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'The Five Heartbeats' fame Michael Wright has passed away. He was 70. The news of his demise was announced by his wife Susan Wright, on Instagram. "It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright," her statement read, as per Variety.

Cause of Death and Background

Wright's family said he died in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after suffering heart failure coupled with complications of degenerative neurological disease Marchiafava-Bignami, according to a statement provided to TMZ. Wright was born on April 30, 1956, in New York City.

A Look at His Career

He appeared in more than 50 movies and TV shows, including the films "The Five Heartbeats," "Streamers," "Sugar Hill" and "The Wanderers." His TV credits include the 1980s sci-fi series "V" and HBO's "Oz."

In the Robert Townsend-directed 1991 musical film "The Five Heartbeats," about a fictional Motown group, Wright played the band's charismatic lead vocalist, Eddie King Jr., whose alcohol and drug addiction forces him to leave the Heartbeats.

A Tribute from His Wife

"Michael was a husband, a father (Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr, Sir Barr, a grandfather (Yoko), loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations," Susan's statement read. "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."

Her statement continued, "Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss. We understand how much Michael meant to so many people, and we are grateful for the love, prayers, memories, and condolences already being shared. ... 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." (ANI)