Michael Wright, ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘V’ actor, dies at 70 after heart failure and rare neurological disease
Michael Wright, best known for playing Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died at 70 after suffering heart failure and complications from a rare neurological disease.
Wright died on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Los Angeles, his family told TMZ. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his passing on Instagram two days later, sharing photos of the actor with his family and fellow stars.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Susan wrote. She described him as “an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
Wright’s performance as Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 musical drama became one of his best-known roles. He also appeared in *V*, *The Wanderers*, *The Principal*, *Streamers*, *Sugar Hill* and *Oz*, building a career that stretched across film and television.
His family said he had been suffering from heart failure along with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease.
“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,” Susan wrote.
“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 began his screen career in 1979 with *The Wanderers* before gaining wider recognition through *Streamers* and the television miniseries *V*. He later appeared in projects including *Sugar Hill*, *Money Talks*, *The Interpreter* and HBO’s *Oz*.
His final screen credits included an appearance in *Black Lightning* in 2019 and the 2025 film *Dope King*.
Susan said the family is dealing with “an enormous and deeply personal loss” and asked for privacy as they grieve.
She added that the family would share more information about Wright’s life, legacy and plans to honour him in the coming days.
Michael Wright is survived by his wife, five children and a grandchild.
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