Stephen J. Cannell, prolific TV producer, dies

 

Stephen J. Cannell, bestselling novelist and Emmy-winning TV producer of hits like "The Rockford Files" and "21 Jump Street," died at his Pasadena home of complications of melanoma on Thursday. He was 69.

Cannell's family released the following statement about the producer who wrote for iconic series including "Adam-12," "Mission: Impossible" and "It Takes a Thief" before founding a company that churned out classic action adventure series "The A-Team," "The Greatest American Hero" and a string of other franchises:

"Aside from being a legendary television producer and prolific writer, Stephen was also a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Mr. Cannell is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Marcia, their three children, Tawnia, Chelsea and Cody and three grandchildren. Stephen was a pillar of strength within his family and he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed."

Cannell, who famously wrote scripts on an old IBM Selectric typewriter, told Success magazine recently that he'd been getting up at 4 a.m. for 40 years to write and that he never tired of the process, even though he'd battled dyslexia as a youngster. (He employed what he called "a mop and pail crew" to clean up his prose.)

"One of my work ethic traits comes from the fact that I absolutely love what I do. I've never felt that writing was work," he told the publication. "I get up every morning, and I'm not going to work, I'm going to play. I get to play cops and robbers."

His latest novel, "The Prostitutes' Ball," the 10th in the Shane Scully series, is set for publication Oct. 12.

There's already a fan outpouring of affection and condolences on Cannell's Facebook page, with one commenter writing, "your creativity and imagination helped mold my childhood and influenced me as a burgeoning writer."

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the International Dyslexia Assn., the family said, with details about a memorial service still to come.

-- T.L. Stanley

 Photo: Stephen J. Cannell in 2000. Credit: Los Angeles Times.

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Comments

[NorthernCA Teacher]

I, too, am sorry that he passed so early in life-- I am a 16 year melanoma survivor and hope all reading this sad report take the time to get a skin check every year. Start young.

I especially enjoyed reading his Shane Scully novels and, of course, Rockford Files was a "classic."

[steve myers]

REST IN PEACE YOU WERE ONE OF THE WRITERS IN TELEVISION HISTORY.

[Morgan St. James]

I was saddened and shocked by the passing of Stephen J. Cannell. I had the pleasure of seeing him twice as a speaker at Sisters in Crime Los Angeles and wrote about him in April, 2009. That article, which shared a very inspirational while humorous story about dealing with his dyslexia is reprinted in my column today in the Los Angeles editions of www.examiner.com. I haven't seen that particular incident in any of the news stories yet. You can read it at: http://exm.nr/sjcannell

He was a warm, caring person and will be greatly missed in the entertainment and writing communities as well as throughout the world.

MORGAN ST. JAMES
Los Angeles and Las Vegas Writing Examiner

[Skippy]

I am trully shocked and saddened by this news. Mr Cannell consistantly gave us top grade entertainment for over 30 years. He also earned respect everywhere he went. He will be sadly missed. Our love and prayers to his family and friends.

[Chris]

Stephen Cannell will truly be missed. He wrote so many outstanding T.V. shows and novels. The Rockford Files remains a benchmark for outstanding television. All of the episodes written by Mr. Cannell are among the best and funniest in the series. I have seen him speak numerous times, and he was always informative and entertaining.
Condolences to the family. He was one of the greats. Even though I never met him, I am very sadden by his passing. His work was very influential to me on many levels. God Bless.

[Ken]

Im so sad to hear this news!
Thank you Mr. Cannell for your many years of great entertainment.

RIP

[Joke Buddha]

Sad news.
love "The Rockford Files"

[Gary]

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[Luda]

A memorial site was created for Stephen J. Cannell! Honor his memory by contributing to his memorial site http://stephenjcannell.people2remember.com/

[h00]

good post I like it you have a good ideal what a nice picture thanks you!