'The Five Heartbeats' Star Michael Wright Dead at 70

Actor Michael Wright, best known for his roles in "Sugar Hill" and "The Five Heartbeats," has died in California, according to his family.

His family issued a statement to TMZ ... saying that Wright died Wednesday in Los Angeles after he suffered heart failure coupled with complications of a rare degenerative neurological disease called Marchiafava-Bignami.

Born in NYC in 1956, Wright spent his life devoted to acting, with breakthrough roles in the 1979 movie, "The Wanderers," and the 1983 Robert Altman film, "Streamers." Wright also played Victor Duncan in the 1987 comedy flick, "The Principal," with Jim Belushi and Louis Gossett Jr.

Then Wright starred in perhaps his most memorable role as Eddie King Jr., the talented yet troubled lead singer in the 1991 drama film, "The Five Heartbeats." In 1994, Wright scored another major role as Raynathan Skuggs in "Sugar Hill," opposite Wesley Snipes. 

He also appeared in other notable films, including "Money Talks" with Chris Tucker, "Point Blank" with Mickey Rourke, and "The Interpreter" with Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.

During his nearly 5-decade career, Wright also landed parts in several popular TV series, such as "Oz" and "V: The Series."

He's survived by his wife, Susan Wright, along with his daughter and stepchildren.

Wright was 70.