Sid Krofft, Creator of ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’ and More, Passes Away at 96
Sid Krofft, the creator of H.R. Pufnstuf and other beloved children’s programs, has died at 96. He passed away in his sleep on Friday at the home of friend and business partner Kelly Killian, she said on Instagram.
His younger brother and long-time collaborator, Marty Krofft, predeceased him in 2023. Killian described the final years as devoted to caring for Krofft and learning from his life in show business.
Publicist Adam Fenton called Krofft an icon who continued to connect with fans until the end. Fenton noted that Krofft attended his last public appearance in Rhode Island the previous November.
Television creations and impact
Sid and Marty Krofft built a production company that shaped 1960s and 1970s children’s television. Their work blended live action, puppetry and bold design.
- H.R. Pufnstuf
- Land of the Lost
- Lidsville
- The Bugaloos
- Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
- Pryor’s Place
- Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
- D.C. Follies
- Donny and Marie (variety)
- Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters (variety)
The brothers created memorable characters like Weenie the Genie and Cha-Ka. H.R. Pufnstuf followed a boy, a talking flute, and a six-foot dragon.
Origins and early career
Sid Krofft was born on July 30, 1929, in Montreal. His family later moved to New York City.
He began performing with puppets at age ten. By 15, he worked with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a young puppeteer.
In his twenties, Krofft opened for major acts including the Andrews Sisters and Judy Garland. He later brought his younger brother Marty into the act as his assistant.
Later achievements and revivals
The brothers created a cabaret puppet show called Les Poupées de Paris in 1961. It played in Los Angeles venues and toured during the 1960s.
The Krofft catalog generated revivals and adaptations decades later. Universal’s 2009 Land of the Lost film failed at the box office despite a reported $100 million budget.
Industry honors followed. The brothers received a lifetime achievement award at the Daytime Emmys in 2018. They earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.
In recent years, Krofft reached fans directly. He hosted an Instagram Live series called “Sundays With Sid” in 2021. Marty produced a companion online series titled “Mondays With Marty.”
Filmogaz.com will continue to update readers as more information becomes available. Fans and colleagues have already begun sharing memories of Krofft’s inventive spirit.
