Stephen J. Cannell

Date of Birth: February 5, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 30, 2010

Biography

Stephen J. Cannell was an American television producer, writer, and occasional actor, best known for his work in the television industry during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Born in Los Angeles, California, Cannell overcame severe dyslexia to become one of the most prolific and successful creators in television history. He created or co-created nearly 40 television series, including iconic hits such as “The A-Team,” “21 Jump Street,” “The Rockford Files,” and “The Greatest American Hero.” Cannell’s unique ability to craft compelling narratives and memorable characters made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. In addition to his television work, he authored several novels, often featuring detectives or crime-solving protagonists.

5 Interesting Facts about Stephen J. Cannell

1. Stephen J. Cannell was dyslexic and often dictated his scripts to an assistant.

2. He won an Emmy Award in 1978 for “The Rockford Files.”

3. Cannell made cameo appearances in several of his own shows.

4. He was the founder of Stephen J. Cannell Productions, which produced many of his hit series.

5. Cannell wrote 16 novels, primarily in the crime fiction genre.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Stephen J. Cannell

1. “I never saw myself as a success. I see myself as a guy who writes a lot.”

2. “I always wrote in the first person. I was always the hero. I think the hero is the person who stands up and says, ‘This is wrong, and I’m going to do something about it.’”

3. “Television is really a writer’s medium. You can’t do it alone, but the writer is the one who takes the show and makes it what it is.”

4. “I’ve always felt that there’s a significant amount of luck in success. You can’t control whom you’re going to meet or the opportunities that come your way.”

5. “Writing is the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”