Idaho-born character actor known for his gruff, bossy roles especially
on '70s TV.
Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Class of 1942.
Wore a toupee in most of his later roles. The exception was an episode of Remington Steele (1982) from McCloud (1970) producer Michael Gleason. Here, Cannon played a TV news anchor who only wore his toupee while broadcasting. The rest of the time, he gloried in his dome. The toupee showed up when it shouldn't have, solving the case.
It has been said that the series producers wanted J.D. Cannon for the role of Chief Peter B. Clifford, for the sole reason "he was the closest thing to a living, breathing version of Dick Tracy.".