Michael Wright, who starred as 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. The actor was born in New York City on April 30, 1956. His mother, Alberta, owned Jezebel, a Southern restaurant in the theater district.
Michael Wright, Star of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘Sugar Hill,’ Dies at 70
Michael Wright, known for his roles in The Five Heartbeats and Sugar Hill, has died at the age of 70. Wright passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles. His death was attributed to heart failure and complications stemming from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological disorder, according to a report by TMZ.
Wright portrayed Eddie King Jr., the lead vocalist of the fictional Motown-inspired R&B group in Robert Townsend’s 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He also played the brother of Wesley Snipes’ character in the 1994 film Sugar Hill. The actor was born on April 30, 1956, in New York City.
A Beloved Husband and Father
Wright’s wife, Susan, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following his death. “Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss,” she wrote. Susan described Michael as a devoted husband and father, expressing the profound sadness felt by their loved ones.
In her tribute, she also stated, “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.” Susan Wright conveyed that her husband was more than just his on-screen persona.
Career Highlights
Michael Wright gained significant recognition for his role as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats (1991). In the film, he depicted the lead singer of an R&B group navigating the challenges of fame, with his character battling drug and alcohol addiction. The ensemble cast included Robert Townsend, Tico Wells, Leon, and Harry J. Lennix.
Wright also delivered a notable performance as Raynathan Skuggs in Sugar Hill (1994), a film written by Barry Michael Cooper. He was a Resistance fighter Elias Taylor in the NBC miniseries V in the mid-1980s. Wright also appeared in 22 episodes of HBO’s Oz over three seasons from 2001-03 as inmate Omar White.
His extensive filmography includes roles in The Wanderers (1979), Streamers (1983), The Principal (1987), and Money Talks (1997). Wright also had appearances in television series such as Miami Vice and New York Undercover.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born in New York City, Michael Wright’s mother, Alberta, owned a Southern restaurant named Jezebel in the theater district. It was at this establishment that Wright first met director Robert Townsend. Townsend recounted in a 1991 interview with New York magazine how their acquaintance led to an unexpected late-night viewing.
“I never go out,” Townsend told the magazine. “But before I knew it, we were club-hopping. Then we ended up in Michael’s apartment at 3 a.m. watching this Japanese film he’d made.” Wright’s early acting training included a work-study program at the Lee Strasberg Institute.
At the Strasberg Institute, Wright “mopped floors, I answered phones, I did all kinds of tasks in exchange for my classes,” he shared in a 2021 interview with Sheen magazine. His first film role was as Clinton, leader of The Del Bombers gang, in Philip Kaufman’s The Wanderers (1979).
Key Facts
- Name: Michael Wright
- Age at death: 70
- Date of death: Wednesday
- Cause of death: Heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease
- Notable roles: Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, Raynathan Skuggs in Sugar Hill, Elias Taylor in V, Omar White in Oz.
- Birthdate: April 30, 1956
- Survivors: Five children and a grandchild
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Michael Wright known for?
Michael Wright was known for his acting roles, particularly as Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 film The Five Heartbeats and as Raynathan Skuggs in the 1994 film Sugar Hill. He also appeared in the TV series V and Oz.
What was Michael Wright’s age when he died?
Michael Wright was 70 years old at the time of his death. He was born on April 30, 1956, and died on a Wednesday in Los Angeles.
What was Michael Wright’s cause of death?
According to reports, Michael Wright died of heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative neurological disorder. The news was reported by TMZ.
Who are Michael Wright’s survivors?
Michael Wright is survived by five children and one grandchild. His wife, Susan, shared tributes to him on Instagram following his passing.
