Ed Bernard, an actor best known for his roles in the TV series “Cops” and “The White Shadow,” died on January 23 in Northridge, California. He passed away at the age of 86.
News of Mr. Bernard’s death was confirmed by his son, Edward B. Bernard.
“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. Ed was a true ‘foodie’ who loved sushi and healthy cooking, a lifelong learner, and a man of great faith,” Edwards wrote in a statement.
Bernard’s career began in 1971 when he starred in the Gordon Parks classic “Shaft.” He continued to rack up credits in films such as Peter Yates’ “Hot Rocks” in 1972 and Barry Shear’s “Beyond 110th Street” before making his first television appearance in 1973’s “Love Story.”
In 1974, he was cast as Detective Joe Stiles in NBC’s Policewoman, a crime drama that follows undercover detective Sergeant Pepper Anderson. He played Stiles for all four seasons of this crime drama, culminating in episode 90. During its run, “Police Woman” received seven Primetime Emmy nominations. In 1978, Bernard joined the cast of Bruce Paltrow’s “White Shadows,” a television series about an inner-city high school basketball coach. He played Principal Jim Willis for 33 episodes until 1980.
Bernard also appeared in television series such as “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “My Life with Lucy,” “Dr. Doogie Howser,” “ER,” and “Cold Case.” In addition to his on-screen work, Bernard also performed on stage, most notably in the 1969 American Place Theater production of Five on the Black Hand Side.
Bernard was born on July 4, 1939 in Philadelphia. He is survived by his sons Edward Sheldon Bellanard and Mark Sheldon Bellanard, and grandchildren Liz, Joshua, Samantha and Alexandra. His wife of 44 years, Shirley Mae Bernard, died in 2005.
Bernard will be “buried at sea” during a private family service, his family said in a statement.
