Actor J.D. Cannon Dies Dennis Weaver's boss on McCloud

Veteran character actor J.D. Cannon, who is best known for the role of Dennis Weaver's boss on McCloud and appeared in dozens of other television shows and feature films, died May 20 in Hudson, N.Y. He was 83. On McCloud, a cop drama that aired on NBC from 1970-1977, Weaver played a New Mexico detective who is temporarily assigned to New York City. Cannon co-starred as Peter B. Clifford, chief of detectives. John Donovan Cannon was born was born April 24, 1922, in Salmon, Idaho. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he served in the U. S. Army during World War II. Upon discharge he resumed his acting career and became a familiar face in numerous movies and TV dramas, often playing gruff men in positions of power. In addition to McCloud, his other television credits include The Untouchables, The Defenders, Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, Alias Smith and Jones, Remington Steele and The Fall Guy. His final TV appearance was a 1991 episode of Law & Order. His feature films include Cool Hand Luke and Cotton Comes to Harlem. Cannon is survived by his wife, Alice McCamley Cannon, and two brothers.