Ed Wheeler, a veteran actor who appeared in Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Broadcast News, Mickey Blue Eyes and many other films, TV shows, stage productions and commercials, has died. He was 88.
His wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, told Deadline that he died August 21 at Englewood (NJ) Hospital of respiratory failure due to pneumonia complications.
Born on February 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, Wheeler got his start in showbiz doing TV commercials, including national ads for the likes of Luvs diapers, Reynolds Wrap, Sudafed, Pepcid AC, Computer Associates and many others.
He trained under Gene Frankel and Vin Diesel’s stepfather Irving Vincent and earned his first screen credits on such TV series as Watch Your Mouth, 3-2-1 Contact and The Core of the Apple. Wheeler’s first film role was opposite William Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter in James L. Brooks’ Broadcast News (1987).
He went on to appear in such films as Presumed Innocent, Thinner, Daylight, the 1998 Godzilla, Mickey Blue Eyes, Head of State, The Good Guy and The Good Heart.
Wheeler guested on a half-dozen episodes of the landmark NBC drama Law & Order from 1992-2004 and also did episodes of popular series including Ed, Soul Food, Third Watch, New York Undercover, Hope & Faith and One Life to Live. He also worked with Bill Cosby on Cosby and as a voice actor on Little Bill. His most recent credit was a 2010 episode of Blue Bloods.
An alum of the Negro Ensemble Company, Wheeler’s stage credits include Melody in Search of a Base Note, The Dance on Widow’s Row, The Waiting Room, Zooman and the Sign, The Little Tommy Parker’s Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show and Cuttin’ Up.
In 2017, Wheeler was honored with the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC, honoring his contributions to American theater and the broader entertainment industry.
Wheeler and his wife formed a production company and supported a number of artistic organizations. In 2023, they made their debut as co-executive producers with the short film Keepers of the Flame.
“His life was a testament to perseverance, creativity and the power of generosity and kindness,” said Stroman Wheeler, an actor who has guested on The Sopranos, Law & Order and other series and done videogame voice-overs. “Ed will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Along with his wife, Wheeler is survived by nieces, nephews and extended family.
