Michael Wright, Star of 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'V', Dies at 70

Michael Wright, the actor known for his roles in 'The Five Heartbeats', 'V', and 'The Principal', died on Wednesday at the age of 70. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death on Instagram on Friday, expressing profound sadness. Family members told TMZ that the cause was heart failure and complications from Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare degenerative neurological disease. Wright's career spanned over 70 screen roles, beginning with his debut in Philip Kaufman's 1979 film 'The Wanderers'. He played Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 musical drama 'The Five Heartbeats', directed by Robert Townsend. In the sci-fi series 'V', he portrayed Elias Taylor, a Resistance leader. He also appeared in 'The Principal' (1987) opposite Jim Belushi, 'Sugar Hill' (1994) with Wesley Snipes, and 'Streamers' (1984) directed by Robert Altman. On television, he had a recurring role in HBO's 'Oz' from 2001 to 2003. His last screen appearance was in the 2025 crime drama 'Dope King'. Wright was born in New York City on April 30, 1956.