Former downtown New York musician turned character actor whose quirky, understated debut as a lead in Jim Jarmusch's "Stranger Than Paradise" (1984) led to supporting roles in film and TV. Often playing fringe New Yorkers, Edson's likable, homely mug befits characters that range from a nervous military sycophant to an amiable pizzaman to a fast-talking talent agent. He appeared in another hip NYC feature, Susan Seidelman's "Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985), before enjoying a memorable small part in John Hughes's "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) as a joy-riding parking lot attendant. Edson
