Ed Bernard, a series regular on such hit series Police Woman and The White Shadow, has died in Northridge, CA, his family has announced. He was 86.
His January 23 death was announced on Facebook. A cause was not disclosed.
“While the world knew him as a star, his family knew him as a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a man of deep curiosity,” the statement reads. “Ed was a true ‘foodie’ who loved sushi and healthy cooking, a lifelong learner, and a man of great faith. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 44 years, Shirley Mae Bernard, who passed in 2005.”
Born on July 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, Bernard made his film debut in 1971’s Shaft, portraying the Harlem militant Peerce who came to the assistance of the title character played by Richard Roundtree.
Subsequent film roles came quickly, with appearances in The Hot Rock (1972), Across 110th Street (1972) and others.
His TV credits were even more plentiful, with early ’70s roles in such series as Cool Million, Love Story, Mannis, Kojak and, in 1973 and 1974, four episodes of NBC’s Police Story. One of those episodes, 1974’s “The Gamble,” was a backdoor pilot for what would become a successful mid-’70s spinoff Police Woman.
Police Woman starred Angie Dickinson as Sgt. Suzanne “Pepper” Anderson, an undercover agent with the LAPD’s criminal conspiracy unit. Bernard played Detective Joe Styles, a member of her vice squad team. Premiering on NBC in September 1974, the action series finished its rookie season as the No. 15 show in the three-network primetime universe. But it moved from the 10 p.m. Friday slot to 9 p.m. for Season 2 and lost some traction, barely cracking the year-end Top 30 in 1975-76. Police Woman then bounced around the schedule and couldn’t regain a broad audience. It ultimately aired for four seasons through summer 1978.
Bernard’s next major role came in 1978 right after Police Woman left the NBC lineup. He was cast as a regular on the first two seasons on CBS’ Bruce Paltrow-created The White Shadow, playing Principal Jim Willis, who recruits ex-NBA player and college buddy Ken Reeves (Ken Howard) to coach the basketball team at L.A.’s inn-city Carver High School. The critically acclaimed topical dramedy, with scripts by Steven Bochco and Joshua Brand, among others, dealt with a number of the era’s social issues. After various time slot moves, the show was canceled in 1981 after three seasons.
Bernard’s subsequent credits from the 1980s through early 2000s include episodes of T.J. Hooker, Life With Lucy, Amen, What’s Happening Now!, Doogie Howser, M.D., Suddenly Susan, JAG, Becker, ER and Cold Case.
In 1983 he appeared in director John Badham’s feature film Blue Thunder, and the following year began a five-episode recurring role on NBC’s Hardcastle and McCormick.
Bernard is survived by sons Edward Brian and Mark Sheldon Bernard; grandchildren Liz, Joshua, Samantha and Alexandra; and other extended family.
The family suggests donations be made to the International Black Theatre Festival.
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.
English (US) ·