Writer/producer Stephen J Cannell (it rhymes with channel) died Thursday and we were reminded that he produced one of our all-time favorite TV series “Wiseguy.” Some people assume that “Wiseguy” star Ken Wahl left the show on bad terms, but actually he and Stephen remained friends. (In fact, a few years back when Ken had physical and financial problems, Stephen kindly offered to help out.) During production they had their differences of opinion, but Ken told me Stephen was always a decent, reasonable, down to earth guy. He appreciated creativity in others and never tried to intimidate his actors like some producers do. Stephen wore jeans instead of a shirt and tie. Ken Wahl has good memories of “Wiseguy,” and knows Stephen played a part in getting him a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations for the show.
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R.I.P.
Johnny Depp was friendly with him too even though he hated being on Jump Street. He seemed like a nice person, a rarity in Hollywood.
Damn, talk about ancient history! Never watched any of those shows, the premises always sounded so 80’s and interchangible. Wonder how Ken Wahl makes a living now that he’s been not acting since forever. I know he’s married to one of those Barbi twins with the giant fake tits and anorexia, so even MORE 80’s crap!
Kevin Spacey put in the best performance on “Wiseguy”. Played the character Mel something. My fave series Stephen J Cannell produced was Rockford Files. I’m sure Mr.Cannell will be missed by many. Family, friends and co-workers.
His passing is sad, but what good shows and memories he left us with. And Ken Wahl was one hot guy. I was so surprised that his career seemed to end when the show did.
IMO, back in the day, Mickey Rourke and Ken Wahl were truly the hottest guys of the ’80’s, or possibly in the history of Hollywood. Wiseguy was an excellent show with riveting story lines…and it was a launchpad for some major stars like Kevin Spacey. Stephen Cannell sounds like a wonderful guy…may he RIP.
Right, thanks for the memory nudge. The Rockford Files was brilliant. It had a great British counterpart called Minder, and I think both those series became inspiration and/or templates for later great detective shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
ALL RIGHT…I’ll go along with you guys on the Rockford Files thing. But then, James Garner could do no wrong and in his day was one sexy and cute dude. Also loved him in Maverick which was one of the best TV shows ever in my book. In his case it truly was a real bummer that aging exists! I could have looked at the young Jim Garner forever!
yep, THE BLOWJOBS ARE STILL GIVEN BY HIS PERSON, folks!!
Cannel’s shows were fun family entertainment unlike the trash that’s on tv now. Jump Street,
Really nice and kind to have some one help you in your times and needs and worth while having some one around who cares and has a heart.
Sometimes when you see some one!You see yourself and it is always good to work out detail and give one point of view in many directions but to meet some one who cares and appreciates what you bring to the table is amazing.