Condolences: ‘The Five Heartbeats’ Star Michael Wright Dies At 70, Wife Susan Wright Confirms His Passing

Michael Wright

‘The Five Heartbeats’ Star Michael Wright Dies At 70, Wife Susan Wright Confirms His Passing

Actor Michael Wright, best known for his unforgettable role as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has d*ed at 70. His wife, Susan Wright, confirmed his passing in an emotional statement shared Friday (Aug. 21). A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

“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 remembered Michael not only as an accomplished actor, but as a husband, father, grandfather, loved one and friend whose work “touched generations.” The family asked for privacy as they grieve and urged the public and media to refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on their behalf.

Michael built a career spanning more than four decades, with roles in The Wanderers, Streamers, The Principal, Sugar Hill and The Interpreter. On television, he appeared as Elias Taylor in V and later played Omar White on HBO’s Oz. His performance in the 1983 film Streamers also earned him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

Still, Michael became especially beloved for portraying troubled lead singer Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend’s 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats, a film that grew into a cult classic and remains a staple of Black cinema. (Wikipedia?) Susan said the family plans to share more about Michael’s life, legacy and how they intend to honor him in the coming days. She ended her tribute with a heartbreaking message to her husband: “Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”

We send our condolences to his family and friends.