Ed Wheeler, a pioneering black actor who appeared on popular crime shows like “Law & Order” and “Blue Bloods,” has died, Deadline reported. He was 88 years old.
Wheeler died of respiratory failure due to complications from pneumonia at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey on Aug. 21, his wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, told MassLive.
She also posted a tribute to her husband on Instagram on Monday, October 7.
“You brought light, laughter, and love to every corner of my life and the lives of everyone who knew you. Your talent, dedication, and passion were unparalleled — whether on stage, in front of the camera, or behind the scenes,” Stroman-Weller wrote. “From national commercials to corporate Negro Esteemed Ensemble, your presence was felt and cherished.”
Ed Wheeler was born in Brooklyn, New York City on February 18, 1936, his biography on IMBd states.
The veteran actor’s career began in 1973, breaking barriers for black actors in the commercial industry during the iconic “Mad Men” era of the 1970s.
“Ed’s distinctive thick black mustache helped make him a unique presence in the 1970s when facial hair was taboo. “He was particularly known for being one of the first black men to use on Madison Avenue to start the trend toward acceptance of the mustache in the world of commercials in the 1970s,” it said. In Wheeler’s obituary, “His early success paved the way for greater representation of black men in commercials, and left an indelible mark on the industry.”
After getting his start in commercials, Wheeler had his first screen appearances in the television series “Watch Your Mouth” in 1978, “3-2-1 Contact” (1980), and “The Core of the Apple” (1986). Wheeler’s first film role was opposite William Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter in James L. Brooks’ 1987 film Broadcast News, according to Deadline.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Wheeler has worked in other films and television shows such as “Mickey Blue Eyes,” “Broadcast News,” “Head of State,” “Profifted Innocent,” “The Good Heart,” and “The Cosby Show,” “Insomnia,” “Soul Food,” “Uncertainty,” and “Godzilla.”
Deadline reported that Wheeler also guest-starred in several episodes of “Law & Order” from 1992 to 2004, while his last acting credit was in a 2010 episode of “Blue Bloods.”
In 2017, Wheeler received the “Living Legend” Award from the National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, “for his profound contributions to American theater and the entertainment industry,” as stated on his IMDb profile.
The late actor’s wife acknowledged his legacy, saying Wheeler was “more than just a public figure.”
“You have been a guiding light, a supportive partner, and my heart,” Stroman-Wheeler wrote in her Instagram post. “I will forever miss your voice, wisdom and generosity.”
“To everyone who knew Ed, thank you for your love and support during this time,” she added. “Let us remember him for the joy he brought to our lives and the profound impact he had on the world. Rest in peace my dear. You will always be in my heart.”
Ed Wheeler is also survived by his nieces, nephews and extended family, according to his obituary.
