RIP Stephen J. Cannell
10-01-10, 12:51 PM
#1
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RIP Stephen J. Cannell
http://www.etonline.com/tv/101412_A_...l_Passes_Away/
Sad news. 
He obviously left behind a great TV legacy. He was also a talented author and I was fortunate enough to be able to hear him speak at a reading last year.
Stephen J. Cannell, the producer of iconic television shows such as "The A-Team," "21 Jump Street" and "The Rockford Files" has died. He was 69.
Cannell's family tells ET, "Stephen J. Cannell passed away at his home in Pasadena on Thursday evening due to complications associated with melanoma. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
"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 the pillar of strength within his family and he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed.
"The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or The International Dyslexia Association. Details regarding his memorial service will be released."
The prolific Emmy-winning producer was also the author of 16 novels. Having overcome dyslexia, he was a spokesperson on the condition and advocated on behalf of those with learning disabilities.
Cannell's family tells ET, "Stephen J. Cannell passed away at his home in Pasadena on Thursday evening due to complications associated with melanoma. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
"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 the pillar of strength within his family and he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed.
"The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or The International Dyslexia Association. Details regarding his memorial service will be released."
The prolific Emmy-winning producer was also the author of 16 novels. Having overcome dyslexia, he was a spokesperson on the condition and advocated on behalf of those with learning disabilities.
He obviously left behind a great TV legacy. He was also a talented author and I was fortunate enough to be able to hear him speak at a reading last year.
10-01-10, 12:55 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
That's a real surprise. Never heard that Mr. Cannell was sick. He leaves a great legacy behind him in the TV world. RIP.
10-01-10, 12:59 PM
#3
DVD Talk God
Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
Too bad. Was too young for many of his shows, but I did like the A-Team.
10-01-10, 01:59 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
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10-01-10, 02:17 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
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10-01-10, 02:50 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
Watched a ton of his stuff in the 80s.
He was big enough for The Simpsons to spoof his production logo ending in an Itchy & Scratchy episode.
He was big enough for The Simpsons to spoof his production logo ending in an Itchy & Scratchy episode.
Last edited by Red Dog; 10-01-10 at 02:56 PM.
10-01-10, 03:05 PM
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10-01-10, 06:48 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
RIP. Truly sad to hear...
His shows, while undoubtedly almost always successful, were all over the map for me. I consider The Rockford Files one of the best shows of all-time, and some of his other ones like Wiseguy were high quality, and even groundbreaking.
But a lot of his other stuff could also be considered a bit representative of the general mindlessness of (especially 1980's) TV action/drama (although I have to admit 21 Jump Street is also one of my favorites from the eighties). So it was always difficult for me to decide whether to peg Cannell as a creative genius within the medium, or as a bit of a schlockmeister. Maybe he was a bit of both.
His shows, while undoubtedly almost always successful, were all over the map for me. I consider The Rockford Files one of the best shows of all-time, and some of his other ones like Wiseguy were high quality, and even groundbreaking.
But a lot of his other stuff could also be considered a bit representative of the general mindlessness of (especially 1980's) TV action/drama (although I have to admit 21 Jump Street is also one of my favorites from the eighties). So it was always difficult for me to decide whether to peg Cannell as a creative genius within the medium, or as a bit of a schlockmeister. Maybe he was a bit of both.
10-02-10, 10:48 AM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
Very sad news. As mentioned earlier his signature ending to one of his programs is truly iconic. Shows like A-Team and Hunter were great in the 80's.
A beat up van and a green clunker both ready for action at the drop of a hat.
A beat up van and a green clunker both ready for action at the drop of a hat.
10-02-10, 12:14 PM
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Re: RIP Stephen J. Cannell
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