About Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen J. Cannell is the bestselling author of twelve novels, including the critically acclaimed Shane Scully series, which includes White Sister, Cold Hit, Vertical Coffin, Hollywood Tough, The Viking Funeral, The Tin Collectors and the latest installment, THREE SHIRT DEAL.
In addition, Cannell is the author of Runaway Heart, The Devil's Workshop, Riding the Snake, King Con, Final Victim, and The Plan. His latest stand alone novel At First Sight:A Novel of Obsession was released in July, 2008.
An Emmy award-winning writer/producer and Chairman of Cannell Studios, Cannell overcame severe dyslexia to become one of television's most prolific writers. In a highly successful career that spans three decades, he has created or co-created more than 40 shows, of which he has scripted more than 450 episodes and produced or executive produced more than 1,500 episodes. His hits include The Rockford Files, Greatest American Hero, The A-Team, Hunter, Riptide, Hardcastle & McCormick, 21 Jump Street, Wiseguy, The Commish, Profit, and the hit syndicated shows, Renegade and Silk Stalkings.
During the past few years, Cannell has received numerous awards, including the Saturn Award - Life Career Award (2004), The Marlow Lifetime Achievement Award from Mystery Writers of America (2005), and the WGA Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement (2006), and the NATPE Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award (2007).
An unstoppable creative force, Cannell is also a savvy businessman. In 1979, Cannell formed his own independent production company, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, in order to achieve creative control over material he was writing and producing. Seven years later, he formed The Cannell Studios to oversee all aspects of the organization's operations. Having surpassed the $1 billion mark in production outlays, the studio experienced remarkable growth and diversification in such areas as production (films, mini-series, commercials), merchandising, and first-run/off-network programming. Cannell still owns the worldwide distribution rights to more than 1,000 hours of Cannell-produced series and TV movies.
Cannell Studios is currently producing a series of independent films including The Poker House directed by actress Lori Petty. Other projects in development include feature films of The A-Team, 21 Jump Street, and The Greatest American Hero.
Cannell is an avid spokesperson on Dyslexia, and is a third generation Californian who currently resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Marcia, and their three children.