Prolific Producer Stephen J. Cannell Passes Away

LOS ANGELES: Stephen J. Cannell, the bestselling novelist and award-winning producer whose credits included 21 Jump Street, has passed away at the age of 69.

"With profound sadness, we have to announce that our dear friend and colleague, Stephen Cannell, has lost a brave fight against cancer," a statement posted on the producer’s website says. "He will be missed beyond measure by the Cannell Team and all of us who had the privilege and the plain good luck to know and work with him. Through the legacy of his body of work, with which he was able to entertain and enrich the lives of millions of viewers and thousands of readers, he will always be with us, living on in our hearts and minds, with fond memories forever."

Cannell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marcia, his children Tawnia, Chelsea and Cody, and three grandchildren.

Cannell wrote a total of 16 novels and was behind numerous hit shows at Cannell Studios, including The Rockford Files, Greatest American Hero, The A-Team, Hunter, 21 Jump Street, Wiseguy, The Commish, Profit, and the syndicated shows Renegade and Silk Stalkings.