TV Producer Stephen Cannell Dies

Stephen Cannell (The guy with the typewriter at the ending credits of some of your favorite classic television hits….) has died.

Emmy and People’s Choice Award-winning TV producer, actor and author, who produced many popular TV series of yesteryear including The A Team, Family Ties, and Greatest American Hero, passed away at his home in Pasadena Thursday after a lengthy battle against melanoma.

He was 69.

Cannell started his independent production studio — Stephen J. Cannell in 1979 and went on to create, write and produce nearly 40 television series. His other TV work includes The Rockford Files, Ironside, Columbo, Wiseguy, and Silk Stalkings. He also wrote sixteen novels — among them At First Sight, Runaway Heart, The Devil’s Workshop, Riding the Snake, King Con, Final Victim, and The Plan. The critically acclaimed Shane Scully series was the newest edition to Cannell’s portfolio, which includes The Pallbearers, On The Grind, Three Shirt Deal, White Sister, Cold Hit, Vertical Coffin, Hollywood Tough, The Viking Funeral, and The Tin Collectors. The newest installment, The Prostitute’s Ball, will be released by St. Martin’s Press on Oct. 12.

Cannell occasionally appeared in his own shows. He had a regular supporting role on his series Renegade and most recently appeared on several episodes of the new hit ABC drama Castle.

A third generation Californian, Cannell overcame severe dyslexia as a child to achieve his dream of becoming a writer was an avid spokesperson on the condition and an advocate for children and adults with learning disabilities.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Marcia, their three children –Tawnia, Chelsea, and Cody — and three grandchildren.

The family paid tribute to Cannell in a statement issued Friday:

“With profound sadness, we have to announce that our dear friend and colleague, Stephen Cannell, has lost a brave fight against cancer. He passed away at his home last night. He will be missed beyond measure by the Cannell Team and all of us who had the privilege and the plain good luck to know and work with him. Through the legacy of his body of work, with which he was able to entertain and enrich the lives of millions of viewers and thousands of readers, he will always be with us, living on in our hearts and minds, with fond memories forever.”

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society for melanoma research or The International Dyslexia Association. Fans of Stephen Cannell can learn more about his television shows, books, and film projects at his web site www.cannell.com.