Stephen Cannell to speak at Downey Theatre

DOWNEY - Bestselling author and television producer Stephen J. Cannell will speak and sign books April 19 at the Downey Theatre from 7 to 8 p.m.Cannell is the author of 15 novels, including the critically-acclaimed Shane Scully series. His latest thriller, "The Pallbearers," will be published this month. An Emmy Award-winning writer and producer, Cannell is one of the most prolific writers in television history. He created or co-produced more than 40 shows, including "The Rockford Files," "The Greatest American Hero," "21 Jump Street," "The A-Team" and "Silk Stockings." He went on to form his own production company and has appeared in cameo roles in several of his shows. In 1987, Cannell's show, "Wiseguy," earned critical praise for its intelligent dialog, complex characters and occasional treatment of timely issues. "Wiseguy" also used a new narrative structure, the "story arc," where the season was divided into several multi-part episodes. Cannell has also been a spokesman for dyslexia, a condition he has faced throughout his life. Born in Pasadena, he had difficulty reading and learning, repeated several grades and flinked out of two schools. "I was a classic case, a real slow learner," he said. "It took a lot of understanding and therapy to overcome my problems." Cannell did overcome them and has served as the national chairperson for the Dyslexia Society. At the Downey event, Cannell will discuss his writing and television career, as well as his experiences in overcoming dyslexia. Copies of Cannell's books will be available for purchase and signing at the free event, which is sponsored by the Downey City Library as part of National Library Week April 19-25. To register, call (562) 904-7360, ext. 132, or visit the library.

********** Published: March 26, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 49