William Watts Biggers, co-creator of the cartoon “Underdog,” has died at age 85. Biggers died unexpectedly on Sunday at his home in Plymouth, Massachusetts. “Underdog” premiered on NBC in 1964. Underdog became a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon and was also turned into a live-action film in 2007. He is survived by Victoria Biggers, his son, W. Watts Biggers, Jr., and longtime girlfriend Nancy Purbeck. Read more below.

Julie A. x TatWza
Biggers, who went by the nickname “Buck,” at one point was vice president of promotion and creative services at NBC. He also helped create “Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales” and “King Leonardo and His Short Subjects.” Biggers also wrote several novels along with writing for Tv Guide, Reader’s Digest, and Family Circle.