Marty Krofft, Renowned Co-Creator of Beloved Children's TV Shows, Passes Away at 86
Marty Krofft, the brilliant co-creator of beloved children's TV shows like HR Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost, passed away at 86 due to kidney failure His immense contribution to iconic shows will forever be cherished
Marty Krofft, the co-creator of beloved children's TV shows such as "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of the Lost," passed away in California on Saturday afternoon at the age of 86. According to his representative, B. Harlan Boll, Krofft died of kidney failure in Los Angeles while surrounded by loved ones.
Working alongside his brother, Sid Krofft, he is renowned for creating popular children's television shows that captivated audiences across generations during the 1970s.
Already famous for their puppet shows, the duo was approached by NBC to produce a Saturday morning children's series, leading to the creation of "H.R. Pufnstuf," a character that had already gained a strong following during their live performances.
The success led to the production of a feature film in partnership with Universal Pictures, according to his representative. Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures gained widespread recognition in the 1970s, propelling them into over 50 years of creating and producing family and children's shows. Ultimately, Marty Krofft earned the title of the "King of Saturday Mornings."
Marty Krofft and his brother are known for creating hit children's TV shows in the 1970s.
The Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures Archive features the iconic television shows created by the Krofft brothers, including "The Bugaloos," "Lidsville," "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters," "Pryors Place," "Far Out Space Nuts," "The Lost Saucer," "The Krofft Supershow," "Wonderbug," "Electra Woman and Dyna Girl," "Dr. Shrinker," and "Bigfoot & Wildboy."
In the late 1980s, Krofft and his brother developed the satirical series "D.C. Follies," featuring life-size puppets portraying prominent figures like Richard Nixon and Arnold Schwarzenegger. A hit among politicians and the public, the show ran for two seasons from 1987 to 1989 during primetime. Following a feature on CBS in 1988, Krofft went on to produce a series of live shows called "Comedy Kings" for the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Additional primetime programs feature the "Donny & Marie Show" on ABC, "The Brady Bunch Hour," and "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters."
In 2003, the Krofft brothers received the Lifetime Career Award at the Saturn Awards for their creation of some of the most iconic and imaginative television shows.
In 2018, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored them with the Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award. In 2020, they were recognized for their "Golden Anniversary" with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their most recent accolade is the Annual Julie Award at the 2023 Dragon Con in Atlanta.
Marty Krofft is survived by brothers, Harry Krofft and Sid Krofft; his daughters Deanna Krofft-Pope, Kristina and Kendra Krofft; five grand-children; and a great-grandchild.
