PROLIFIC author and former pop musician Michael White has died in Perth aged 58.

White’s first claim to fame was as a member of 1980s British pop band, Thompson Twins, best known for their 1983 hit, Hold Me Now.

He went on to become a science lecturer, a bestselling author of 43 books and a screenwriter for the upcoming film, The Gateway.

The biography on his website says he is the only person to appear in three Top 10 charts - as a musician, a novelist and a non-fiction writer.

White has lived in Perth with his wife, Lisa, and their four children for many years.

Camera Icon Michael White of the Thompson Twins. Credit: Supplied.

He has held writing courses in Perth under the moniker, The Book Guru.

Mrs White delivered the sad news on Facebook, confirming her husband died on Tuesday last week.

“I can't really put into words the grief and shock the children and I are feeling right now,” Mrs White said.

“Twenty five years of being married to a writer has not resulted in any of his talents being passed on to me and I have deleted and rewritten this post countless time in order to do justice to my beloved husband and my children's beloved father.”

Popular Cottesloe identity, the Cottesloe Barbie, worked alongside Mr White to run the local writing courses.

She posted a heartfelt tribute to him on Facebook on Sunday.

“Michael was an exceptionally talented and versatile individual but he also exemplified an even rarer gift: humility,” Cottesloe Barbie said to her 16,000 followers.

“Michael was passionate about everything he did but the greatest passion of his life was his family.

“He leaves a wife whom he loved and adored and four children of whom he was rightly proud.

“Known as 'The Book Guru', Michael was just and fair, extremely funny and wonderful company.

“He taught both at UWA and most recently, with me. He was a wonderful friend and it was a privilege to know him.”