Stephen J. Cannell logo tribute on 'Castle'
Fans of Stephen J. Cannell hoping for one last glimpse of his famous closing credits logo in prime time can tune into Monday's episode of "Castle" on ABC at 10 p.m.
"We are planning a tribute card," said Andrew W. Marlowe, executive producer and creator of "Castle," who consulted several times with Cannell on the show. He was also a writing partner to director and executive producer Rob Bowman, whose relationship dates back to "The A-Team," where he began shooting action sequences at the age of 19. "He led a truly remarkable life and was a testament to following your bliss," Marlowe added.
Cannell, who passed away on Sept. 30 due to complications from melanoma, appeared in two episodes of "Castle" as one of Richard Castle's (Nathan Fillion) poker buddies -- along with authors Michael Connelly and James Patterson -- helping to crack a case.
The closing credits of Cannell's production company logo showed the writer tapping away at his typewriter, tearing off a sheet of paper which morphed into an animated "C" and landed on a stacked script. It became part of pop culture as viewers grew familiar with the logo, which changed slightly with each new show. Several versions were created with varying wardrobe changes and occasionally, a smoking pipe. It has been parodied on "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy."
Cannell was the creator and writer of hit shows such as "Baretta," "The Rockford Files," "The A-Team" and "21 Jump Street." In the past decade he forayed into writing novels, most notably his series featuring LAPD Det. Shane Scully, which includes last year's "On the Grind" and "The Prostitutes' Ball," which releases Tuesday.
-- Liesl Bradner
A montage of his closing logos below.
Images: Top, "Castle" logo. Right, Cannell on the Season 2 finale of "Castle" May 17. Credits: ABC/ Michael Desmond
A remarkable man who isn't being given the credit he deserves for how he not only changed television, but how he changed on-location filming. He single handily created Hollywood north (aka Vancouver) for the good and bad of what that means to filming in California.
Posted by: Alexandra | October 11, 2010 at 03:24 PM
i didn't even know he had passed away. i loved seeing the parting shot of him at the end of castle tonite. it brought back memories and i'm still shocked that he passed away. on my birthday of all things. he really was a brilliant writer. and like the previous poster, yes, he did change television (and for the better)
Posted by: lk | October 11, 2010 at 08:12 PM
What Alexandra Said.
We, the audience, forget just how very influential he was in terms of what we are watching today.
Posted by: Kate | October 11, 2010 at 10:18 PM
being of about the same age as mr cannell, i was sad to hear of his passing, and want to thank the folks at castle the tv show for a fantastic tribute at the end of the show on 10-11-2010. i really enjoyed all of the tv shows especially the rockford files. thank you cannell family for sharing this man with the world.
Posted by: richard | October 12, 2010 at 11:22 AM
He was an American television producer, writer, novelist and occasional actor, and the founder of Stephen J. Cannell Productions.
He was one of the few people who improved television in America and is deserving of the highest tribute that the industry can bestow.
He remains one of televisions gifts to America.
Posted by: Vocalowl | October 12, 2010 at 12:20 PM
I did not know he had passed away either, until I looked up his name and learned he had died 30 Sept. This is/was the first that I had heard of this. Kudos to the tv series "Castle" for their logo card and saying farewell. Stephen, go in Peace.
Posted by: Tammy Chevalier | October 12, 2010 at 04:53 PM
I can't believe noone mentioned WISEGUY which
for at least it's 1st 3 arcs was phenomenally good no matter how weird Ken Wahl got in his personal life . Cannell completely captured the
mob life - the episode where Vinnie Terranova and his ExBoss( Ray Sharkey } beat each others brians out @ the bowling alley was so deep and so emotionally draining - as good as Goodfellas or Sopranos which came later. Stephen , hai fatto buono ! Ci vediamo la , oltre qua giu .
Posted by: David Harvey | October 13, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Stephen J. Cannell, I have been a huge fan of yours for decades...hope I get to chat with you in heaven and ask numerous questions about your unique writing skills. We all love and miss you. Thank you Castle producers for letting us know three episodes ago..
Posted by: Susie VanLandingham | October 28, 2010 at 09:21 PM