Wright’s family said he suffered from heart failure and complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease prior to his death
Credit: Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Actor Michael Wright’s wife Susan announced his death at the age of 70 on Instagram on Friday, Aug. 21
- Wright’s family shared in a statement to TMZ that he died on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Los Angeles after suffering from heart failure and complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease
- Wright was known for roles in The Five Heartbeats, V, The Wanderers and other acclaimed films and TV shows
Michael Wright, best known for starring in V and The Five Heartbeats, has died.
The actor’s wife, Susan Wright, announced the news on Instagram on Friday, Aug. 21, alongside several photos of Michael over the years posing with other prolific actors and his family. He was 70 years old.
“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, remembering the actor as a “loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
Michael died on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Los Angeles after suffering from heart failure along with complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease called Marchiafava-Bignami, his family told TMZ in a statement.
Credit: 20th Century Fox Film / courtesy Everett Collection
“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,” Susan wrote on Instagram. “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.”
“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,” she added.
Credit: Paul Schiraldi/HBO
She asked that the public respect the family’s privacy as they grieve, and said they will share “additional information regarding Michael’s life, legacy, and how we intend to honor and celebrate him,” in the “coming days.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Michael’s reps for comment.
Michael was born on April 30, 1956, in New York City. He got his first movie role in 1979’s The Wanderers and starred in several films before earning his breakout role as Elias Taylor on the TV mini-series V in 1983. He continued to play the character in 1984’s V: The Final Battle and in the V series, which ran from 1984-1985.
Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty I
He also starred in several films including 1983’s Streamers, 1987’s The Principal, 1991’s The Five Heartbeats and 1994’s Sugar Hill, and appeared in several other popular shows like Nash Bridges, Miami Vice, New York Undercover and Oz.
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His final roles included an appearance in the Black Lightning TV series in 2019 and 2025’s Dope King.
“Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best,” Michael’s wife Susan said in her statement. “Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”
Michael is survived by Susan, five children and a grandchild, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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