Iconic children’s show co-creator Marty Krofft passes away at 86
Marty Krofft, the legendary co-creator of beloved children’s shows “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Land of the Lost,” has died at the age of 86, according to a family representative. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, due to kidney failure.
Together with his brother Sid, Marty Krofft also produced popular primetime variety shows such as “Donny and Marie” and “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.” The Krofft brothers were renowned for their unique and imaginative children’s shows, featuring live-action characters, oversized costumes, and life-size puppets.
Despite facing budget limitations, the Krofft brothers successfully repurposed characters and created spinoff series to maximize their success. For instance, “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a cult favorite, only had 17 episodes produced but became successful enough to be reaired on NBC’s Saturday morning schedule. The brothers were able to maintain control over their key franchises and recently launched the Sid and Marty Krofft Channel in partnership with Cineverse.
One of their most successful series was “Land of the Lost,” which aired from 1974 to 1976 and followed a family traveling to an alternate Earth ruled by dinosaurs. The Kroffts also produced shows like “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” and “The Bugaloos,” which continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Gen-Xers who grew up watching them.
In the late ’70s, Marty Krofft expanded his career into variety shows, including “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour” and “Donny and Marie.” Later on, he returned to puppet-based content with shows like “Pryor’s Place” and “D.C. Follies,” using caricatured puppets to satirize political figures.
The Kroffts’ last project was the creation of “Mutt & Stuff,” a Nickelodeon series starring Cesar Millan, his son Calvin, and a cast of real dogs and puppets. Marty Krofft’s creativity and contributions to the entertainment industry will be sorely missed.
Born in Montreal to Russian parents, Marty Krofft’s journey into the world of puppeteering began at a young age, with his brother Sid eventually joining the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Kroffts kick-started their career by designing characters and sets for the Hanna-Barbera series “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.”
In 1976, the brothers attempted to create an indoor amusement park in Atlanta called The World of Sid and Marty Krofft. However, it closed after only six months. Marty Krofft’s survivors include his brother Sid, another brother named Harry, three daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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