Michael Wright actor age 70 searches are rising after the performer known for The Five Heartbeats died on August 21, according to reports from LiveNOW from FOX and IBTimes UK. Wright’s wife, Susan, confirmed his death in a social-media post.

Wright was best known to many viewers for playing Eddie King Jr. in Robert Townsend’s 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. LiveNOW also listed his work in The Wanderers, V, The Principal and Streamers among the roles that shaped his career.

IBTimes reported that Wright was born in New York City and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Earlier in his career, he appeared in The Wanderers and received the Volpi Cup for best actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in Streamers.

The actor also had a notable television presence, including a role in the HBO series Oz. His film work extended beyond one signature performance, but the response to his death has centred on the lasting impact of Eddie King Jr. and the film’s place in American music cinema.

The sources say no cause of death had been publicly disclosed. Susan Wright described him as a husband, father, grandfather, friend and artist, and said the family would share more about his life and legacy when ready. Readers should be cautious with online posts that claim a cause without a confirmed family or official statement.