{"id":248652,"date":"2026-06-26T22:01:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T22:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/26\/dancing-with-the-stars-mourns-former-musical-director-harold-wheeler-after-death-at-82\/"},"modified":"2026-06-26T22:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T22:01:49","slug":"dancing-with-the-stars-mourns-former-musical-director-harold-wheeler-after-death-at-82","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/26\/dancing-with-the-stars-mourns-former-musical-director-harold-wheeler-after-death-at-82\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Dancing With the Stars\u2019 Mourns Former Musical Director Harold Wheeler After Death at 82"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Former Dancing With the Stars <\/i>musical director Harold Wheeler<\/b> has died<\/a>. He was 82.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Wheeler, whose extraordinary talent and musicianship helped shape the early identity of Dancing With the Stars,<\/i>\u201d a Thursday, June 25, statement shared via the TV show\u2019s social media read. \u201cAs the show\u2019s <\/i>musical director during\u00a0 its first nine years, Harold brought unparalleled artistry, passion and excellence to every live performance, helping create unforgettable moments for millions of viewers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The statement continued, \u201cHis contributions were an integral part of the foundation of which the series was built, and his legacy will forever remain a cherished part of the Dancing With the Stars <\/i>family. <\/i>We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and those who had the privilege of working with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wheeler, a renowned Broadway orchestrator, died on Wednesday, June 24, from an unspecified cause of death, according to The<\/i> Hollywood Reporter<\/i><\/span><\/a>. <\/i>Wheeler is survived by his wife, Hattie Winston<\/b>, their two daughters and multiple grandchildren.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t
\n Related: <\/span>The 10 Best ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Routines We Still Think About<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\tABC (2) There have been many memorable performances on Dancing With the Stars over the years, but a few in particular stick out to Us. Season 21 winner Bindi Irwin brought tears to fans\u2019 eyes with several emotional routines, particularly the one she dedicated to her late father, Steve Irwin. \u201cI\u2019ve tried to just remember [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

After a renowned career on Broadway, the Tony Award winner conducted the orchestra on DWTS <\/i>for the first 17 seasons<\/a> of DWTS. <\/i>Wheeler is succeeded in the ballroom by Ray Chew.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the greatest honors of my career came when the baton was passed at Dancing with the Stars<\/i>,\u201d Chew, 67, wrote in a social media tribute to Wheeler. \u201cHarold could not have been more gracious, offering me his blessing and encouragement as I stepped into the role he had shaped with such distinction. That meant more to me than words can express.\u201d<\/p>\n

The DWTS <\/i>bandleader added, \u201cHis impact on this industry is immeasurable, but his impact on the people who had the privilege of knowing and working with him is even greater. Thank you, Harold, for your music, your leadership, your friendship, and the path you helped create for so many of us. You will be deeply missed, forever respected, and never forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\"\"
\n\t\"\"<\/p>\n