Michael Wright, 'The Five Heartbeats' star, dies at 70

Actor Michael Wright died on 19 August 2026 in Los Angeles at 70, his wife Susan Wright announced on Instagram. A family statement cited by TMZ gave the cause as heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignam disease, a rare neurological condition. Wright's career spanned four decades, from his 1979 debut in 'The Wanderers' to an arc on The CW's 'Black Lightning.' He shared the 1983 Venice Best Actor award for Robert Altman's 'Streamers.' His most recognised role was Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend's 1991 musical drama 'The Five Heartbeats.'