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Sad news to report as Michael Wright, who rose to prominence as Omar White on Oz and played the unforgettable Eddie King Jr. in the Motown based musical drama, The Five Heartbeats, has died at the age of 70.
His widow, Susan Wright, broke the news about his tragic death.
“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). A loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations. 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.
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. Also, we ask that people refrain from sharing unconfirmed information or speaking on behalf of our family.
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.”
Michael Wright A Life In Film
Wright was most known as the heart and soul of the cult classic The Five Heartbeats.
The film, which depicted the rise, fall, and legacy of an amalgamation of Motown acts, went down as a music fan classic. Wright’s performance was a key element to its success.
He also played the troubled drug addict Omar White, who served as a key supporting role in seasons 4 and 5 of the critically beloved HBO OG show, Oz.
Other roles included a supporting role on V and The Wanderers, and a starring role in the Wesley Snipes led Sugar Hill, among others.
In a previous interview, Wright spoke on his life changing role in The Five Heartbeats, which came shortly after Brian De Palma fired him.
“It’s extraordinary, because I had absolutely no qualifications whatsoever to be part of anybody’s singing group. All I was was an actor,” Wright said in a 2011 interview with Blackfilm.com. “To this day people ask me, ‘Do you sing like that?'”
“I say, ‘No I act like I sing like that.’”
No cause of death is available at this time.
