Michael Wright, a veteran actor recognized for his performances in “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Principal,” and the science fiction series “V,” has passed away at the age of 70. His spouse, Susan Wright, made the announcement through an Instagram post on Friday evening. According to family representatives, Wright died in Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 19, following heart failure combined with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological condition.
Born in New York City on April 30, 1956, Wright built an extensive career spanning more than 50 film and television productions. His filmography included notable movies such as “Streamers,” “Sugar Hill,” and “The Wanderers.” In the 1991 musical drama “The Five Heartbeats,” directed by Robert Townsend, Wright portrayed Eddie King Jr., the lead singer of a fictional Motown group whose personal struggles ultimately led to his departure from the band.
In her statement, Susan Wright described her husband as a devoted family man and exceptional performer whose characters resonated with audiences across generations. She emphasized that while many knew him through his celebrated roles, his impact extended far beyond the screen to those closest to him. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and indicated they would share additional details about his legacy in the coming days.
Originally reported by Variety →
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