Veteran actor Ed Wheeler, known for his roles in popular shows like Law & Order and Blue Bloods, passed away at the age of 88.
Wheeler died on August 21 in a New Jersey hospital due to respiratory failure stemming from complications with pneumonia, according to his wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, who shared the news with Deadline.
Messeret also posted a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on Instagram, expressing her deep love and admiration.
“In loving memory of my beloved husband, Ed Wheeler. You brought light, laughter, and love into every corner of my life and the lives of all who knew you,” she wrote. “Your talent, dedication, and passion were unmatched… from national commercials to the esteemed Negro Ensemble Company, your presence was felt and cherished.”
Wheeler, born on February 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, began his acting career in TV commercials before making his on-screen debut in 1978 with the PBS series Watch Your Mouth.
Over the years, he became a familiar face in film and television, with notable roles in Broadcast News, Presumed Innocent, Thinner, Godzilla, and more. His TV appearances spanned a wide range of shows, including six episodes of Law & Order from 1992 to 2004, and his final role was in Blue Bloods in 2010.
In addition to his screen career, Wheeler was a distinguished stage actor and an alum of the Negro Ensemble Company, where he performed in acclaimed productions like Zooman and the Sign and The Dance on Widow’s Row. His contributions to theater earned him the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in 2017.
Wheeler and his wife also collaborated on a short film, Keepers of the Flame, released in 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of talent and dedication, along with a loving family, including his wife, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.
Messeret concluded her tribute with a message to those who knew him: “Let’s remember him for the joy he brought into our lives and the profound impact he had on the world. Rest in peace, My Honey. You will always be in my heart.”
Trump had a good shot at becoming president again, but now listening to this guy, with all the put downs no integrity, all the lying, does he even like anybody? He’s become a moron, all due to himself, I guess his only Allen hence is to himself say what he wants with that entitledment thing he shows everyone, his ideas were great at one point, but listening to him, now makes me sick, he had a shot, and now, he’s done
If you like that babbling Kamala over trump you got to be in bad shape my life was a lot better over trump than it will ever be with the Vodka woman
Babbling? Trump babbles and says nothing. When he is coherent he only spreads hate! He cheated, lied , been convicted, is vindictive and the list goes on. He’s done those things to people he supposedly care about so why would you think he’s not going to do it to you?Have you read 2025? It’s horrifying!