Michael Wright, the actor best known for playing lead vocalist Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 Robert Townsend film The Five Heartbeats, died Wednesday, August 19, in Los Angeles. He was 70.
According to a report by Variety, Wright's family said he died after suffering heart failure coupled with complications of degenerative neurological disease Marchiafava-Bignami. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death Friday evening in a post on Instagram.
"It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright," her statement read.
Wright was born April 30, 1956, in New York City. Over a career spanning several decades, he appeared in more than 50 movies and television shows. His film credits included Streamers, Sugar Hill, and The Wanderers. On television, he was known for the 1980s science fiction series V and HBO's Oz.
The Five Heartbeats, a fictional story about a Motown-style singing group, remains the role most closely associated with Wright. The film was directed by Robert Townsend and released in 1991. Wright played the group's lead singer, and the film has maintained a devoted following in the years since its release.
Susan Wright's statement described her husband as far more than the sum of his screen credits. "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," she wrote. "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."
She continued: "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. … In the coming days, when we are ready, we will share additional information regarding Michael's life, legacy, and how we intend to honor and celebrate him."
Susan concluded her statement with a direct message to her husband: "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."
Wright spoke about his approach to acting in a 2021 interview with Sheen Magazine. "The greatest sin an actor can commit is to fail to be interesting. I always try to make my characters interesting. I want you to be riveted and wonder what's going on behind my eyes," he said. In the same interview, he reflected on his life with few regrets: "I've done everything I have wanted to do. I've been everywhere, I speak five different languages. I have seen the world; I love my experiences."
The family said further details about how they plan to honor and celebrate Wright's life will be shared in the coming days.
