‘The Five Heartbeats’ Star Michael Wright Dies at 70

Actor Michael Wright, best known for his memorable performance as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died. He was 70.

Wright died Wednesday, August 19, in Los Angeles, according to his family. His wife, Susan Wright, confirmed his passing in a statement shared on social media.

Wright’s family said the actor suffered heart failure along with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological disorder.

Susan remembered her husband as an “extraordinary artist whose work touched generations,” while noting that his impact extended far beyond his work on screen. The family has asked for privacy and said additional details about plans to honor Wright’s life and legacy will be announced at a later date.

Born in New York City in 1956, Wright began his screen career in the late 1970s, appearing as Clinton in the 1979 cult film The Wanderers. He later earned acclaim for his performance as Carlyle in Robert Altman’s 1983 drama Streamers, sharing the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival with his fellow cast members.

Michael Wright, Eddie King Jr

Wright went on to build a career spanning nearly five decades across film and television. He appeared as Victor Duncan opposite James Belushi in 1987’s The Principal and played Elias Taylor in the science-fiction franchise V, including V: The Final Battle and V: The Series.

For many fans, however, Wright will forever be associated with Eddie King Jr. in director Robert Townsend’s 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. Wright’s performance as the immensely talented but troubled singer became one of the defining roles of his career and helped the film develop a lasting following in the decades after its release.

His other film credits included Sugar Hill, Money Talks, Point Blank, Piñero and The Interpreter. On television, Wright memorably portrayed Omar White on HBO’s Oz from 2001 to 2003 and later appeared in Black Lightning.

Wright’s final credited screen appearances included the 2025 film Dope King. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchild.

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