{
  "id": 2611336,
  "title": "Michael Wright, Star of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘V,’ Dies at 70",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/michael-wright-star-of-the-five-heartbeats-and-v-dies-at-70",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T16:34:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/michael-wright-dead/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michael Wright, renowned for his roles in \"The Five Heartbeats\" and \"V,\" has passed away at the age of 70. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute, stating that his work will endure and that he will be deeply missed. Susan detailed Michael's life, highlighting his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, loved one, and friend. He brought numerous characters to life throughout his career, including roles in \"The Wanderers,\" \"V,\" \"The Principal,\" \"Streamers,\" and more. Wright's acting career began in 1979 with \"The Wanderers,\" but he gained recognition with his role as Elias Turner in the 1983 limited series \"V\" and its follow-up, \"V: The Final Battle.\" His final role was in the 2025 film \"Dope King.\" Susan expressed the family's profound grief and requested privacy during their mourning process, asking for understanding and support. She also promised to share more information about Michael's life and legacy in the days to come, emphasizing that his love will endure in the hearts of those who knew him best. Surviving are his wife Susan, five children, and a grandchild.",
  "summary": "The actor's wife says his \"work will live forever\" and he \"will be missed beyond words\" The post Michael Wright, Star of ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘V,’ Dies at 70 appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Michael Wright died at 70, per wife Susan's Instagram post",
    "Notable roles include 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'V' series",
    "Wife Susan mourns family, promises to share Michael's legacy"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Forbes",
        "title": "Michael Wright, ‘The Five Heartbeats’ And ‘V’ Star, Dies At 70",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/michael-wright-the-five-heartbeats-and-v-star-dies-at-70",
        "published": "2026-08-22T13:55:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}