Actor Michael Wright, star of ‘The Five Heartbeats,’ dies at 70
Michael Wright, known for roles in “The Five Heartbeats” and the TV series “V,” died at age 70 after complications from a rare neurological disease and heart failure.
Actor Michael Wright died on Wednesday at a medical center in California, surrounded by his wife and children, according to his family. Wright, 70, had been diagnosed in 2015 with Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative neurological condition, and also suffered from heart failure, the family said.
His wife, Susan Wright, released a statement expressing her grief and describing him as a “loving husband, father, grandfather and friend” and “an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.” She noted that audiences remembered him for roles in “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Wanderers,” “V,” “The Principal,” “Streamers,” among others, and added that his talent and contributions to film and television would endure.
Born in New York City, Wright began his screen career in 1979 with “The Wanderers.” He earned a best actor award at the Venice Film Festival in 1983 for the ensemble cast of “Streamers.” In the 1980s he gained prominence as resistance fighter Elias Taylor in the sci-fi series “V,” later appearing as inmate Omar White in HBO’s “Oz.” He is best remembered for portraying Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 musical drama “The Five Heartbeats.”
Wright is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Manon Wright, and stepchildren Byron, Brittney, Brea and Sir Barr. The family requested privacy and said further details on memorial plans will be shared later.