Actor Michael Wright dies at 70. “An extraordinary artist”

Michael Wright – best known for the roles he played in “Ritmo & Blues – The Dream of Success”, 1991, or “Inferno Branco”, 1994 – died on 21 August at the age of 70. 

The news was confirmed by the family in a statement that was shared with TMZ. It is known that the actor died last Wednesday in Los Angeles after suffering heart failure associated with complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease, Marchiafava-Bignami.

Later, a statement signed by the actor's wife, Susan Wright, and the rest of the family was shared on social networks.  

“It is with deep sadness and unimaginable weight in my heart that I share the news of the death 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), a loved one, a friend and an extraordinary artist whose work played several generations. Many met him 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 cinema and television will remain alive, but for those of us who loved him personally, he was much more than the roles for which the world knew him.

Our family is living a huge 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 that are already being shared.

We respectfully ask the public, the members of the media and those who have known and admired Michael to please grant our family the privacy and tranquility necessary to live in mourning during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask people to refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on behalf of our family.

In the coming days, as soon as we're ready, we'll share more information about Michael's life and legacy, as well as how we'll honor him and celebrate him.

Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who have known you. Rest in peace, my love. We will miss you more than words can express”, it can be read in the note. 

Michael Wright was born on April 30, 1956 in New York City, and earned his first role in the film "The Heavy Gang". Among the films that fill his resume are still "Streamers", 1983, "The Principal", 1987, "The Five Heartbeats", 1991, and "Sugar Hill", 1994.

He was also part of several series such as “Nash Bridges”, “Miami Vice”, “New York Undercover” and “Oz”. The latest works were in the series "Black Lightning", in 2019, and in the 2025 film "Dope King".

The actor leaves his wife, Susan Wright, a daughter and stepchildren.