He is survived by his daughter, Victoria Biggers, his son, W. Watts Biggers, Jr.

WSJ: 'Underdog' cartoon co-creator dies at 85

Family friend Derek Tague says Biggers, who went by "Buck, " died unexpectedly at his Plymouth, Mass.

WSJ: 'Underdog' cartoon co-creator dies at 85

After General Mills pulled out of the animation business, Biggers became vice president of promotion and creative services at NBC.

WSJ: 'Underdog' cartoon co-creator dies at 85

The family said Biggers "delighted in the enduring appeal of his 'Underdog' franchise, " including the balloon that appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2007 live-action film.

WSJ: 'Underdog' cartoon co-creator dies at 85

Biggers' wife of 39 years, Grace, died in 1989.

WSJ: 'Underdog' cartoon co-creator dies at 85