish-American author and cultural commentator Bonnie Greer has died at the age of 77 after a brief illness, her husband has said.
What happened
In a statement delivered with "profound sadness", Greer's widower David Hutchins described her as "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 continued: "Those closest to Bonnie will remember her warmth, humour, generosity and extraordinary ability to bring people together. "Once named by the Observer, external as one of the country's leading public intellectuals, Greer's work – across a range of disciplines and platforms – often tackled topics around culture, race and public institutions.
Speaking to the Guardian, external in 2016 in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement, Greer said: "When I wake up in the morning, I'm just myself. "Born in Chicago in 1948, Greer wrote plays from a young age and went on to study theatre in her home city and before attending the Actors Studio in New York with director Elia Kazan. Her published works include a memoir titled A Parallel Life and a critical biography of the US poet and playwright Langston Hughes.
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).
The wider picture
Greer was made an OBE in 2010 for services to the arts. Her husband says the playwright and cultural and political commentator died after a brief illness. He added: "To me, she was my partner, confidante and inspiration, and I feel profoundly privileged to have shared my life with her. It's only when I leave the 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.
She moved to the UK in 1986, serving on the boards of art institutions including the British Museum, Royal Opera House and London Film School. And she became a regular face on UK TV, appearing as a panellist on programmes like Newsnight Review and Question Time, and also serving as chancellor of London's Kingston University. Also in 2009, her memoir and music history, Obama Music, was published.
What has been reported
In 2022, she was appointed as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, announced his death and asked for privacy while the family mourns. ByMansur AbubakarReporting fromAbujaPublished16 September 2026, 11:49 BSTUpdated 1 hour agoOlu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's best known actors, whose career spanned several decades across theatre, television and film, has died at the age of 84. Silva announced his passing in a statement describing the celebrated actor as "The Lion of Lufodo" and saying his life was "well lived and fought".
Some of his notable films include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day. He was regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood, as Nigeria's film industry in known, commanding widespread respect and admiration across the country. "We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family's privacy at this time," Silva said in a statement. Born on 11 July 1942, Jacobs was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before embarking on a career that included appearances in British television productions and international films.
What happens next
He later became one of the defining figures of Nigeria's film industry, appearing in numerous Nigerian productions and earning recognition for his commanding screen presence and versatility. His career spanned more than five decades, during which he received several major honours, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement honours. In 2011, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Jacobs and Silva jointly established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing not only to film and television but also to developing and training performing artists in Nigeria. In recent years, Jacobs had largely stayed away from the public spotlight due to ill-health. You may also be interested in: Were Christians the target of the Palm Sunday attack in Nigeria? Published3 September'Nothing good was supposed to come out of me'Published7 SeptemberGo to BBCAfrica. com, external for more news from the African continent.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across bbc.co.uk. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.