Stephen Cannell Biography & Pictures

Stephen Joseph Cannell was an American television producer, writer, author and occasional actor who was also the founder of Stephen J. Cannell Productions. Cannell was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a mansion in nearby Pasadena. His parents, Carolyn and Joseph Button Cannell, owned a chain of furniture stores.

Cannell has also acted occasionally, including a regular supporting role as "Dutch" Dixon on his series Renegade. Cannell appeared as himself in the pilot of ABC shows Castle and again in the second season along with James Patterson and Michael Connelly, he is one of Castle's poker friends.

Cannell was dyslexic, and was a spokesman on the subject.According toan episode of Paul Harvey rest of the story, Cannell often had to dictate ideas or complete script for a personal secretary.