Michael Wright, the actor known for his role in The Five Heartbeats, has died at the age of 70. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media on Saturday.
Wright died in Los Angeles on August 19 after suffering heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease that attacks nerve fibres in the brain.
Family tribute to the actor
Announcing his death on social media, his wife Susan Wright wrote: “It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright.
“Michael was a husband, a father (Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr, Sir Barr, a grandfather (Yoko), loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations. 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.
“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.”
The statement said Wright’s family were “grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss”, understood how much the actor had meant to so many people, and were grateful for the love, prayers, memories, and condolences already being shared.
They asked to be given “privacy and grace to grieve during this incredibly difficult time” and said they would share additional information regarding his “life, legacy and how we intend to honour and celebrate him” in the coming days.
The statement, signed off by his “loving wife and family”, concluded: “Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best. Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”
Fan reactions and career highlights
Commenting on the post, one fan wrote: "Prayer my dear I'm so sorry... he was a fantastic actor." A second added: "My sincere condolences! My thoughts and prayers along with healing light are with you and your family."
Elsewhere, a third posted: "rest well my Brother, you will be missed but not forgotten. Love you man," while a fourth wrote: "Sleep in eternal paradise, King. My sincerest condolences to you and your family, friends and fans."
Born in New York City in 1956, Wright appeared in more than 50 movies and television shows throughout his career. His breakout role came playing Clinton, the leader of the Del Bombers gang, in Philip Kaufman’s 1979 coming-of-age drama, The Wanderers.
Notable roles and legacy
The film was adapted from bestselling author Richard Price’s novel of the same name and followed rival teenage gangs in 1960s New York.
Wright went on to play singer Eddie King Jr in Robert Townsend’s 1991 film The Five Heartbeats, which followed a fictional Motown group but was loosely inspired by the lives of artists including The Temptations, James Brown and Sam Cooke.
He also appeared in Robert Altman’s 1983 war drama, Streamers, as well as Leon Ichaso’s 1995 crime drama Sugar Hill, in which he starred alongside Wesley Snipes.
On the small screen, some of Wright’s best-known roles included playing resistance fighter Elias Taylor in V: The Mini-Series and its various spin-off shows, Omar White in Oz and Lazarus Prime in Black Lightning.
The actor is survived by wife Susan Wright, his five children and a granddaughter.
