Playwright Bonnie Greer, 60, most recently seen on Question Time with BNP leader Nick Griffin, was born in Chicago, and moved to London in 1986.

My mother and father

My father, Ben, was a factory worker, and my mother, Willie Mae, a housewife. They had a limited education and little money, yet managed to raise seven children. The things they taught me have stayed with me. My father always said, “Consider the source”, so whenever I have any criticism, I always analyse who said it, why they said it and how much I value their opinion. If I don’t rate them, I don’t care. My father has passed away, but my mum still lives in Chicago and is twice the woman I’ll ever be.

My husband

David and I first met in the aisle of a supermarket 23 years ago, but we lost each other for six years before bumping into each other again at a play opening. We got married six months later and have been together ever since. Even though he is as different from me as he could possibly be – he is a white, English, suburban ex-public schoolboy – from the moment we met he knew exactly who I was and he still does. He is the person I can’t do without, and being with him is incredible. I tell every woman I meet not to give up on love because it is true; there is somebody out there for everyone and you will meet them.

My hero

The person who first moved me and still does is the late African-American author James Baldwin. I was 12 when I read his first book, Go Tell It On the Mountain, about his childhood in Harlem in the Thirties. He nailed the emotions I felt right on the head and I read all his subsequent books.

My agent

When Judith told me she was in her mid-twenties, I just started laughing. She is a generation younger than me, but is a great editor, is wiser than me and keeps me in touch with younger people. She is more like my big sister. I feel lucky to have her and always tell people not to discriminate against others based on their age.

My director

There are things in my play Marilyn & Ella that I think are self-explanatory, but Colin [McFarlane] is not afraid to say if there is an Americanism he doesn’t understand. He brings an English precision to it that I am still struggling to get to grips with, even though I have lived here for more than 20 years.

Marilyn & Ella is at the Apollo Theatre, London (0844 4124658; marilynandella.com), on November 15, 22 and 29. Bonnie Greer’s new book, Obama Music (Legend Press, £7.99), is out now