Tributes are pouring in for Michael Wright, an actor best known for his unforgettable performance in The Five Heartbeats. He was 70.
Wright died Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Los Angeles from heart failure, his family told TMZ. He had been suffering from complications of Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative disorder that leads to cognitive impairment, seizures and coma, according to the American Journal of Neuroradiology.
The actor’s wife, Susan Wright, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement on Instagram that was shared by producer and actress Madina Milana.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” the statement began.
Susan remembered Wright as a devoted family man and gifted performer whose work touched generations.
“Michael was a husband, a father, a grandfather, loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist,” she continued. “Many knew and loved him through The Five Heartbeats, The Wanderers, V, The Principal, Streamers, and the many other characters he brought to life throughout his remarkable career.”
She added, “His talent, presence, and contributions to film and television will live on, but to those of us who loved him personally, he was so much more than the roles the world knew him for.”
Wright played the talented but troubled singer Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend’s beloved 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. The film followed the rise and struggles of a fictional R&B group and became a cultural classic.
As news of his death spread, Townsend paid tribute to Wright and asked fans to keep the actor’s family in their prayers.
“Tears… flowing as I write this,” the filmmaker posted on X. “Michael was a ‘Pure Artist.’”
Longtime broadcaster and former BET host Donnie Simpson also honored the actor.
“We’ve lost another brother,” Simpson wrote on X. “Michael Wright gave us so many iconic performances from the culture classic The Five Heartbeats to Sugar Hill. What a talent! Condolences and prayers to Michael’s family, friends, & fans.”
TV One remembered Wright for leaving a lasting mark through his performances.
“The actor is best known for his iconic role as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats. His work will live on,” the network shared on X.
Wright was born in New York City in 1956. He launched his acting career in the late ’70s. His first film credit came in the 1979 drama The Wanderers, according to his IMDb page.
He appeared in Robert Altman’s 1983 film Streamers before starring opposite Jim Belushi and Louis Gossett Jr. in the 1987 drama The Principal.
Following The Five Heartbeats, Wright played Raynathan Skuggs opposite Wesley Snipes in the 1994 crime drama Sugar Hill. His other movie credits included Money Talks, Point Blank and The Interpreter.
Wright also had extensive television credits. He played Elias Taylor in the 1980s science-fiction franchise V and later portrayed inmate Omar White on HBO’s prison drama Oz. He also appeared on Miami Vice, New York Undercover, Black Lightning, and Rel.
Wright is survived by his wife, children and grandchild.
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