In the wake of the passing of Marty Krofft, the co-producer extraordinaire behind iconic children’s television shows like “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Land of the Lost,” the world not only mourns the loss of a creative genius but also reflects on the family that stood beside him. Marty Krofft, who breathed life into fantastical worlds and characters that enchanted generations, passed away on Saturday afternoon in California at the age of 86, succumbing to kidney failure, as announced by his representative, B. Harlan Boll.
Marty and his brother, Sid Krofft, carved their niche in the entertainment industry with puppet shows that captivated audiences. When NBC beckoned them to create a Saturday morning children’s series, the result was “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a show that became a fan favorite and laid the foundation for the Krofft brothers’ illustrious career. The success of “H.R. Pufnstuf” even birthed a feature film in collaboration with Universal Pictures.
Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures became synonymous with imaginative storytelling, earning Marty Krofft the moniker “King of Saturday Mornings.” Together, the dynamic duo produced an array of beloved shows spanning more than 50 years. Marty, often recognized as the visionary behind the scenes, worked alongside his brother to bring to life captivating tales like “The Bugaloos,” “Lidsville,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” and “Dr. Shrinker.”
In the late ’80s, the Krofft brothers took on a new venture, creating the satirical series “D.C. Follies,” a show that featured life-size puppets portraying prominent figures, capturing the attention of both politicians and the public.
Marty Krofft’s contributions extended to primetime with shows like “Donny & Marie Show,” “The Brady Bunch Hour,” and “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.” The Krofft brothers’ impact was officially recognized with the Lifetime Career Award at the Saturn Awards in 2003 and the Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2018.
Marty Krofft leaves behind not just a legacy of enchanting stories but also a family who shared in his creative journey. Among them is Kristina Krofft, one of Marty’s daughters, who, along with her siblings, Deanna Krofft-Pope and Kendra Krofft, carries forward the creative spirit and passion that defined Marty Krofft’s remarkable career. The legacy lives on in the hearts of those touched by the magic Marty Krofft brought to the world of entertainment.