Michael Wright dies aged 70 after heart failure
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Actor Michael Wright, best known for "The Five Heartbeats", "V" and "The Principal", has died aged 70, his family has confirmed. His wife, Susan Wright, announced the news in an Instagram post, saying he died in Los Angeles on 19 August after suffering heart failure combined with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a degenerative neurological condition.
Born in New York City in 1956, Wright appeared in more than 50 film and television productions over his career. He was especially recognised for playing Eddie King Jr, the troubled lead singer in the 1991 musical drama "The Five Heartbeats", and also featured in "Oz", "Streamers", "Sugar Hill" and "The Wanderers". His wife described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose talent "touched generations", adding that the family would share further details about his legacy and how they intend to honour him in due course.
- Actor Michael Wright has died aged 70 in Los Angeles
- Cause: heart failure and Marchiafava-Bignami disease complications
- Known for "The Five Heartbeats", "V" and "The Principal"
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Michael Wright was an American actor whose career included films, television dramas and theatre. He became widely known through roles that often centred on musicians, street life and complex characters.
His best remembered part was Eddie King Jr, the lead singer in The Five Heartbeats, a drama about a fictional rhythm-and-blues vocal group and the pressures of success in the music business. He also appeared in the science-fiction series V, the prison drama Oz and films including The Principal.
Marchiafava-Bignami disease is a rare condition that damages part of the brain connecting its two halves. It can affect memory, movement, speech and awareness, and is associated with several possible causes, including long-term alcohol use and poor nutrition.
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Originally published by Variety as “Actor Michael Wright, Star of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘V,’ Dies at 70”.