American actor Michael Wright, known for a number of works in Hollywood films and TV series, died at the age of 70 from heart failure caused by complications of Marchiafava-Bignami disease, writes TMZ, citing the artist’s relatives.
As noted by the family of Wright, who often played charismatic and mysterious villains, the artist was diagnosed with a rare disease in 2015. This syndrome was originally described by Italian doctors Ettore Marchiafava and Amico Bignami at the beginning of the 20th century in a person addicted to Chianti wine. Today's doctors also associate the development of the disease with alcohol addiction.
The main symptoms of Marchiafava-Binya disease are disturbances in speech, coordination and thinking. They are caused by the destruction of the corpus callosum in the brain. Without the full functioning of this structure, the connection between the cerebral hemispheres actually disappears.
Wright died at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, his wife added in comments to NBC News. She and their children were next to the actor.
Relatives noted that Wright was a husband, father, grandfather, “loved man, friend” and “an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.” As his family members emphasized, the actor “was much more than the roles through which the whole world recognized him.”
“Our family is grieving an irreparable and deeply personal loss. We understand how much Michael meant to so many people and are grateful for the love, prayers, memories and condolences,” the actor's wife, Susan Wright, said in a statement.
The actor denied any problems with alcohol, but in 2012 he was arrested for drunk driving. According to Black Doctor, Wright tried to park his Rolls-Royce in Manhattan and crashed directly into a patrol car in which two police officers were sitting. After they smelled alcohol, the actor was taken into custody.
'The Five Heartbeats' star Michael Wright dead at 70 after suffering heart failure https://t.co/4JmG1tEhTb pic.twitter.com/JXBTFNMf39
— New York Post (@nypost) August 22, 2026
Wright made his film debut in 1979, playing Clinton, an African-American gang leader in the drama The Drifters. Wright then played Elias Taylor, a member of the resistance against alien invaders, in the science fiction series V from 1983 to 1985, and in 1987 he played antagonist Victor Duncan in the crime thriller The Director.
His breakthrough role was the role of Eddie King Jr., one of the members of the musical group in the 1991 drama “Five Hot Hearts.” The artist's outstanding voice was noted in his condolences to the family by radio host Donnie Simpson.
Rest in peace, Michael Wright. pic.twitter.com/sPVA98eyf0
— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) August 22, 2026
Subsequently, Wright played in films and TV series with Hollywood stars. In 1997, he played the role of Aaron, a minor character in the crime comedy Money Talks, where his colleague was Chris Tucker. A year later, in the action movie Under Fire, he played Sonny, one of the criminals who participated in the hostage taking, who in the story were opposed by an ex-special forces soldier played by Mickey Rourke.
From 2000 to 2003, he played the role of Omar White, a drug-addicted inmate struggling with addiction, in the HBO drama Oz. Kirk Acevedo, who played the head of a Latino gang in the series, recalled how he lived with Wright “two blocks away from each other” and how they spent time together driving around in a vintage Rolls-Royce.
“Mike was mesmerizing when he appeared on screen with his energy, honesty and, of course, his voice! A gifted person!” Acevedo emphasized.
In 2005, Wright played the consul of a fictional African country, Marcus Mata, in the detective story The Translator. Colleagues in the film playing the main roles were Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Later he played several episodic roles in films and TV series.
A few years later, in 2019, the actor appeared in the science fiction series Black Lightning, where he appeared as Lazarus Prime, a mysterious character who resurrected people. Wright's last role was the 2025 crime action film King of Dope. There he played the supporting role of Roy Elliott, a warehouse owner who becomes embroiled in criminal disputes.
