Marty Krofft, a legendary figure in children’s television, known for creating iconic shows like “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “The Bugaloos,” passed away due to kidney failure at age 86 on November 25. This news was confirmed by his publicist, Harlan Boll.
With his brother Sid, Krofft was a central figure in revolutionizing children’s television with their unique, imaginative productions.
Born in Canada, the brothers founded Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures. They were pioneers in creating children’s fantasy programs featuring puppetry and special effects, which became popular from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Their work was marked by a distinct style of surrealistic programming, featuring colorful designs, imaginative worlds, and quirky superhero stories often involving child heroes.
Krofft’s career was highlighted by a series of innovative shows shaping children’s entertainment landscape. “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a psychedelic live-action puppet show, became a hallmark of their creativity. Other notable productions included “Land of the Lost,” “The Lost Saucer,” “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl,” “Wonderbug,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” and “Lidsville.” These shows were characterized by their large puppet characters, imaginative plots, and special effects.
In addition to children’s programming, the Kroffts ventured into prime-time television, producing shows like “The Donny and Marie Show” and “The Brady Bunch Hour.” Their creative endeavors were not limited to television; in 1976, they opened an indoor amusement park in Atlanta, “The World of Sid and Marty Krofft.” However, the park closed after six months due to low attendance.
Their contribution to television was widely recognized. They received numerous awards, including Daytime Emmys and Saturn Awards. In 2018, they were honored with an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, acknowledging their significant impact on children’s television. The brothers were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.
The legacy of the Krofft brothers continues to be celebrated and remembered for its significant contribution to the entertainment industry.