Ed Bernard, the talented character actor most recognized for his portrayals as undercover detective Joe Styles on Police Woman and high school principal Jim Willis on The White Shadow, has passed away at the age of 86.
His family has confirmed that he died on January 23 in Northridge, California.
A well-known figure in the 70’s
While TV audiences came to recognize Bernard as a reliable presence in some of the most iconic dramas of the 1970s, those who knew him best remember him as a deeply committed family man with diverse interests beyond acting.
“While the world saw him as a star, his family experienced him as a dedicated father, a proud grandfather, and a man with a profound curiosity,” his family stated in a message.
“Ed was a genuine ‘foodie’ who enjoyed sushi and healthy cooking, a lifelong learner, and a man of strong faith.”
Born on July 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, Bernard crafted a career marked by consistency, versatility, and subtle influence. He began his journey on stage, performing off-Broadway in Five on the Black Hand Side in 1969, before moving into film and television in the early 1970s.
His film career began in 1971 with Shaft, followed by performances in Across 110th Street and The Hot Rock. However, it was television that truly established him as a recognizable figure throughout America.
Bernard’s significant breakthrough occurred when he featured in Police Story, particularly in the 1974 episode “The Gamble,” which acted as a backdoor pilot for what would later be known as Police Woman. When the series premiered later that same year, Bernard became a key member of the cast as Det. Joe Styles, collaborating with Angie Dickinson’s pioneering Sgt. “Pepper” Anderson.
From 1974 to 1978, Police Woman achieved remarkable ratings and became a cultural landmark, with Bernard appearing in 90 episodes during its four-season duration. Even decades later, the series is remembered for its innovative representation of a female lead in law enforcement—and Bernard’s involvement as part of her essential team contributed significantly to its success.
After the show wrapped up, Bernard swiftly moved into another significant role, portraying Principal Jim Willis on The White Shadow.
Starring Ken Howard as a former NBA player who becomes a high school basketball coach, the series addressed social issues through the perspectives of sports and education. Bernard’s character, a former college peer of Howard’s, added authority and complexity to the fictional Carver High School.
Final on-screen credit
He was part of the series for its initial two seasons before his character departed to join the Oakland Board of Education.
Throughout the ensuing decades, Bernard kept a steady pace in his career, featuring in a variety of beloved television series such as Kojak, Mannix, What’s Happening!!, T.J. Hooker, NYPD Blue, ER, JAG, Becker, and Cold Case. He also had a recurring part in Hardcastle and McCormick during the mid-1980s and was seen in the 1983 movie Blue Thunder.
His last on-screen credit was in 2005—the same year his wife of 44 years, Shirley, passed away.
In recent times, Bernard’s name was featured in the Academy’s yearly In Memoriam tribute, honoring his extensive contributions to film and television.
Although he was never a celebrity chasing the spotlight, Bernard’s career made a significant mark over decades of American television. With his passing, he becomes the last member of the core Police Woman cast to leave us—leaving Angie Dickinson as the only surviving main star of the legendary series.
He is survived by his sons, Edward and Mark, along with four grandchildren: Liz, Joshua, Samantha, and Alexandra.
