Actor Michael Wright, star of 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'V', dies at 70

Actor Michael Wright, noted for his performances in the 1991 musical film "The Five Heartbeats" and the 1980s sci-fi series "V", died in Los Angeles on August 19 at the age of 70. The family said his death resulted from heart failure combined with complications of a degenerative neurological disorder known as Marchiafava-Bignami disease.

Wright, born on April 30, 1956, in New York City, appeared in more than 50 film and television projects, including "Streamers", "Sugar Hill", "The Wanderers", HBO's "Oz" and the drama "The Principal".

"Michael was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations," his wife Susan Wright wrote in an Instagram post announcing his passing.

"Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss. We understand how much Michael meant to so many people, and we are grateful for the love, prayers, memories, and condolences already being shared," she added.

The family said further details about Wright's life and planned memorials will be shared when appropriate.