Michael Wright, the actor best known for his powerful performance as Eddie King Jr. in the cult classic 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats, has died at age 70. In a statement sent to TMZ, Wright’s family said he died in Los Angeles Wednesday after suffering heart failure coupled with complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease called Marchiafava-Bignami. The news was announced by his wife, Susan, on Instagram on Friday.
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. 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. 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 was born in 1956 and raised in New York City. He made his feature-film debut as Clinton, leader of the Del Bombers gang, in Philip Kaufman’s 1979 coming-of-age drama The Wanderers.
The film, adapted from Richard Price’s novel and set among rival teenage gangs in 1960s New York, became a cult favourite. New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. He went on to star in the NBC science fiction miniseries V, the 1984 sequel V: The Final Battle, and V: The Series as Elias Taylor. He also appeared in the Robert Altman film Streamers (1983), for which he won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.
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