Michael Wright, who earned his breakout role as Elias Taylor on the TV mini-series V in 1983, has passed away at the age of 70.
Also known for his performance in The Five Heartbeats, the actor breathed his last on Wednesday, August 19, in Los Angeles after suffering from heart failure along with complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease called Marchiafava-Bignami.
One day later his wife Susan Wright paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband via a joint Instagram post with four others.
The social media post on Friday, August 21, featured several photos of the Streamers actor over the years posing with other prolific artists and his family.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Susan began.
She described Michael, who was a husband, a father to Manon Wright, Byron Barr, Brittney Briggs, Brianna Barr, Sir Barr and a grandfather to Yoko, as “loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
The wife continued, “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 appreciate the outpouring of concern, however, respectfully ask the public and media to allow the family to process their grief privately and with grace.
“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,” the widow added, urging others to refrain from speaking on behalf of the family of the deceased.
“Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best,” Susan wrote in the statement. “Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”
Michael also starred in several films including 1994’s Sugar Hill and appeared in other popular shows like Nash Bridges, Miami Vice, New York Undercover and Oz.
His final roles included an appearance in the Black Lightning TV series in 2019 and 2025’s Dope King.
