'A-Team' producer Cannell dies, aged 69

Stephen Cannell, the producer of TV shows such as The A-Team and The Rockford Files, has died aged 69.

The prolific TV writer, who also produced 21 Jump Street which helped to raise the profile of Johnny Depp in the late 1980s, was suffering from melanoma.

A statement from Cannell's family said: "Stephen J. Cannell passed away at his home in Pasadena on Thursday evening due to complications associated with melanoma. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.

"Stephen was the pillar of strength within his family and he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed.

"Through the legacy of his body of work… he will always be with us living on in our hearts and minds, with fond memories forever."

Cannell struggled with dyslexia prior to creating almost 40 TV shows and penning dozens of novels, 16 of which were published. The producer spoke out about his experiences with the learning disorder in Dislecksia: The Movie.

The A-Team was adapted into a feature film starring Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper in 2009. Movie versions of other Cannell-produced series The Greatest American Hero and 21 Jump Street are currently in development.