‘The Five Heartbeats’ actor Michael Wright dies at 70

Actor Michael Wright, largely known for his role as Eddie King Jr., in the legendary 1991 movie “The Five Heartbeats,” has died. He was 70 years old. His wife, Susan, confirmed his death in an Instagram post late Friday.

While appearing in nearly 50 movies and television shows, it was Wright’s unforgettable role in “The Five Heartbeats” as a charismatic lead singer of a group while struggling with alcohol and drugs that fans referenced most on social media after learning about his death.

“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 stated in her Instagram post. “Many knew and loved him through The Five Heartbeats, The Wanderers, V, The Principal, Streamers, and the many other characters he brought to life throughout his remarkable career. His talent, presence, and contributions to film and television will live on, but to those of us who loved him personally, he was so much more than the roles the world knew him for.”