Michael Wright cause of death update: What happened to The Five Heartbeats actor? Co-star Leon Robinson pays tribute

Actor Michael Wright, best known for his role in The Five Heartbeats died at the age of 70. The news of his demise was confirmed by Wright's wife on August 21.

A statement was shared on Instagram from Susan Wright, which read “It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright.”

“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,” it added.

“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. We respectfully ask the public, members of the media, and those who knew and admired Michael to please allow our family the privacy and grace to grieve during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask that people refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on behalf of our family,” the statement continued.

“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. 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,” it further noted.

It is unknown what happened to Michael Wright. The family statement on Wright did not include a cause of death and said more information would be forthcoming in the coming days, when the family was ‘ready’.

The actors who shared the news of his passing and media reportage also noted that a ‘cause of death’ was not known.

While there are no reports on Michael Wright's previous health issues, he's struggled with substance abuse for a long time. In 2012, it was reported that Wright was arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).

TMZ had reported that Wright was trying to park his 1978 black Rolls Royce in Manhattan when he hit the car that had two officers sitting inside. The publication reported that Wright's blood alcohol level was ‘well above the legal limit’, at this time. Wright had also opened up ‘drugs and alcohol’ and its appeal to those in the show business. Speaking to Black Doctor , an online health and wellness platform designed specifically for the Black community, Wright had said in 2023, “What makes drugs and alcohol appealing to those in show business? Is it the feeling that it gives you? Is it the effect of being ‘ready’ for anything? As schedules are jam-packed and appearances are many, there seems to be a need for some type of mojo in order to cope with it all.”

“But what’s the answer? The answer is love, love, love.