Saturday, 2 October 2010

TV producer, writer, creator Stephen Cannell (1941-2010)

The man who more or less defined crime television in the 1970s and '80s, Stephen Cannell, passed away Thursday due to complications from melanoma.

A prolific TV writer and producer, Cannell, 69, started as a writer for It Takes a Thief, Ironside and Columbo, then story editor for Adam-12. He went on to create or co-create nearly 40 series.

His credits include:
The Rockford Files (1974-1980, 1994-1999)
Baretta (1975-1978)
The Greatest American Hero (1980-1983)
The A-Team (1983-1987)
Hardcastle & McCormick (1983-1986)
Hunter (1984-1991)
Riptide (1984-1986)
21 Jump Street (1986-1991)
Wiseguy (1987-1990)
Booker (1989-1990)
The Commish (1991-1995)



In recent years, Cannell appeared as himself on Castle. This morning, Castle star Nathan Filliontweeted: "Stephen Cannell, For shaping my youth, influencing the pros around me, and participating in Castle, thank you. You will be missed."

Cannell was also a spokesman for the learning disorder dyslexia.

More links:
TV producer Stephen J. Cannell created 40 shows (Chicago Sun-Times)
Stephen J. Cannell dies at 69; TV writer, producer (Los Angeles Times)
Stephen J. Cannell 1941-2010 (Ain't It Cool News)

More from Crime TV:
Classic Stephen J. Cannell TV on DVD
Watch CASTLE on ABC
Watch 21 JUMP STREET free online!
Watch HUNTER episodes online free!
Opening Theme: BARETTA
Mystery TV Themes: THE ROCKFORD FILES
Crime TV Themes: NBC MYSTERY MOVIE (Columbo)
Opening Theme: IT TAKES A THIEF

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