娱乐英语新闻:U.S. TV writer/producer Stephen J. Cannell dies

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Established television producer, writer and novelist Stephen J. Cannell, the man behind iconic television series such as "The Rockford Files" and "The A-Team," died Thursday night at his home in Pasadena, his family said. He was 69.

The Emmy award-winning writer began writing television scripts in the late 1960s. He has created or co-created nearly 40 television series, mostly crime dramas, including popular series like "The Rockford Files," "The Greatest American Hero" and "The A- Team." His hit TV series "The A-Team" was remade into a 2010 feature length film.

Cannell also acted occasionally, including a regular supporting role as "Dutch" Dixon on his series "Renegade."

As one of television's most prolific writers, Cannell scripted more than 450 episodes, produced or executive produced over 1,500 episodes, according to his biography. Cannell has received numerous awards, including the Saturn Award-Life Career Award ( 2004), and The Marlow Lifetime Achievement Award from Mystery Writers of America (2005).

Cannell also authored 16 novels, including the critically acclaimed Shane Scully series. The newest installment, "The Prostitutes' Ball" is scheduled to be published by St. Martin's Press this month.

Cannell was also chairman of Cannell Studios, a production company he founded which has produced many shows including short- lived but critically-acclaimed corporate drama "Profit."

Living with dyslexia, or difficulty in reading throughout his entire life, Cannell was an avid spokesperson on the problem.