Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen J. Cannell was a prominent American screenwriter, producer, and novelist known for his significant contributions to television and literature. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena, Cannell overcame the challenges of dyslexia to earn a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. He began his career in the early 1970s at Universal Studios, where he gained recognition for his work on the hit series *The Rockford Files*. In 1979, he founded Stephen J. Cannell Productions, producing several iconic shows, including *The A-Team* and *21 Jump Street*, which featured unconventional crime-fighting protagonists.
Cannell's impact on the television landscape was substantial, with his projects airing across all major networks. Despite facing obstacles in the television industry, he transitioned to writing novels later in life, achieving success with his first book, *The Plan*, and the Shane Scully mystery series. Throughout his career, Cannell received numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and various Writers' Guild Awards. He was married to his wife Marcia since 1964 and had four children. Cannell's legacy continues to influence the realms of television and mystery literature.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Stephen J. Cannell
Writer
- Born: February 5, 1941
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Died: September 30, 2010
- Place of death: Pasadena, California
Biography
Stephen Joseph Cannell was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Pasadena. Despite suffering from dyslexia as a youngster, he graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism. He then went to work for his father’s interior design company before embarking on a career as a screenwriter for Universal Studios in the early 1970’s. His initial success with Universal was The Rockford Files, for which he began writing as a story editor in 1974.
In 1979, Cannell formed his own production company, Stephen J. Cannell Productions. The production company was successful, and Cannell Studios was created to oversee operations of television shows and made-for-TV movies. Successful in the world of entertainment as a producer and screenwriter, and dubbed the “Merchant of Mayhem” by Newsweek Magazine, Cannell was responsible for the creation of such popular television shows as The A-Team and 21 Jump Street, as well as the innovative Wise Guy, all of which featured unlikely crime-fighting heroes. Not exlusive to any one network, Cannell’s projects aired on all four major broadcast networks.
Bogged down by the capricious television industry, Cannell was unable to begin writing novels until he was well into his fifties. His first novel,The Plan, was the first of a string of best-selling novels. Cannell also created the Shane Scully series of mystery novels, focusing on a Los Angeles Police Department detective, beginning in 2000. Cannell and his wife Marcia, whom he wed in 1964, had four children (although one died).
Cannell received the Mystery Writers Award in 1975, an Emmy Award for outstanding drama series for The Rockford Files in 1978, and several Writers’ Guild Awards throughout his career.