Ed Wheeler, veteran actor with roles in ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Blue Bloods,’ dies at 88

As a cinephile who has had the pleasure of witnessing the evolution of television and film, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ed Wheeler. Having spent over four decades gracing our screens with his exceptional talent, he leaves behind an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors and artists.

88-year-old Ed Wheeler, an actor and producer known for his roles in numerous TV series such as “Law & Order” on NBC, various movies, theater performances, and advertisements, has passed away.

On August 21st, Wheeler passed away at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey, following complications from pneumonia that led to respiratory failure, as confirmed by his wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, to The Times on Thursday.

Stroman Wheeler paid tribute to her husband on Instagram, describing him as a beacon of guidance whose skills, commitment, and enthusiasm were second to none – whether he was performing, being filmed, or working backstage.

Together, we crafted our lives and produced beautiful art, a collaboration that will endure as an inspiration for generations. Your voice, your insights, and your kindness were treasures beyond measure, and I’ll carry the longing for them with me always.

Edward John Wheeler was born on February 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. His father, a tailor, instilled in him and his brother a strong sense of pride in their appearance, while his mother, an entrepreneur, sparked his entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging him to start a shoe-shining business at a young age, as reported by Legacy.com.

Following his military service, Wheeler pursued education at North Carolina Central University (formerly known as North Carolina College), with a basketball scholarship. Later, he worked as a hairstylist and for United Airlines. Eventually, he made a transition into the field of professional acting.

In the 1970s, his first notable roles were in national television advertisements for products such as Luvs Diapers, Reynolds Wrap, and Sudafed. Wheeler played a significant part in increasing on-screen representation of African American men and was able to financially prepare himself while doing so, allowing him to later focus on theater work, which wasn’t as profitable according to his statement in 2017.

Wheeler honed his acting skills under the tutelage of off-Broadway director Gene Frankel and Irving Vincent, who is known for being Vin Diesel’s stepfather. He appeared in plays like “The Dance on Widow’s Row” by Samm-Art Williams and “Cuttin’ Up” by Charles Randolph-Wright, among others. Additionally, he was a graduate of New York’s Negro Ensemble Company.

This talented actor made his debut on television shows including “Watch Your Mouth,” “3-2-1 Contact,” and “The Core of the Apple,” as listed on IMDbPro. His first film appearance was alongside William Hurt, Albert Brooks, and Holly Hunter in James L. Brooks’ movie “Broadcast News” (1987).

Wheeler guest-starred in several episodes of “Law & Order,” playing six characters over the course of a dozen years, in addition to making one-off appearances in popular series including “Cosby,” “Soul Food” and “One Life to Live.” His most recent credit was a 2010 episode of “Blue Bloods.”

In 2017, Wheeler was bestowed with the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He considered this recognition a “great honor,” as reported in his obituary. Upon learning about the award, Wheeler questioned himself, “Is it really me? What significant achievements in my life could lead someone to consider me a living legend?

In the year 2023, the Wheelers assumed the roles of co-founders for Maydecember Productions and made their first appearance as co-executive producers with an award-winning short film titled “Keepers of the Flame.” This historical drama offers a fresh perspective on the 1913 encounter between two Black suffragettes.

Ed was renowned for his friendly nature, regarding each person he encountered as a friend. He touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him,” his online tribute stated. “His life exemplified resilience, ingenuity, and the impact of benevolence and compassion.

Wheeler leaves behind his spouse, as well as his in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, and other close relatives, plus a multitude of friends.

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2024-10-11 01:31