“The Five Heartbeats” star Michael Wright has died. He was 70.
The actor died Wednesday in Los Angeles after suffering heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease, his family told TMZ.
Wright was best known for playing talented but troubled singer Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 musical drama “The Five Heartbeats.”
The New York City native began his decades-long acting career in the late 1970s, landing a breakout role as Clinton in the 1979 film “The Wanderers.”
He went on to appear in Robert Altman’s 1983 film “Streamers” before starring as Victor Duncan opposite Jim Belushi and Louis Gossett Jr. in 1987’s “The Principal.”
Four years later, Wright took on his memorable role as Eddie in “The Five Heartbeats,” which followed the rise and struggles of a fictional R&B vocal group.
He later starred opposite Wesley Snipes as Raynathan Skuggs in the 1994 crime drama “Sugar Hill.”
Wright’s other big-screen credits included “Money Talks” with Chris Tucker, “Point Blank” with Mickey Rourke and “The Interpreter” alongside Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.
The actor also built an extensive television resumé throughout his nearly five-decade career.
He played Elias Taylor in the 1980s sci-fi franchise “V” and later portrayed inmate Omar White on HBO’s prison drama “Oz.”
Wright also appeared in “Miami Vice,” “New York Undercover” and “Black Lightning.”
His wife, Susan Wright, paid tribute to the late actor in a statement announcing his death, remembering him as an “extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
“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 shared on Instagram.
Susan said the family was grieving an “enormous and deeply personal loss” and asked for privacy as they mourn.
“Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best,” she concluded. “Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”
Wright is survived by his wife, daughter and stepchildren.
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