Veteran actor Ed Wheeler, known for his iconic roles in the entertainment industry, sadly passed away at 88, his family announced via Deadline. The actor and writer has starred in several movies and TV shows since 1973.
Speaking to the publication, his wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, disclosed his cause of death: respiratory failure as a result of prolonged pneumonia. The late actor is survived by his wife, nephews & nieces, followed by an extended family who have not been named at the time.
In 2023, the actor and his wife collaborated to execute the short film Keepers of The Flame. That was the actor’s final cinematic feature before his demise. In honor of the great actor, take a look at some of his most memorable movies and TV series he’s appeared in over the years!
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Top 7 memorable movies and TV shows Ed Wheeler appeared in
1) Mickey Blue Eyes
Role played: A reporter
The late actor played a reporter in the hit rom-com alongside Hugh Grant in Mickey Blue Eyes. The 1999 feature is riddled with romance, comedy, friendship, and the mafia. Yup, Grant’s character in the series is in love with the daughter of a Mafia boss! His girlfriend, Gina Vitale (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn), dropped the bombshell when he proposed.
In an attempt to win the love of his life, Grant's character proceeds to ask her dad for Gina’s hand in marriage. Gina’s father took quite the shine to him and agreed on a condition that rendered him in a conundrum. However, love does win at the end of the day, and Grant’s character has a happy ending in this iconic rom-com movie.
2) Godzilla (1998)
Role played: A New York cop
Godzilla might’ve gotten a cooler, more CGI and realistic look with the electric jazz and mighty roar. However, monster movie fans will forever fondly remember the OG Godzilla from 1998. It might’ve not had a dazzling appearance, but given the age and technology, its realistic appearance scared and fascinated people!
Wheeler played a cop in the monster movie alongside several A-listers from Hollywood, like Matthew Broderick, Frank Azaria, Maria Pitillo, Vicki Lewis, Kevin Dunn, and more!
The story revolves around a reporter and scientist discovering a large reptile capable of destroying their city. With the help of a French intelligence agent, the reporter and scientist seek to study and prevent disaster in epic proportions in New York.
3) Presumed Innocent (1990)
Role played: Arresting detective
In Presumed Innocent, the movie (not to be mistaken with the ongoing 2024 series), Wheeler played the role of detective, a role he continued for years. This legal drama film earned a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 86% thanks to its mind-bending plot and thriller experience throughout.
Starring legendary actor Harrison Ford plays an attorney involved in a scandalous ordeal with his boss’s wife.
Amid their enamoring affair, Ford also navigates building a defense against the perps who had reportedly r*aped and murdered a colleague. The movie unraveled unpredictably, leaving you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
4) Daylight
Role played: A reporter
In this scenario, Wheeler once more donned the role of a reporter in Sylvester Stallone’s hit 1996 movie Daylight. This classic action and thriller feature is one of Stallone’s finest works, and it has gained traction over the years that followed.
The story begins in the aftermath of a robbery gone wrong and results in the collapse of a regularly used tunnel, trapping several innocents in the wake of an explosion. With no escape, the definite risk of death, and falling debris, Stallone’s character concocts a pathway out of their hellhole.
Wheeler is the only capable person among the band of survivors he was trapped with. While there were several close calls, tumultuous dangers, and the risk of never seeing daylight, they eventually did make it out, albeit with scars.
5) Law & Order (1990)
Roles played: Matt Strurgis, Carl Dunston, Reverend Jared Young, John Cromwell, Duane Johnson, and David
Not to be mistaken with Law & Order: SVU, the procedural police drama has been running on television since 1990. This series is one of Wheeler’s most prominent features to date. Despite not being a regular, Wheeler returned six times to play six different characters in the series!
He embodied the aforementioned roles and did a great job at it, too, making great friends.
The story is loosely based on true crime events and has continued highlighting several shocking stories over the years. The SVU version, however, also featured something similar and primarily focused on heinous crimes involving victims of s*xual abuse.
6) Blue Bloods
Role played: Councilman Welsh
In another procedural police drama, Wheeler switched up his role by playing Councilman Welsh in Blue Bloods. The actor guest-starred in the popular series and continues to be remembered for his memorable appearance.
The CBS show is centered around the famous Reagan family, who’ve had quite the reputation for generations as police officials. From intense drama to politicians involved, this series gives The Rookie and highlights the life of policemen.
Apart from the personal lives of the Regean family, the show explores subplots about officers working to solve complex criminal cases in which their ethics are often tested.
7) Cupid
Role played: Doorman
This series might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially since it hasn’t received the greatest rating. However, it is worth a one-time watch since its ethos is comedy and romance.
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The 2009 series ran for a single season with just 7 episodes but continues to be remembered for the humor. Wheeler from Law and Order had a minor role of a doorman in the series. The series revolves around Bobby Cannavale’s Trevor Pierce, or, as he likes to refer to himself, the Greek Mythology being Cupid.
Trevor firmly believes he’s the epitome of matchmaking and reinstates it to his psychologist, Dr. Claire McCrae, played by Sarah Paulson. Over time, she realizes he may not be that bad at matchmaking, and sparks eventually fly in the series.
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