‘Five Heartbeats,’ ‘Sugar Hill’ Actor Was 70

Actor Michael Wright, known for his roles in 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'Sugar Hill', has passed away at age 70 due to heart failure and neurological complications. His career included notable performances in film and television, including the series 'V' and 'Oz'.
Why it matters
The death of a recognized character actor marks the loss of a contributor to 1990s cinema and television culture.
Michael Wright, who starred as the lead vocalist Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend's The Five Heartbeats and as Wesley Snipes' brother in Sugar Hill , has died. He was 70.
Wright died Wednesday in Los Angeles of heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative neurological disorder, TMZ reported .
"Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss," his wife, Susan, wrote on Instagram. "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." Related Stories Movies Paul M. Pollard, Camera Man on 'Bound for Glory' and 'Heaven's Gate,' Dies at 84 Music Frank Beard, ZZ Top Drummer, Dies at 77
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