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‘Duckman’ creator Everett Peck dead at 71

Everett Peck, an illustrator whose comic book creation “Duckman” was adapted into a 1990s animated series voiced by Jason Alexander, died Tuesday. He was 71.

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Peck died from complications caused by pancreatic cancer in Solana Beach, California, his wife, Helen, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Peck created “Duckman” for a 1990 one-off comic book published by Dark Horse Comics while pitching the idea for an adults-only animated series, the entertainment news outlet reported.

The animated series -- officially named “Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man” -- aired on the USA Network from 1994 to 1997, according to IMDb.com.

Peck created and developed the series, according to Deadline. It featured the voices of Alexander, Gregg Berger, Nancy Travis, Dana Hill, Pat Musick, E. G. Daily and Dweezil Zappa. The show was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program in 1994, 1996, and 1997, the website reported.

“‘Duckman’ represents the plight of the little guy in an ever more complex and demanding world,” Peck said in a 2009 interview with Alternative Magazine. “Like many of us, he struggles to break even but is ultimately squashed by powers far beyond his control.”

Alexander portrayed Eric Tiberius Duckman, the self-loathing “private dick/family man” who lives with his dead wife, sister, two kids and mother-in-law, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was co-starring on “Seinfeld during his time voicing the Duckman character.

“I have just sadly learned of the passing of Everett Peck, the genius animator and cartoonist who brought ‘Duckman’ to life,” Alexander tweeted Thursday night. “It was an honor to voice his beloved creation and a joy to have known Everett. He was one of a glorious kind. My best to his family and friends.”