Sugar Hill and The Five Heartbeats star Michael Wright has died at age 70. Hill’s family revealed the news to TMZ, saying the longtime actor died on Wednesday in Los Angeles after he experienced heart failure and complications of Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease. Wright’s wife, Susan Wright, paid tribute to her husband on Instagram, People reported.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Susan wrote, adding that he was a “loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
Who was Michael Wright?
Wright, who was born in New York in 1956, found his love for acting at an early age. While growing up with his mother, who owned a restaurant in the theater district, Wright met legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend, according to The Hollywood Reporter. With some guidance from Townsend, Wright found a path to the film industry.
What were some of Michael Wright’s notable roles?
Wright rose to fame in the 1970s when he starred in The Wanderers. He also starred in Streamers in 1983. In 1987, Wright played Victor Duncan in the comedy film The Principal. One of his most memorable roles, however, came in 1991 when he starred in Townsend’s The Five Heartbeats, a drama film about a troubled artist. Wright played Raynathan Skuggs in Sugar Hill in 1994, alongside Wesley Snipes. Some of Wright’s other notable roles include Money Talks with Chris Tucker, Point Blank with Mickey Rourke, and The Interpreter with Nicole Kidman.
Wright made his name on TV as well, appearing on shows such as Oz and V: The Series. The 70-year-old star is now survived by his wife, Susan Wright, as well as his daughter and stepchildren.