Writer/Producer Stephen J. Cannell 1941-2010 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-01-2010, 03:13 PM

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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.

Adamantium · 10-01-2010, 03:15 PM

This is so sad. He was great on "Castle" and the season one bonus features.

This is a loss, indeed.

catlover79 · 10-01-2010, 03:48 PM

Mr. Television · 10-01-2010, 03:54 PM

So very sad. I think I must have watched practically all of his shows during the 70's, 80's and 90's. I loved The A-Team, Rockford Files, GAH, Renegade, Wiseguy, Hunter, and the list goes on and on. And I'll always remember the way his shows always ending with him sitting at his typewriter. I agree. He was a big part of my childhood and he'll be missed. R.I.P. Stephen.

Marvo301 · 10-01-2010, 04:25 PM

Stephen J. Cannell. Thank-you for showing us that there is a hero inside each of us. That we are all part of the Team. That we each have our own unique way of making the world a better place as you did with your gift of storytelling.

80sTrivia · 10-01-2010, 04:36 PM

So sad to hear of Stephen's passing. I was unaware that he was battling melanoma. He is definitely going to be missed...

Retro4Life · 10-01-2010, 04:46 PM

I loved GAH and Wiseguy. Cannell seems like a great guy and I'm glad he lived a life doing what he loved to do.

10-01-2010, 03:13 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,346	Writer/Producer Stephen J. Cannell 1941-2010 Link 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.
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10-01-2010, 03:48 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376
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10-01-2010, 03:54 PM	#4
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,128	So very sad. I think I must have watched practically all of his shows during the 70's, 80's and 90's. I loved The A-Team, Rockford Files, GAH, Renegade, Wiseguy, Hunter, and the list goes on and on. And I'll always remember the way his shows always ending with him sitting at his typewriter. I agree. He was a big part of my childhood and he'll be missed. R.I.P. Stephen.
	__________________ Sonny

10-01-2010, 04:25 PM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,452	Stephen J. Cannell. Thank-you for showing us that there is a hero inside each of us. That we are all part of the Team. That we each have our own unique way of making the world a better place as you did with your gift of storytelling.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

10-01-2010, 04:36 PM	#6
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,715	So sad to hear of Stephen's passing. I was unaware that he was battling melanoma. He is definitely going to be missed...
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10-01-2010, 03:15 PM	#2
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,820	This is so sad. He was great on "Castle" and the season one bonus features. This is a loss, indeed.

10-01-2010, 04:46 PM	#7
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	I loved GAH and Wiseguy. Cannell seems like a great guy and I'm glad he lived a life doing what he loved to do.
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