Michael Wright, 'The Five Heartbeats' actor, dies at 70

moviesAug 22, 202627987

Actor Michael Wright, best known as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died at 70 after suffering heart failure, his family said. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death on the actor’s personal social media account and paid tribute in a statement calling him an "extraordinary artist." Wright was also known for roles in The Principal and the TV series V. Reports and the family statement gave no further details about the location or circumstances of his death. Fans and colleagues have marked his passing across social media, and obituaries note his career for its memorable, electrifying performances.

Phil Lewis

@phillewis.bsky.social

Michael Wright, a talented actor known for his roles in “The Five Heartbeats” and “Sugar Hill,” has died at 70

55511h ago

Daryll B13

All the love to my favorite TV revolutionary, Without Michael Wright? We don't get John Boyega's performance in Attack The Block! RIP to a LEGEND! Condolences to his Family, Friends & Fans!🙏

tabb1.bsky.social8

Eddie Kane. That performance was the entire movie. RIP Mr. Wright.

stompy3

i loved him as crazy ass omar white on OZ loved when he stabbed mcmanus lmao phenomenal actor

deb4detroit3

Rest In Paradise. I loved how passionate your performance was in both The Five Heartbeats and Sugar Hill. 🖤💯🕊️

TheValuesVoter1

Wow. He was really good in that movie.

Joker1

I loved the Five Heartbeats!!!

Quoting this

Alonso Duralde20

RIP - his intense performance was a standout in Robert Altman’s Streamers.

Sean Padilla (He/They) Will Write a Good Song About Anything5

RIP to a legend 😞

Steven Santos5

I most remember Wright as the tragic Omar White in OZ.

Hunter Felt 🏳️‍⚧️4

Oh no, Omar on "Oz.' RIP

GrandLady and Tati 12/103

“Nights like this, I wish that raindrops would fall”… RIP

Boute-en-Train2

what age can a kid watch the 5 Heartbeats? we gotta do a tribute.

SinnamonS

@sinnamonscouture.bsky.social

RIP King 👑🙏🏽 😢 Michael Wright, remembered by many as Eddie King Jr. from The Five Heartbeats, has reportedly passed away at 70.

15413h ago

Quoting this

Spank Da Tank 😈🤠@ DREAMCON7

Aw shit man 😔 RIP 🕊️ He was cool af as Aaron in Money Talks

Good Garvey Day4

Finding out his name was Eddie King Jr in the movie was a shock to my central nervous system.

💜 Queen Mudda 💜3

I can't believe it. He was a wonderful talent, we've lost another gem. Rest well sir.

Strictly 4 My Navigators

@lizzslockeroom.bsky.social

Rest easy, Michael Wright 🙏🏾🕊💙 Eddie King.... or Eddie Kang, you left an impression on all of us.....

11012h ago

Pretty Khemyst2

Sang the breaks off this song!

Quoting this

Editor In Taste 🤌🏾6

Man was beyond terrific in this role

📚 🎶✊🏾

@honey.blacksky.app

There was a Robert Townsend residency in SF 2 weeks ago. I went to watch The Five Heartbeats (my favorite movie). The entire audience knew the movie word for word. It was a time. And then Robert talked with us about it. He ended the discussion with this tidbit about the Eddie King Jr church scene 🥺

4812h ago

Quoting this

DaBean.3

This is so so so dope. 🥹 I know that movie damn near by heart.

Bird Man

@percivalpenman.bsky.social

Man somebody schedule the BlackSky viewing of The Five Heartbeats. This is tragic.

1412h ago

Quoting this

cognitive dissonance is a helluva drug5

when i found out so many people on here had never seen it

Andrew Hammond4

RIP to a hood classics legend

Emmy3

Nights like this, I wish rain drops would fall.

BlackskyNews 🗞️

@blackskynews.blacksky.app

Actor Michael Wright, Eddie King, Jr. in The Five Heartbeats died, his wife Susan announced. Actor David Allen Walker wrote on FB “REST IN PEACE MICHAEL WRIGHT AKA EDDIE KANE. #FIVEHEARTBEATS. You were one of the Greats!.” | Shuvrajit Das Biswas www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/u... #BlackskyNews

1011h ago

Dee Still the tea cake lady

@mzdeedei.bsky.social

Had to run it because it’s only right. RIP Michael Wright.

1012h ago

Daryll B

@daryllbenjamin.bsky.social

All the love to my favorite TV revolutionary, Without Michael Wright? We don't get John Boyega's performance in Attack The Block! RIP to a LEGEND! Condolences to his Family, Friends & Fans!🙏

1310h ago

MonsterKing

@cerromerussell.blacksky.app

I can't believe Michael Wright aka Eddie the Kang Jr is gone

412h ago

KylaTea

@kylatea.com

In my most recent video I briefly mentioned The Five Heartbeats. And his performance was fantastic. Shame 😞

611h ago

The TV Cave

@thetvcave.bsky.social

Michael Wright, forever unforgettable as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died at 70. His performances touched generations, and his work will continue to live on. Rest peacefully. 🕊️ #MichaelWright #TheFiveHeartbeats #RIP

32h ago