Best comedy writer and producer of the 1980s and 1990s David W. Duclun, who created Punky Brewster And participated in its development Silver spoonsHe died this morning, January 15, after a long struggle with illness. He was 74 years old.
Born Warren David Ducklon in Rockford, Illinois, Ducklon began his career as a writer on classic 1970s sitcoms such as The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, the Jeffersons and Different strokes.
His first writing credit was on a few episodes of the series The odd couple Along with Garry Marshall who took him under his wing and taught him how to be a model while Docklon was working on his hit songs Happy days And sub Laverne and Shirley.
Over the next decade, Duclon continued to create a large number of his own sitcoms. He developed the comedy for CBS in 1979 Work hardening Starring James Belushi and Michael Keaton, who co-developed the 1982 film silver spoons, which ran on NBC for four seasons and another in syndication for the first time, and co-created the 1987 Fox comedy Boys will be boys Starring Matthew Perry.
Duclon also created the 1984 sitcom punky brewster, which ran for four seasons, two on NBC and two in syndication. It catapulted its young star Soleil Moon Frye to fame as her character became a pop culture icon in the 1980s. The series received three Emmy Award nominations, including two for Outstanding Children's Program.
Paying it forward, Duclon then helped mentor the next generation of show makers.
give My name is Earl and Raising hope Creator Greg Garcia had his first writing job on the short-lived 1994 sitcom On our ownstarring Jurnee and Jussie Smollett, was Duncan's last series as creator. Duclon went on to executive produce Garcia's first series as creator, in 1997 Built to last (which he co-created with Warren Hutcherson). Duclon later wrote an episode of Garcia's first song, Yes, my dear, Co-created by Alan Kirshenbaum.
“When you're first starting out in this business, finding that one person who believes in you is invaluable. “For some reason, Dave Duclon believed in me when I was 23 and gave me my first job,” Garcia told Deadline. “In the four years Working under him, I learned not only the ins and outs of writing a sitcom, but also how to be a series director. Dave conducted his shows with confidence, clear vision, unbridled enthusiasm and, above all, kindness. I am a better person because I knew Dave, and I will always be indebted to him for the time he took to be my mentor.
Another successful model, Meg DeLoach (Family reunion, neighborhood), shared a similar story.
“Dave hired me for my first job, and a few years later, he was kind and humble enough to be my second job when I became showrunner on my first show. He was a book writer, and he was always gracious and respectful,” she said. He told the best stories.”
Then the up-and-coming DeLoatch's first job was starring in the hit 1989 sitcom Family affairs Where Duclon served as executive producer. Then he hired her Malcolm and Eddiewhich was also executive produced. DeLoatch went on to create her own series in 2003 –. Duclon executive produced – With her before he left Hollywood and returned to his hometown in Illinois.
Duclon recently participated in 2021 Punky Brewster Renaissance produced by the CEO.
