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Stephen J. Cannell logo tribute on ‘Castle’

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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.

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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

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