Wright also starred in “V,” “The Principal,” and Robert Altman’s “Streamers.”

Michael Wright, The Five Heartbeats star, dies at 70

Wright also starred in “V,” “The Principal,” and Robert Altman’s “Streamers.”

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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August 22, 2026 11:16 a.m. ET

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Michael Wright in New York City on April 21, 2008. Credit:

Mark Von Holden/WireImage

- Michael Wright has died at 70.

- His wife, Susan, released a statement announcing his death on Friday.

- TMZ reported that Wright died from heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami.

Michael Wright, the actor best known for his work in *The Five Heartbeats*, has died.

The actor’s wife, Susan, released a statement on social media on Friday announcing that he died at 70. She did not disclose Wright’s cause of death in the statement, though TMZ reported that he died from heart failure as well as complications from Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease.

“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Susan began in her statement. “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.”

Michael Wright in ‘The Five Heartbeats’.

20th Century Fox Film / courtesy Everett Collection

Susan said that her family is “grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss,” adding, “We understand how much Michael meant to so many people, and we are grateful for the love, prayers, memories, and condolences already being shared.”

The statement continued, “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.”

Susan concluded, “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.”

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Born in New York City in 1956, Wright began his career on stage in the late 1970s and made his screen debut in 1979’s *The Wanderers* opposite Ken Wahl and a pre-*Raiders of the Lost Ark* Karen Allen. He went on to play Elias Taylor on the hit 1983 sci-fi miniseries *V *as well as its 1984 follow-up *V: The Final Battle* and *V: The Series*. He won the Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival alongside his costars in Robert Altman’s *Streamers* in 1983.

Wright romanced Kanako Higuchi in the Japanese wartime drama *Bedtime Eyes* and acted alongside Jim Belushi in *The Principal*, both in 1987. Four years later, his most prominent screen project arrived: *The Five Heartbeats*, which saw him portray Eddie King, Jr., the lead vocalist of a fictional R&B quintet loosely inspired by the Dells, the Temptations, and others.

Michael Wright, Leon, Robert Townsend, Harry Lennix, and Tico Wells in ‘The Five Heartbeats’.

20th Century Fox Film / courtesy Everett Collection

He also starred alongside Wesley Snipes in the 1994 crime drama *Sugar Hill*, costarred with Chris Tucker and Charlie Sheen in Brett Ratner’s 1997 comedy *Money Talks*, and played opposite Mickey Rourke and Danny Trejo in 1998’s *Point Blank*. He later appeared in Sydney Pollack’s *The Interpreter*, which starred Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.

Wright’s best-known TV project of the 21st century was HBO’s *Oz*, in which he portrayed inmate Omar White. He also appeared on two episodes of the CW’s DC superhero show *Black Lightning*, and guested on episodes of *Miami Vice*, *Nash Bridges*, *Rel*, and *Transitions*.

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The actor’s other film credits include *2 Aces and a Dirty Head*, *Good Brutha Bad Brutha*, and his most recent project, *Dope King*, from 2025.

Wright is survived by his wife, children, and grandchild.

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