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Sid Krofft, 'H.R. Pufnstuf' creator and
children's TV visionary, dies at 96
[April 14, 2026]
NEW YORK (AP) — Sid Krofft, the Canadian-born entertainment
wizard who teamed with his brother and fellow puppeteer Marty Krofft to
create such cult favorites as children's 1960s TV show “H.R. Pufnstuf,”
has died at age 96.
Krofft's death, which came three years after the death of Marty Krofft,
was announced on Instagram by his friend and business partner Kelly
Killian. Additional details were not immediately available. |
Puppeteers Sid Krofft, left, and Marty Krofft stand next to H.R.
Pufnstuf, one of their many creations, at an auction in Beverly Hills,
Calif., on Aug. 23, 1998. (AP Photo/John Hayes, File) |
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“The last six years of my life were devoted to him, and his to
me,” Killian wrote. “In that time, he taught me more than I
could ever put into words — about the art of Hollywood, the
magic of the stage, and the depth and complexity of human
nature. I wish so very much that I had more time with him.”
The Kroffts popularized cultural figures ranging from the inept
Weenie the Genie to siblings Donny and Marie Osmond.
TV fans of a certain age would long remember “H.R. Pufnstuf,”
the live-action puppet series with its cheerful theme song, the
dragon who gave the show its name — and served as Mayor of
Living Island — and such memorable, supporting characters as the
larcenous witch Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo, and her patented Vroom
Broom. “H.R. Pufnstuf” only aired for 17 episodes, in 1969, but
lived on for decades in reruns and syndication. It ranked 27th
in a 2007 TV Guide poll of all-time cult favorites.
Other Krofft productions included “Land of the Lost,” “Electra
Woman and Dyna Girl” and “Pryor’s Place,” featuring comedian
Richard Pryor. Their children's shows were so far-flung at times
that critics suspected the Kroffts were under the influence of
drugs — allegations the brothers rejected — but they also
oversaw such wholesome programming as the “Donny & Marie,” the
Osmonds' 1970s variety show.
The Kroffts received a Daytime Emmy for lifetime achievement in
2018, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star two years later.
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