Trivia

His oldest child, Derek, died at age 15 on April 4, 1982. He was suffocated when a sandcastle he was building collapsed on him.

Had a room in his home where he only allowed other writers to enter.

Received his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon (1964).

During the early 1980s, his office was located on the Paramount Studios lot while his series were distributed by Universal Studios.

The filmed logo for his production company showed him seated at a typewriter, typing something onto a piece of paper, then pulling the sheet of paper from the typewriter, throwing the paper into the air which floated down turning into his logo. In the background, we see a shelf containing his awards.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 14, 1986.

His wife, Marcia, was his high school sweetheart.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Finch; his two daughters, Tawnia McKiernan and Chelsea Cannell; a son, Cody Cannell; and three grandchildren.

Last name means "cinnamon" in French.

Was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.