Actor Michael Wright, widely known for his performance as Eddie King Jr. in the 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats, has died at the age of 70.

Wright’s wife, Susan Wright, announced his death in a family statement shared on social media, describing him as an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.

The actor died on Wednesday, August 19, in Los Angeles. His family publicly announced the death days later and asked for privacy while mourning.

Wright built a screen career spanning several decades, appearing in films and television productions including The Wanderers, Streamers, The Principal, Sugar Hill, Money Talks, The Interpreter and the science-fiction series V.

For many viewers, however, he remained most closely associated with Eddie King Jr., the troubled and charismatic lead singer at the centre of The Five Heartbeats.

Directed by Robert Townsend, the film followed the rise and struggles of a fictional African-American vocal group and developed a strong following after its release.

Wright also became familiar to television audiences through his portrayal of Omar White in HBO’s prison drama Oz.

His career began in the late 1970s, with one of his earliest major screen appearances coming in the 1979 film The Wanderers.

He later appeared in Robert Altman’s Streamers, a performance that helped establish his reputation as a versatile dramatic actor.

His other television credits included appearances in Miami Vice, New York Undercover and Black Lightning.

Wright continued acting into his later years, with credits extending across nearly five decades.

In announcing his death, his wife said Wright was more than the characters through which audiences came to know him, describing him as a husband, father, grandfather, loved one and friend.

The family said further information about plans to honour and celebrate his life would be shared when they were ready.

Several entertainment publications have reported that Wright suffered heart failure and complications linked to Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological disorder. His family’s initial public statement, however, did not independently provide a detailed medical cause of death.

Tributes have followed from viewers and entertainment figures remembering Wright’s performances, particularly his portrayal of Eddie King Jr.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchild.