Meadowdale H.S. graduation 2012
Middletown H.S. graduation 2012
Dunbar H.S. graduation 2012
Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2010 > October > 03 > Entry
Jimmy Rockford, Angel Martin, and me
“The Rockford Files” was one of my favorite TV shows back in the 1970’s. I admired James Garner’s portrayal of the character of Jim Rockford, private investigator. The interplay between Rockford and his sleazy buddy Angel Martin was amusing, believable, and pitch perfect.
That program and many others were the creations of Stephen J. Cannell who died last Thursday. Cannell was the mastermind and the writer behind hundreds of episodes of more TV shows than you might imagine.
After he sold his TV studios he moved on to a new career as a novelist. That’s how I met him. He used to come through our area on book tour. He had a son in college nearby so he would drop by on his private jet for book signings. Often, he made the trek out to Yellow Springs to be my guest on my radio show on WYSO.
I got to know him a little bit. We always talked about Jim Rockford. He never seemed to get tired of my enthusiasm for that subject.
Cannell had overcome his dyslexia. He became a gifted writer. That always inspired me.
The last time I saw Steve was 3 years ago in Los Angeles. He was signing books at Book Expo. Then we took a circuitous path to go have lunch. Before we could find our way out of the building we passed by another author who was also doing a book signing.
Alec Baldwin was signing copies of a book he had written about his divorce. Steve ran over and joined Baldwin in the booth. Steve had the enthusiasm of a little kid when he saw Baldwin. I’m not even sure that the actor recognized one of the most successful TV producers ever.
Later we were waiting outside for his limousine to pick us up and take us to lunch. A limo pulled up to the curb. Steve said that wasn’t his limo. The license plate read HEF 1. Hugh Hefner and a statuesque blonde climbed out.
Steve ran right over and called out “Hey, Hef!”. I don’t think Hefner recognized him either. Steve was like that. He maintained the exuberant enthusiasm of a small boy.
We had lunch. We talked about his work on the A Team movie. My last image of Steve was when he was dropping us off in his limo in front of the Staples Center. He was deeply tanned and he was dressed like some elegant cowboy. His shirt was open to reveal a necklace that looked Native American. He signed my book.
Then they drove off.
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: confessions of a galley slave
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By SJC Fan 4-Ever
October 5, 2010 4:06 PM | Link to this
Stephen J. Cannell will be missed by many. He brought us Jim Rockford, Tony Baretta, Rick Hunter, Vinnie Terranova, the A-Team, etc. Now, speaking of Angel Martin, I sometimes wonder who’s crazier, he or H.M. Murdock? My guess is we’ll have to decide that for ourselves.
By Mark from St Paul
October 4, 2010 9:56 PM | Link to this
I remember the Cannell interviews you did. He was a fascinating guy. I always wondered how much Mike Post made from writing all those theme songs for Cannell shows.
By edo
October 4, 2010 5:51 PM | Link to this
Thanks Vic…Great story, Rockford is one of the best ever, also the theme music (Mike Post)…the many character actors, I only wish Jack Elam had done an episode… “Im down to sticks and seeds with you Rockfish.”… Gaandolph Finch (Issac Hayes)
By irishguy
October 3, 2010 6:10 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Vick, I still think the “The Rockford Files” was one of the best shows of the era. Sorry to hear of Mr Cannell’s passing.
By lmj
October 3, 2010 10:35 AM | Link to this
I was surprised to hear of Mr. Cannell’s death this past week. I was saddened partially because I recognized his transition from producer to author but more because, as a retired SPED teacher, I admired his frankness about overcoming his dyslexia. I was never able to get to one of his book signings, but I always wanted to.