Ed Wheeler

**Ed Wheeler, Pioneering Actor and Beloved Friend, Passes at 88**

Ed Wheeler, a trailblazer and cherished figure in the entertainment industry, passed away at the age of 88, with his devoted wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, at his side. A Brooklyn native, Ed began his illustrious career in 1973, making significant strides as a character actor and breaking barriers for Black actors in the commercial advertising industry during the iconic "Mad Men" era of the 1970s. Ed's signature thick black mustache helped to make him a unique presence in the 70s when facial hair was taboo. He was especially known for being one of the first black men used by Madison Avenue to have started the trend towards mustache acceptance in the Commercial Ad world in the 70s.

His early success paved the way for greater representation of Black men in commercials, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. He could be seen in national commercials for Luvs Diapers, Reynolds Wrap, Sudafed, Pepcid AC, the Emmy-nominated Computer Associates BritStor Storage, and many more.

Ed's acting journey was shaped by his training under the esteemed Gene Frankel and Irving Vincent, which provided him with a solid foundation in the craft. His love for theatre was unwavering and he graced the stage with memorable performances in Leonard Malone's Melody in Search of a Base Note, Samm-Art Williams' The Dance on Widow's Row and The Waiting Room, Charles Fuller's WE Series and Zooman and the Sign, Carlyle Brown's The Little Tommy Parker's Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show and Charles Randolph-Wright's Cuttin' Up. A proud alum of the Negro Ensemble Company, Ed's contributions to theatre were as profound as they were pioneering.

His passion for the craft extended to film and television, where he appeared in notable works such as Broadcast News, Mickey Blue Eyes, Head of State, Presumed Innocent, The Good Heart, Cosby, Law & Order, Thinner, Soul Food, Uncertainty, and Godzilla.

A cancer survivor, Ed triumphed over non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with successful treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2013. His resilience and determination were inspiring, much like the career he built and the footprint he leaves behind. In 2017, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to American theatre and the broader entertainment industry, Ed was honored with the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

In a 2017 interview with Lia Chang she asked Ed

"What does it mean to you be honored with a Living Legend Award by The National Black Theatre Festival? Ed replied "When I first heard that I was to be given a Living Legend Award, I said to myself "Who me? What have I done in this life that would make someone think of me as a Living Legend? Maybe it's when my mother used to tell me back in the early 80s how proud the entire congregation at Zion Baptist Church in Brooklyn was of me...they used to come up to her and say Wheeler, I saw your son on tv!" Does that count? I am truly grateful that this historic black theatre festival would remember me from the times that I've performed there and to make me part of their history. To be thought of as a Living Legend is a tremendous honor."

Ed and his wife formed a production company and supported a number of artistic organizations. In 2023, they made their debut as co-executive producers with the award-winning short film Keepers of the Flame, a testament to their love, shared creative vision and partnership.

Ed's early life was shaped by his upbringing in a diverse Brooklyn neighborhood. His father, a tailor by trade, instilled in him and his brother a sense of pride in appearance, while his mother, a hardworking entrepreneur, inspired him with her dedication to helping young college students find summer work through her small employment agency. This entrepreneurial spirit was evident when young Ed started his own shoe-shining business, while local shoe shine man, Duke Wilson, would go on the road tap dancing.

After serving his country in the Army, Ed received a basketball scholarship to attend North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University). Post-college, he attended the Wilfred Beauty Academy and became a skilled hairstylist. Before fully committing to his acting career, Ed worked at United Airlines, but it was his passion for the performing arts that eventually led him to take the leap into professional acting.

Known for his warmth, Ed considered everyone he met a friend and he was beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to perseverance, creativity and the power of generosity and kindness. Ed Wheeler will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Messeret, Mother-in-love, Jacqueline, Brother-in-love, Marlon, Father-in-love, McTate, cherished nieces and nephews, Steve(Janice), Sharon(Lorenzo), Audrey(Will), Ken(Vida), Billy(Michelle), Phyllis(Ken) and Shirley(Paris), cousin Randy as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Donations in his name can be made to:

ASP Arts Collective

Broadway Inspirational Voices

The Classical Theatre of Harlem

New Jersey Tap Ensemble

MOVE - NYC

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