Michael Wright, ‘The Five Heartbeats’ Actor, Dies at 70

Michael Wright, who played in The Five Heartbeats, died age 70. Susan Wright, the actor's wife, confirmed his death on social media on August 21.

Susan shared a statement on Instagram asking for privacy from the public and media as they mourn.

She wrote, "It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright."

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“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,” it added.

"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. We respectfully ask the public, members of the media, and those who knew and admired Michael to please allow our family the privacy and grace to grieve during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask that people refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on behalf of our family,” the statement continued.

“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. 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,” it further noted.

Who was Michael Wright?

Michael Wright was a longtime television and movies careerer. He got international fame when he played Eddie King Jr. in the musical drama film The Five Heartbeats (1991) directed by Robert Townsend.

In 1983, Michael Wright was nominated for the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in Streamers. Later, he became popular when he acted as Eddie King Jr. in the musical drama The Five Heartbeats (1991) directed by Robert Townsend.

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Wright sang and danced as the leading man in an R&B band that was made up, taking the man on a journey to fame and then his own personal battle with drugs and alcohol. Eventually, the show became the one most associated with Wright.

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Eddie's journey from a popular singer to addiction and recovery afforded Wright the opportunity to portray some of the most moving, and sometimes heartbreaking, moments in the film. In her statement, Susan spoke of Wright as a husband, father, grandfather, friend and an actor. His descendants were said to be Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr, and Sir Barr.

His grandchild was identified as Yoko.

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