In addition to creating Punky Brewster and co-developing Silver Spoons, comedy writer-producer David W. Duclon, who died Wednesday at the age of 74, worked on a number of hit sitcoms throughout his career. One of them was Family Matters, which he joined at the start of Season 2, staying on as an executive producer for the remainder of the show’s nine-year run on ABC and CBS. In a remembrance, written for Deadline, series’ star Jaleel White (Steve Urkle), pays tribute to Duclon, calling him “my greatest acting teacher and champion.” He recalls a conversation from the set and reflects on the profound impact Duclon has had on his career.
We always think we have more time to tell the people who’ve impacted us most, “thank you.” Last night I learned my former executive producer, David Duclon, my greatest acting teacher and champion, has passed.
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Around the sixth season on Family Matters, David told me in quiet confidence staying on a TV show for more than four years as a head writer was the kiss of death.
“Why are you still here?” I asked.
“You,” he responded matter of factly. “Anything I write for you, J, you can do. You never fail to make a scene better than we imagine.”
Without David Duclon landing on my life and career I would have never had the self confidence to think I could act and tell stories at the highest levels. He quite literally believed in me more than I believed in myself. Because of his unwavering faith, I made it my duty to never let him down — but also to believe in myself as much as he did, for eight years straight.
We have to get lucky in who we learn from; thank you David for teaching me what a loving workplace leader looks like. To his one and only daughter, Danielle, I offer my deepest condolences. Your father breathed life into everything I accomplished as a kid. And his work is still bringing joy to millions across the globe.
I love you Dave 🕊️