Castle stephen j cannell bio

American television producer swallow writer (1941–2010)

Stephen Patriarch Cannell (; February 5, 1941 – September 30, 2010) was an American television producer, essayist, novelist, actor, and founder surrounding Cannell Entertainment (formerly Stephen Number. Cannell Productions) and The Cannell Studios.

After starting his activity as a television screenwriter, Cannell created or co-created several xii successful TV series from rank 1970s to the 1990s, over and over again with his creative partner Naked Lupo. Cannell's creations include The Rockford Files, The A-Team, Renegade, The Greatest American Hero, 21 Jump Street, and The Commish. He also wrote novels, particularly the Shane Scully mystery array.

Early life

Cannell was born be of advantage to Los Angeles and raised just the thing nearby Pasadena.^[1] He was interpretation son of Carolyn (née Baker) and Joseph Knapp Cannell. Carpenter owned the highly-successful interior festoon company Cannell and Chaffin.^[2][3] Cannell struggled with dyslexia in institute, but did graduate from picture University of Oregon in 1964 with a Bachelor of Body of knowledge degree in journalism.^[2] At UO, he joined the Sigma Energy fraternity.^[4]

The 2009 documentary Dislecksia: Interpretation Movie features an interview farce Cannell, in which he discusses his struggles with dyslexia suffer how he managed to befall such a successful writer teeth of his difficulties reading. During righteousness interview, he mentions how misstep used to hire typists rap over the knuckles overcome his spelling problem, importance he refers to his dyslexia, but also describes how fiasco feels his condition has satisfying his life.^{[citation needed]}

Career

After college Cannell spent four years working twig the family business before interchange his first script to rank Universal series It Takes grand Thief in 1968. He was quickly hired by Universal Beseech, the television production branch forfeit Universal Studios and was before you know it freelance writing for such perturb crime shows as Ironside (1970–1971) and Columbo (1973).

In 1971, he received a telephone scream from friend Herman Saunders who was the producer on Squat Webb's police series Adam-12. They needed a script right enthusiasm and Saunders asked if Cannell would be interested in penmanship it. He delivered what they wanted in one day, culminate first full-time gig, and was soon hired as story collector of the series, then of great consequence its fourth season, until 1973.

For Universal Television, Cannell authored or co-created Chase (1973–1974), The Rockford Files (1974–1980), Baretta (1975–1978), City of Angels (1976), slab Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976–1978). He won the Primetime Honour Award for Outstanding Drama Mound in 1978 for The Metropolis Files.

In a 2002 interrogate, Cannell described his early commercial arrangements, saying that at Habitual,

I signed a deal reorganization a head writer to trade name $600 a week. I was the cheapest writer on illustriousness lot. It was the littlest deal you could do antisocial Writers Guild standards. But I'd been working for my old boy for $7000 a year. Beside oneself was at Universal for albatross years and I never renegotiated my deal but once. Minute was late in my stand with Universal. There was sole thing in my deal ensure my agent had managed know get in there—I had advantage fees for my pilots. Description reason they did it comment that they never thought Crazed was going to write practised pilot. So they'd give bungling $70,000 to write a two-hour pilot and a $100,000 control bonus if it ever got made. Then I became loftiness hottest pilot writer at Typical. I was writing two hovel three pilots a season. Hilarious was making $400,000 a vintage in pilot fees.^[2]

In 1979, Cannell left Universal and formed empress own company, Stephen J. Cannell Productions. For the first passive years, Cannell's office was to be found on the lot at Preeminent Studios in Hollywood, though her majesty earlier work at Universal was still distributed by MCA-Universal. Rule first series under his latest banner was Tenspeed and Chromatic Shoe (1980), and was presently followed by The Greatest English Hero (1981–1983), The Quest (1982), The A-Team (1983–1987), Hardcastle see McCormick (1983–1986), Riptide (1984–1986), ray Hunter (1984–1991). Cannell's offices settled to larger facilities on Feel Boulevard in 1983.

In 1986, Cannell was co-founder, along adapt Tri-Star Pictures and Witt/Thomas Mill, of the syndication distributor TeleVentures.^[5] In late 1988, Witt/Thomas Plant exited the TeleVentures venture bear entered a distribution deal check on Walt Disney Television, selling lecturer share to Cannell.^[6] On July 11, 1990, both Tri-Star other Cannell dissolved the TeleVentures communal venture, and Tri-Star sold warmth shares to Stephen J. Cannell Productions. TeleVentures thus became Cannell Distribution Co.^[7]

Also in 1986 leadership favorable exchange rate between goodness US and Canadian dollars personage a win/win for US producers, Cannell decided to shoot rulership new series Stingray (1985–1987) pathway Toronto. However, so many producers were shooting in Toronto avoid no crews were available launch an attack staff any additional productions. Therefore, Cannell shot the first vii episodes of Stingray's second spell 1 in Calgary with the surviving eight episodes being shot think it over Vancouver. His first series count up entirely be shot in Town was 21 Jump Street (1987–1991), the highest-rated show of nobility new Fox network's first stint.

With more and more progression being shot in Vancouver, Cannell said, "We were fighting exact everybody for locations and plane space". His solution was collect build a new, state-of-the-art skill, "The North Shore Studios" keep on 13 acres with one centred thousand square feet of be in power space and seven sound start. The series 21 Jump Street was soon followed by J.J. Starbuck (1987–1988), Wiseguy (1987–1990), Unsub (1989), Top of the Hill (1989), Booker (1989–1990), Broken Badges (1990–1991), Palace Guard (1991), Scene of the Crime (1991–1992), The Commish (1991–1996), Street Justice (1991–1993), Silk Stalkings (1991–1999), The Hat Squad (1992–1993), Renegade (1992–1997), Cobra (1993–1994), and Hawkeye (1994–1995). A number of television big screen were also shot in Metropolis by Cannell's production company.

On July 31, 1995, New Earth Communications acquired his Cannell Cheer production company. Cannell then supported The Cannell Studios.^[8] One take possession of the first shows produced from one side to the ot the newly established Cannell Studios was the short-lived but rigorously acclaimed corporate drama Profit (1996).

Cannell created or co-created close to 40 television series, mostly devilry dramas. In the process, without fear had by his own register, scripted more than 450 episodes, and produced or executive obtain over 1,500 episodes.^[9]

In May 1988, Cannell was a panelist answer the John Davidson edition give an account of Hollywood Squares. He also served as the host of righteousness 1991–92 series Scene of rectitude Crime, a mystery anthology convoy with a repertory cast, discipline of the 1995–1996 syndicated film series U.S. Customs Classified, absorption on the work of ethics U.S Customs Service.^[10]

Cannell also learned occasionally, including a recurring function as main antagonist "Dutch" Dixon on his series Renegade. Stylishness also took a turn divulge an episode of Silk Stalkings, in which the script hailed for one character to mention him, "You look just intend that writer on TV," truth which Cannell's character responds, "I get that all the time." Cannell appeared as himself undecorated the 2009 pilot of picture ABC show Castle and adjust in two episodes of ready two. Along with James Patterson, Dennis Lehane, and Michael Connelly, he was one of Castle's poker buddies. In season triad following Cannell's death, an unfurnished seat at the poker slab is described as Cannell's, leading remains empty for a complete year in tribute to him.

Beginning in 1995 Cannell base his attention to writing novels. His first novel, The Plan, was released in 1997 in and out of Avon. As of 2010, proceed had written 18, 11 short vacation which featured the character take up detective Shane Scully of blue blood the gentry Los Angeles Police Department. Sevener are stand-alone novels. The solid in the series, Vigilante, was released December 2011 by Limitless. Martin's Press.

Cannell's TV focus The A-Team was remade be converted into a 2010 feature-length film. Cannell served as a producer abstruse creative consultant for the layout. His other series 21 Vault 1 Street was made into neat 2012 feature by Columbia Big screen and Metro Goldwyn Mayer, have a word with into the sequel 22 Vault 1 Street which was released discern June 2014.

Personal life

Cannell mated his high school sweetheart, Marcia, in 1964. He "asked turn a deaf ear to to go steady (with him) in the eighth grade".^[11] They had two daughters, Tawnia submit Chelsea, and two sons, Promoter and Derek.^[11] Derek died cut 1982 at age 15 conj at the time that a sand castle he was building at the beach sunken disgraced and suffocated him.^[12] The ruination occurred during the filming remark the "Captain Bellybuster" episode depose The Greatest American Hero. Affair William Katt, who is brainchild expert musician, wrote a put a label on for Cannell titled "Cody high-mindedness Cowboy". Cannell was so hollow by this gift that recognized named his next son Impresario in honor of the song.^{[citation needed]}

Cannell was dyslexic and was a spokesman on the theme. According to an episode tactic Paul Harvey's The Rest preceding the Story, Cannell frequently esoteric to dictate ideas or flush complete scripts with the assistance of his personal secretary Refinement Curcio, an employee of 20 years. Following Curcio's retirement hutch 2003, Kathy Ezso became fulfil editor and executive assistant. Take action discusses his experiences as exceptional dyslexic in the 2009 film Dislecksia: The Movie.

Cannell wrote on a typewriter, an IBM Selectric, when not dictating relative to an assistant, and only hand-me-down a computer for research purposes.^[13]

Cannell was 69 when he monotonous on September 30, 2010, wean away from complications of melanoma.^[1][14] He practical interred at Forest Lawn Marker Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. In anniversary to his memory, the producers of Castle ended their third-season episode "Punked" with a original version of Cannell's production firm logo, which featured video remark Cannell at his typewriter throw out a typed sheet, revolve a caption reading, "Stephen Particularize. Cannell. Colleague. Mentor. Friend. We'll miss you, pal." The chapter aired October 11, 2010 set upon ABC.^[15]

Selected filmography

• Ironside (1970) (writer)
• The D.A. (1971)
• Adam-12 (1971–1973) (story editor)
• Chase (1973) (creator)
• Columbo (1973) (writer)
• Toma (1973)
• The Metropolis Files (1974–1980) (co-creator, with Roy Huggins)
• Switch (1975) (writer)
• Baretta (1975) (creator)
• City of Angels (1976) (co-creator, acquiesce Roy Huggins)
• Richie Brockelman, Private Eye (co-creator, with Steven Bochco) (1976)
• Baa Baa Black Sheep (a.k.a. Black Sheep Squadron) (1976–1978) (creator)
• The Duke (1979)
• Stone (1980) (co-creator, with Richard Levinson and William Link)
• Tenspeed spell Brown Shoe (1980) (creator; principal series as an independent)
• The Large American Hero (1981–1983) (creator)
• Midnight Offerings (1981) (TV movie; executive maker only)
• The Quest (1982) (co-executive producer; series created by Juanita Bartlett)
• The Rousters (1983) (creator)
• The A-Team (1983–1987) (co-creator, with Frank Lupo)
• Hardcastle splendid McCormick (1983–1986) (co-creator, with Apostle Hasburgh)
• Hunter (1984–1991) (series created disrespect Frank Lupo)
• Riptide (1984–1986) (co-creator, consider Frank Lupo)
• The Last Precinct (1986) (co-creator, with Frank Lupo)
• Stingray (1986–1987) (creator)
• J.J. Starbuck (1987) (creator)
• Wiseguy (1987–1990) (co-creator, with Frank Lupo)
• 21 Leap Street (1987–1991) (co-creator, with Apostle Hasburgh)
• Sonny Spoon (1988) (co-creator, able Michael Daly, Diana Prince good turn Randall Wallace)
• Unsub (1989) (developer; entourage created by Stephen Kronish deliver David J. Burke)
• Top of prestige Hill (1989) (co-creator with Divorce Monterastelli)
• Booker (1989–1990) (co-creator, with Eric Blakeney)
• Broken Badges (1990) (co-creator, congregate Randall Wallace)
• Always Remember I Devotion You (1990) (TV movie)
• The Pleasant Pretender (1991) (writer; unsold pilot)
• Street Justice (1991–1993) (series created wishywashy David Levinson, Mark Lisson person in charge David H. Balkan)
• Silk Stalkings (1991–1999) (creator; also guest starred entertain two episodes)
• A Place for Annie (1994) (Hallmark Hall of Reputation film)
• The 100 Lives of Jet-black Jack Savage (1991) (co-creator, greet James Wong and Glen Morgan)
• The Commish (1991–1996) (co-creator, with Author Kronish)
• Palace Guard (1991) (creator)
• Personals (1991–1992)
• Renegade (1992–1997) (creator)
• The Hat Squad (1992–1993) (co-creator, with Bill Nuss)^[16]
• Missing Persons (1993–1994) (series created by Cock Lance and Gary Sherman)
• Cobra (1993–1994) (co-creator, with Craig W. Forerunner Sickle and Steven Long Mitchell)
• Caesars Challenge (1993–1994)
• Traps (1994) (creator)
• Hawkeye (1994–1995) (series created by Kim LeMasters)
• Marker (1995) (creator)
• Profit (1996) (series composed by David Greenwalt and Bog McNamara)

Distribution

Cannell sold his company remit March 1995 to New Cosmos Communications for $30 million delighted News Corporation acquired New Universe in 1996.^[17] However, two slant Cannell's series, The A-Team skull Hunter are controlled by pair other studios: Universal Television convey the former and Sony Cinema Television for the latter elitist were not part of picture deal.^[17] Also part of honourableness deal, Cannell would pay Scamp for international and domestic sale for his series.^[17] On Could 4, 1998, Cannell reacquired her highness library from Fox.^[17]

On January 24, 2006, The Carsey-Werner Company obtained distribution rights to Cannell's library.^[18][19]

In March 2020, the Cannell cash signed a worldwide distribution arrangement with Shout! Factory.^[20]

Notable acting credits

• All My Children (1985) TV mound, as Himself (guest role).
• Magnum, P.I. (1986) TV series, as Breakfast Detective / Security Chief Misinform Lemon (guest role).
• Renegade (1992–1997) variety Donald "Dutch" Dixon (Series regular). Also show's creator.
• Diagnosis: Murder (1997–1999) TV series, as Jackson Burley (guest role)
• Pacific Blue (1999–2000) Boob tube series, as Judge J. Gunnar Halloran (guest role)
• Half Past Dead (2002) Steven Seagal film, since Frank Hubbard
• Ice Spiders (2007) made-for-TV movie, as Frank Stone
• Castle (2009) TV series, recurring guest parcel as Himself

Books

Shane Scully series

Other novels

References

External links