HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Stephen J. Cannell, a popular Hollywood writer and producer behind such television classics as The Rockford Files and The A-Team, has died. He was 69.
Cannell was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away Thursday night at his home in Pasadena, Calif. from complications associated with melanoma, his family tells Entertainment Tonight.
Cannell was responsible for nearly 40 television shows over the course of his career, including 21 Jump Street, a series that propelled Johnny Depp to fame.
Other notable television programs for Cannell include The Greatest American Hero, Wiseguy, The Commish, Renegade and Silk Stalkings.
The Los Angeles native also found success as an author, publishing 16 books in recent years.
Cannell, who also appeared as an actor, is survived his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Marcia, their three children, Tawnia, Chelsea and Cody, and three grandchildren.
