David W. Duclon, ‘Punky Brewster’ Creator, Dies at 74

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David W. Duclon, the mastermind behind the popular show “Punky Brewster”, who also produced several successful sitcoms such as “Family Matters”, “Silver Spoons”, “The Jeffersons” and “Laverne & Shirley”, has passed away at the age of 74.

Danielle Duclon confirmed that her father, Duclon, passed away on Wednesday morning in Franklin, Tennessee, following a prolonged illness. She shared this news with The Hollywood Reporter.

or alternatively,

Duclon’s daughter, Danielle Duclon, informed The Hollywood Reporter that her father had sadly succumbed to his long-term illness on Wednesday morning in Franklin, Tennessee.

Warren David Duclon, born April 27, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, initially stepped into the spotlight of Hollywood in 1972, working as a writer and assistant producer on the popular TV show “The Odd Couple“, featuring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.

Warren David Duclon entered the world on April 27, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, but it was in 1972 that he first emerged into the glamorous realm of Hollywood, where he contributed as a writer and assistant producer on “The Odd Couple“, starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.

In the realm of television, I found myself quite apt at crafting sitcoms. Come 1976, I was fortunate enough to join the stellar cast of “Happy Days,” working alongside Henry Winkler and Ron Howard. Simultaneously, I penned episodes for “Laverne & Shirley,” featuring the talented duo of Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. Not only did I contribute as a writer, but I also took on the role of producer for the latter show.

In the year 1984, I found myself becoming an independent creator, unleashing my sitcom titled Punky Brewster. This series spanned four captivating seasons until 1988. It revolved around the life of a spirited young girl named Penelope “Punky” Brewster, who, unfortunately, was left by her parents and ultimately came under the guardianship of a widowed photographer.

In 1986, Duclon received two Emmy nominations, one of which was for the category of best children’s program, for the original Punky Brewster series.

In 2021, Peacock unveiled a revival featuring an older Punky Brewster, this time raising her own children. However, the series produced by Duclon lasted just one season.

Besides collaborating on Silver Spoons with Ron Leavitt, Duclon was instrumental in its creation. This popular series aired for five seasons from 1982 to 1987. The show centered around Ricky Stratton, a wealthy young boy who enjoyed the luxurious lifestyle that many aspire to. Despite his privileged life, he faced issues common among teenagers.

Duclon contributed to eight episodes of the popular sitcom, The Jeffersons, and held an executive producer role in Norman Lear’s successful series. In addition, he wrote and produced Family Matters. Among his other accomplishments are credits for Boys Will Be Boys, On Our Own, Built to Last, Guys Like Us, Malcolm & Eddie, Eve, Working Stiffs, and Makin’ It.

Back in 2017, Duclon penned another book titled “Once Upon a Christmas: The Initial Chapter of David Duncan’s Implausible Life“.

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2025-01-16 09:24