Stephen J. Cannell - a Class Act Even in Death

Though I was never fortunate enough to work with Stephen J. Cannell, I did get to meet him at the WGA Foundation Tribute to him, which you can read about in an earlier posting. At that time I was able to tell him how much I admired him. I have watched most of TV shows he has written and produced. I've loved it whenever he stepped in front of the camera, whether the role was large or small. And I've read all his books. In fact, he remains one of my favorite novel writers.

Through the generosity of a good friend, I have signed hardcover editions of all Cannell's books. Since my friend knows how much I love SJC's novels, he has purchased every new publication as it came out, gone to SJC's book signings and gotten SJC's autograph. Then I'd get these precious books at my birthdays and Christmas.

When the availability of this latest book, the second to the last, The Prostitute's Ball, was announced, I knew I'd be getting it because I'd want to read it just like all the others. But I was terribly saddened by the thought that it would not be autographed, due to Cannell's untimely death. In fact, I wasn't sure that I'd be able to bear seeing it, knowing...

Well, as expected, I got the book for Christmas. To my surprise, it came with an adhesive label with Stephen's signature on it. Knowing that he might not be around for the publication date, Stephen had thought so much of his fans who consistently bought his books and came to his signings, that he had signed a batch of adhesive labels so that we could attach them ourselves when we got our books.

Words fail me to describe how touched I am for his caring and concern for us when he had so many more important things on his mind. I will cherish this book for the precious gift it is. And I will remain saddened for the finite number of books that I will have from him and all the stories not told. Like he has been from the beginning, Stephen J. Cannell remains a class act.

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Photo credit: courtesy of Phil Philkin Konstantin

RIP STEPHEN J CANNELL

It was with great sadness that I learned of Stephen J. Cannell's death last night from cancer. I had no idea he was even sick. Though I hadn't seen him in person for a while, I did see him on Castle playing poker with the other great crime book authors and he looked like his usual handsome, robust, virile self.

What a loss for the world, and for me, since I love all of his books and have been a fan of his TV shows for years. The thought of no new books from him is devastating. And of course, there was always the hope that he'd give us a new TV series, even though he hasn't done one in years.

Back in 2006, I worked the tribute for him at the WGA Theater and he gave me a big welcoming hug when I told him how he was one of my favorite authors. We talked about how my favorite of his books was still his first one, The Plan. He mentioned how that book was a departure for him (political thriller) and the only one of a kind. And we talked about his hero, Shane Scully, who inhabits many of his books.

His friends gave a wonderful tribute to him. I was reading over what I wrote about the tribute and thinking how much he touched people's lives... how much he will be missed.

And no more will I be able to say in answer to that pesky question of what do you want to be in five years. My answer had always been Stephen J. Cannell because he has done everything I want to do: write TV shows, write roles for himself when he feels like it, act, write books, creative TV shows, etc.

And from what I surmise, he was incredibly loyal to family and friends. Yes, he was a good one that we've lost too soon.

Just want to thank Phil Philkon Konstantin for the photo of Stephen J. Cannell I have on the blog here.