Harold Wheeler, a Tony-winning Broadway orchestrator who also worked for 17 seasons on the hit show Dancing with the Stars, died on Wednesday, June 24, at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 82.
This comes after he battled a “lengthy illness,” according to Deadline, with the outlet adding that Broadway producer Lamar Richardson announced the news of his death.
Wheeler joined the Dancing with the Stars family in 2006 and remained as part of the show until 2013. Ray Chew took over for Wheeler after he left.
In 2019, Wheeler received a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater, while also earning numerous nominations for orchestrations for Broadway productions including The Life (1997), Little Me (1999), Swing! (2000), The Full Monty (2001), Hairspray (2003), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005). He had screen credits including The Magical World of Disney and The Jacksons: An American Dream, as well as the Emmy, People’s Choice, Oscar, and Kennedy Center ceremonies.
Wheeler worked with numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, having played piano on his songs “Blinded By the Light” and “Spirit In The Night” in 1973.
He also received a 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Theatre Awards.
Among those who paid tribute to Wheeler following news of his death was former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron, who shared a message on Instagram.
“In 2005, when you first heard the music of @dancingwiththestars, it was coming from Harold Wheeler and his orchestra. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than making him & his orchestra break up during dress rehearsals. Well, that & basking in the brilliance of their talent. #RIP my friend 😔,” Bergeron wrote.
Derek Houghalso posted in honor of Wheeler.
“Harold Wheeler was the original musical director of @dancingwiththestars , and he helped build so much of the magic we all know. From the Oscars to countless iconic shows, he was a legend.
I’ll always remember sending him ideas in my early seasons and that fun moment when Shawn and I tumbled right into his band pit. Harold, thank you for the music, the kindness, and the memories. Rest in peace, my friend,” Hough commented.