Michael Wright Remembered by Robert Townsend, Leon and More
The beloved 'Five Heartbeats,' ‘Oz’ and ‘Sugar Hill’ actor passed away at age 70.
Michael Wright attends a special screening of Robert Townsend's new documentary "Making The 5 Heartbeats" at AMC Century City 15 theater on August 27, 2018 in Century City, California.
Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images.
Acclaimed actor Michael Wright’s death at age 70 struck a chord with fans and peers. Wright rose to fame starring in movies and on television in projects like The Five Heartbeats, V, Oz, The Principal and Sugar Hill. His family confirmed Wright died August 19 in Los Angeles.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” his wife Susan Wright wrote on Instagram. According to TMZ, Wright died from heart failure coupled with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease.
“Michael was a husband, a father (Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr, Sir Barr), a grandfather (Yoko), loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations,” Susan Wright wrote.
Wright made his debut in the 1979 drama The Wanderers. His next film was Robert Altman’s 1983 Streamers, for which he shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival with the rest of the main cast. Over the course of his lengthy career, he appeared in numerous acclaimed projects, including Money Talks, Black Lightning, Point Blank and The Interpreter.
Wright’s most memorable performance was the troubled R&B singer Eddie “Kang” King, Jr. in director Robert Townsend’s cult classic The Five Heartbeats. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Townsend paid homage to his friend and collaborator.
“Michael was a ‘Pure Artist,’" Townsend wrote. “Susan, Michael’s wife—it’s been a lot on her and the family, so please keep them in your prayers. Thank you to all of the fans showing love to Michael on social media, you are helping to lift his family up and me…”
You can read celebs' outpouring of respect and love in the wake of Wright’s passing below.
Robert Townsend
Donnie Simpson
Loni Love
Cheo Hodari Coker
Marlon Wayans
Leon
Sir Barr (Michael Wright’s youngest son)
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