Michael Wright, Star of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘Sugar Hill,’ Dies at 70 - The Hollywood Reporter
Actor Michael Wright, known for his roles in 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'Sugar Hill', has passed away at age 70. He died in Los Angeles due to heart failure and complications from a rare neurological disorder.
Why it matters
Wright was a respected character actor whose performances in culturally significant films left a lasting impact on Black cinema.
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 TV Bunny Levine, Librarian Turned Actress in 'Gilmore Girls,' Thelma' and 'You Don't Mess With the Zohan,' Dies at 97 Music Janie Bradford, "Money (That's What I Want)" Songwriter, Dies at 87
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