Marty Krofft, the one-part mastermind and eccentric soul behind NBC’s hit 1969 show H.R. Pufnstuf, has passed away at 86. According to TV Line, Krofft died on Saturday due to kidney failure. He and his brother, Sid Krofft, were at the forefront of children’s television programming during the late 1960s and 1970s.
H.R. Pufnstuf follows a colorful dragon with stylish white boots named Mayor H.R. Pufnstuf, performed by Roberto Gamonet (Pufnstuf, H.R. Pufnstuf) and voiced by Lennie Weinrib (Fraidy Cat, Lidsville), and his residents as they help a young boy named Jimmy, portrayed by Jack Wild (Melody, Oliver!), return home after his ship got wrecked on Living Island. The crash was caused by Witchiepoo, portrayed by Billie Hayes (Li’l Abner, The Black Cauldron), a peculiar witch who wants Jimmy’s talking flute. As the series goes on, we see Jimmy trying to keep the flute away by Witchiepoo while simultaneously trying to find his way home.
Crowned as the “King of Saturday Mornings,” Kroftt passed away in Los Angeles in the company of his family and friends, his publicist revealed.
The Krofft Brothers started Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures, which allowed the duo to produce 50 years of family-centered TV after becoming a household name during the ‘70s with the release of shows like H.R Pufnstuf, The Bugaloos, Land of the Lost, Sigmund & the Sea Monsters, Lidsville, Far Out Space Nuts, Lost Saucer, Wonderbug and Bigfoot, Pryor’s Place starring Richard Pryor (The Wiz, Superman III), The Krofft Supershow, Electra Woman & Dyna Girl, Dr. Shrinker and Bigfoot & Wildboy.
Marty Krofft also produced for other primetime shows, such as the comedic D.C. Follies series, The Brady Bunch Hour, Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters and The Donny & Marie Show.
In 2018, Marty and Sid won the Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award courtesy of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Also, in 2020, they both obtained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Marty is survived by his brothers, Harry and Sid, and his daughters, Deanna Krofft-Pope, Kristina Krofft and Kendra Krofft, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.