Michael Wright, known for his onscreen roles in “The Five Heartbeats” and “V,” has died, according to a family statement shared on social media. He was 70.
The New York-born actor’s wife, Susan Wright, confirmed his death in an Instagram post Friday, Aug. 21, writing, “It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright.”
The family told TMZ in a statement that “The Principal” star died on Aug. 19 after suffering from “heart failure” as well as “complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease called Marchiafava-Bignami.”
Throughout his career, Wright appeared in more than 50 film and television projects, most notably his movie roles as Clinton in 1979’s “The Wanderers,” main villain Victor Duncan in the action-crime flick “The Principal” and Carlyle in 1983’s “Streamers,” alongside David Alan Grier. Many TV fans will also recall his performance as Elias Taylor in the 1984 sci-fi miniseries “V” or as the poet-inmate Omar White in HBO’s “Oz.”
His most recognizable role is arguably in the 1991 musical film “The Five Heartbeats,” where he plays the charismatic yet troubled vocalist Eddie King Jr., who grapples with alcohol and drug addiction that impact his career and place in the fictional Motown group.
‘So much more than the roles the world knew him for’
In her statement, Susan said that her late husband’s “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.”
“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,” the statement reads. “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.”
She concluded her statement by adding that her husband’s work will live on 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.”
Michael Wright is survived by his five children – Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr and Sir Barr – and his grandchild, Yoko.