Actor Michael Wright of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ dies, Wife leads tributes

The actor Michael Wright has died at the age of 70, his wife confirmed in a post to Instagram.

“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Susan Wright wrote late on Friday.

The actor was best known for his portrayal of the troubled singer Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend’s 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. Wright appeared in several movies and TV shows over the course of a nearly five-decade career, including the 1983 film Streamers, for which he won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.

The cause of death was not made clear in Friday’s post.

“In the coming days, when we are ready, we will share additional information regarding Michael’s life, legacy and how we intend to honor and celebrate him,” his wife 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,” the post continued.

This is a developing story. More to come.