Ed Wheeler, a veteran actor who appeared in Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Broadcast News, Mickey Blue Eyes and numerous other films, television shows, theatrical productions and commercials, has died. He was 88 years old.
His wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, told Deadline that he died on August 21 at Englewood (New Jersey) Hospital of respiratory failure due to complications from pneumonia.
Born on February 18, 1936 in Brooklyn, Wheeler began his career making television advertising, 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 in television series such 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 films such as Presumed Innocent, Thinner, Daylight, 1998 Godzilla, Mickey Blue Eyes, Head of State, The Good Guy and The Good Heart.
Ed Wheeler in Mickey Blue Eyes, far left, and with (from left) Robert Wagner, Kelly Ripa, Faith Ford, and Jenny McCarthy in Season 2 of Warner Bros. Pictures. Everett Group
Wheeler hosted six episodes of the NBC historical drama Law & Order from 1992 to 2004 and has also done 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 in The Cosby Movie and as a voice actor in Little Bill. His most recent credit was a 2010 episode of Blue Bloods.
An alumnus of the Negro Ensemble Company, Wheeler’s theatrical credits include the tune In Search of a Key Note, Dancing on Widow’s Row, The Waiting Room, Zuman and the Tag, Tommy Parker’s popular colorful minstrel show and Cuttin’ Up.
In 2017, Wheeler was honored with the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in honor of his contributions to American theater and the broader entertainment industry.
Wheeler and his wife founded a production company and supported a number of arts organizations. In 2023, they debuted as co-executive producers on the short film Keepers of the Flame.
“His life was a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of generosity and kindness,” said Stroman Weller, an actor who has guest-starred on The Sopranos, Law & Order and other series and voice-overed video games. “Ed will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Wheeler is survived by his wife, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
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