Ed Bernard, a familiar face across 1970s television and best known for his roles on Police Woman, Hardcastle and McCormick, and The White Shadow, has died. He was 86.
Bernard passed away on January 23 in Northridge, California, his family confirmed in a statement shared on Facebook. A cause of death 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.”
Born July 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, Bernard built a steady and respected career across film, television, and stage. He made his film debut in 1971’s Shaft, appearing alongside Richard Roundtree, and quickly followed with roles in The Hot Rock and Across 110th Street.
But it was television where Bernard became a recognizable presence.
He rose to prominence playing Detective Joe Styles on NBC’s Police Woman, starring opposite Angie Dickinson. The series, which ran from 1974 to 1978, followed an undercover LAPD unit and became one of the standout crime dramas of its time. Bernard appeared in 90 episodes across all four seasons.
Following that run, Bernard joined CBS’ The White Shadow, where he portrayed Principal Jim Willis. The series, created by Bruce Paltrow, tackled social issues through the lens of a high school basketball team in Los Angeles and remains a culturally significant show for its time. Bernard appeared in the first two seasons.
Across decades, Bernard continued working steadily, appearing in a wide range of series including Kojak, What’s Happening!, T.J. Hooker, Doogie Howser, M.D., ER, JAG, Becker, and Cold Case. His film credits also include Together Brothers and the 1983 action film Blue Thunder.
Off-screen, Bernard’s career began in theater, including an off-Broadway appearance in Five on the Black Hand Side in 1969.
He is survived by his sons, Edward and Mark, and his grandchildren, Liz, Joshua, Samantha, and Alexandra. His wife, Shirley, passed away in 2005.
In honoring his legacy, Bernard leaves behind a body of work that reflects consistency, range, and a deep presence across decades of television—especially during an era that helped shape modern crime and drama storytelling.
The family has asked that donations be made in his memory to the International Black Theatre Festival.