Ed Wheeler, the seasoned actor known for his roles in projects such as “Law & Order” and “Blue Bloods,” has passed away at the age of 88. Wheeler’s wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, informed Deadline that he succumbed to respiratory failure due to pneumonia complications on August 21 at a hospital in New Jersey. Messeret also shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband on Instagram, describing him as a beacon of light, laughter, and love who touched the lives of everyone he met. She praised his unmatched talent, dedication, and passion, whether he was on stage, in front of the camera, or behind the scenes.
Born on February 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, Wheeler began his acting career with television commercials before securing his first on-screen role in the PBS series “Watch Your Mouth” in 1978. His film career included notable roles in “Broadcast News,” “Presumed Innocent,” “Thinner,” “Daylight,” “Godzilla,” “Mickey Blue Eyes,” “Head of State,” and “The Good Heart.” Wheeler also appeared in six episodes of “Law & Order” between 1992 and 2004, and had guest roles on shows like “Whoopi,” “Hope & Faith,” “Cupid,” and “One Life to Live.” His final acting role was in an episode of “Blue Bloods” in 2010.
Wheeler and his wife co-founded a production company that produced the 2023 short film “Keepers of the Flame.” A theater veteran, Wheeler was an alumnus of the Negro Ensemble Company and performed in numerous shows, including “Zooman and the Sign,” “The Dance on Widow’s Row,” and “The Waiting Room.” In 2017, he was honored with the Living Legend Award by the National Black Theatre Festival for his significant contributions to American theater and the entertainment industry. Wheeler is survived by his wife, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
