Ed Bernard, the familiar face behind some of TV’s most memorable roles in the 1970s and beyond, has died at 86.
The actor, best known for playing undercover cop Joe Styles on Police Woman and principal Jim Willis on The White Shadow, passed away on January 23 in Northridge, his family confirmed.
Bernard made a lasting impression during the golden era of crime dramas. On Police Woman, he starred alongside Angie Dickinson as part of an LAPD undercover unit, appearing in 90 episodes across the show’s four-season run from 1974 to 1978.
After that hit series ended, he quickly transitioned into another fan-favorite role—playing Principal Jim Willis on The White Shadow, opposite Ken Howard. The show followed a former NBA player turned high school basketball coach in Los Angeles, with Bernard’s character serving as a steady presence before leaving after two seasons.
Born in Philadelphia on July 4, 1939, Bernard’s career stretched far beyond television.
He got his start on stage, performing off-Broadway before breaking into film in the early 1970s. His early roles included appearances in Shaft, Across 110th Street, and The Hot Rock, helping establish him as a recognizable character actor.
Throughout the years, he continued to pop up in some of television’s biggest shows, including Kojak, T.J. Hooker, NYPD Blue, ER, JAG, Becker, and Cold Case. He also appeared in the action film Blue Thunder.
Off-screen, Bernard was known as a devoted family man and someone who never stopped learning.
“While the world knew him as a star, we knew him as a loving father and proud grandfather,” his family shared. “He was a man of faith, curiosity, and joy.”
He is survived by his sons, Edward and Mark, and several grandchildren. His wife of 44 years, Shirley, passed away in 2005.
Fans are now remembering Bernard not just for his roles—but for the steady, grounded presence he brought to every performance.
What's Up Today Editorial Team