Posted on 10/02/2010 1:55:26 AM PDT by South40
Stephen J. Cannell, the prolific television writer and producer who co-created "The Rockford Files" and "The A-Team" and later became a bestselling novelist, has died. He was 69.
Cannell died Thursday evening of complications associated with melanoma at his home in Pasadena, his family said.
In a career that began in the late 1960s when he sold his first TV script and took off as he soon became the hottest young writer on the Universal lot, Cannell created or co-created more than 40 TV shows, including "Baa Baa Black Sheep," "Baretta," "The Greatest American Hero" and "21 Jump Street."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
There are very few TV producers whom I can say “I enjoyed their work”.
Stephen J. Cannell is the exception. May he rest in peace in the arms of Our Savior for all eternity.
RIP
“I think it has a lot to do with age. I’m 52 ... “
Yes I agree, I’m 66. None of my younger family relationships would even know his name
Waiting for the gullible among us who insist celebrity deaths come in threes. This is the fourth in the last week or so, and just one of many so far this year. That “they come in threes” nonsense is tiresome and not worthy of otherwise intelligent people.
Didn’t see one of my favorite Cannell shows .. “Renegade” .. starring Lorenzo Lamas.
About a cop framed for murder who goes on the run and becomes a bounty hunter.
Cannell was in some of the episodes as a cop hunting for the Renegade cop. <— Geeze .. “Only I” could make that sound Really Lame! 8-)
RIP Mr. Cannell
RIP, contributed to 80’s a lot.
Rockford Files “Angel”. Pure genius! What a great legacy. Giving people enjoyment. RIP Steven.
Good stuff, I’ll miss him.
It’s not just celebrity deaths. I remember hearing that death comes in threes for people in general, when I was a young girl. My mother said it. She didn’t attach any spooky theory, just stated it as something that people believe, but that she didn’t believe it herself. She said it was “an old wive’s tale”.
When my mother and nephew died within ten days of each other, I said the same thing to my half sister whose son had just died. Her eyes widened with fear. She thought this meant that another death was inevitable. No critical thinking skills were employed in her brain. She’s an idiot.
And no, the old wive’s tale did not hold true. Another family death didn’t happen until late in the next year.
I recognize him from the little clip at the end of the tv show’s he produced. He would bang away at the typewriter then rip the page from the roller. RIP
I’m not a TV guy, but I do enjoy his Shane Scully novels.
He looks like he was a happy guy with a twinkle in his eye.
I loved “Baa Baa Black Sheep”. It was my favorite show when I was a kid.
I read this and said “Oh NO!” Cannell’s a story-teller. He creates interesting characters with personalities, good plots and great dialogue. He’s an amazing American. This is sad.
I really enjoyed his work. Rest in peace, sir.
You know, 69 is way too young to go. My mom died at 69. I expected at least 20 more years with her..... arguing, scrapping.... forgiving and loving. But cancer had other plans. The older I get, the more I realize just how young she actually was when we lost her. I’m sure his family and loved ones feel the same.
Again.... RIP, sir.
I read this and said "Oh NO!" He's so YOUNG. I have been enjoying his TV series forever, it seems. He must have been a genius and very well connected and quite charming to enjoy such success at such an early age. Since the Rockford Files debuted in 1974, Cannell must have been only about 31 or 32 when he wrote it.
Yes, if you've watched his shows you've no doubt seen that many times. And he produced some great shows.
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