India, Aug. 22 -- Michael Wright, best known for his role as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died at the age of 70, according to AllHipHop, which reported that his wife confirmed his passing to the publication on August 21.

Actor Michael Wright was best known for his role as troubled singer Eddie King Jr., the lead vocalist of the fictional R&B group in Robert Townsend's 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. Wright's portrayal of Eddie's rise to fame and subsequent struggles with alcohol and drugs became one of the film's most memorable performances.

Wright also earned critical recognition well before The Five Heartbeats. He won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 1983 Venice Film Festival for Streamers, according to biogra...