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Michael Wright, best known for his impressive performance in the music mockumentary The Five Heartbeats has passed away at the age of 70.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his wife, Susan, in an emotional statement on Saturday, August 22.
Susan turned to her Instagram account to share a carousel of snaps of their lives together as she shared with "profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart" the death of her husband.
In the official statement, she penned, "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."
"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."
"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.
Michael Wright's cause of death
While the statement did not reveal the cause of death, Susan shared that additional information will be shared when the family is "ready", as she urged friends and fans to "refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on behalf of our family".
"Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best. Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words. Susan Wright — His loving wife and family," the statement concluded.
About Michael Wright's career
Born in 1956 in New York City, Michael Wright graduated from the Lincoln School and went on to sharpen his talent at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
He went on to command stages and films and earned high praise for his portrayal of Carlyle in Streamers (1983), which bagged him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
