LOS ANGELES, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Hollywood writer Stephen
Cannell, the producer of TV shows like "The A-Team" and "The
Rockford Files", has died at the age of 69, his family said on
Friday.
"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," the producer's
family said in a statement.
Cannell, who struggled with dyslexia at school, wrote
hundreds of episodes for television shows in the 1970s and
1980s and created the character of private investigator Jim
Rockford.
"The Rockford Files", starring James Garner, ran for six
years until 1980 and won an Emmy for best drama series.
Cannell also created or co-created almost 40 TV series
including "Baretta," "The Greatest American Hero,", "Hardcastle
and McCormick," "21 Jump Street," "The A-Team" and "Wiseguy."
"Stephen was the pillar of strength within his family and
he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed," the
family said.
Cannell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marcia, their
three children and three grandchildren. His family asked that
in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the International
Dyslexia Association or the American Cancer Society.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
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