A true TV pioneer is gone \u2014 and for generations of fans, a piece of childhood magic goes with him.<\/p>\n
Sid Krofft, the creative force behind some of the most unforgettable children\u2019s television of the 1960s and \u201970s, has died at the age of 96.<\/p>\n
The legendary producer, who teamed up with his brother Marty Krofft, helped shape an entire era of Saturday morning TV with wildly imaginative shows like H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.<\/p>\n
His passing was announced by close friend and business partner Kelly Killian, who shared an emotional tribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last six years of my life were devoted to him, and his to me,\u201d Killian wrote. \u201cIn that time, he taught me more than I could ever put into words \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to reports, Krofft died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.<\/p>\n
The man who made Saturday mornings magical
\nTogether, the Krofft brothers created a colorful, surreal world that stood apart from anything else on television. Their breakout hit, H.R. Pufnstuf, aired for just 17 episodes in 1969, but its impact lasted decades through reruns and syndication.<\/p>\n
With its psychedelic sets, quirky puppets, and unforgettable characters like the dragon mayor and the scheming witch Witchiepoo, the show became a cult favorite \u2014 even catching the attention of The Beatles, who reportedly requested tapes of the series.<\/p>\n
Cling (Joy Campbell), Jimmy (Jack Wild) and Mayor H.R. Pufnstuf (Roberto Gamonet) watch forlornly as the witch-in-residence of their island flies away with Jimmy\u2019s magical talking flute.
\n\u201cWe screwed with every kid\u2019s mind,\u201d Marty Krofft once said. \u201cThere\u2019s a Krofft look \u2014 the colors. There\u2019s an edge. Disney doesn\u2019t have an edge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their creative universe didn\u2019t stop there. From Sigmund and the Sea Monsters to Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, the brothers, from Montreal, Quebec, built a legacy of bold, imaginative storytelling that defined an era.<\/p>\n
Tributes pour in: \u201cHe changed my life\u201d
\nFollowing the news, tributes quickly flooded in from those who knew him \u2014 including former child star Butch Patrick.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery sad today,\u201d he wrote. \u201cMy dear buddy Sid Krofft passed away peacefully at his home this morning. What a great life he had.\u201c<\/p>\n
Patrick shared how one simple lunch with Krofft changed the course of his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cA very long time ago, Sid convinced me over lunch to spend my summer of 71 at Paramount Studios,\u201d he recalled. \u201cOn stage 8, I would spend 11 weeks filming a little Saturday morning show called Lidsville. Never in my wildest dreams did I think of the impact that sandwich with Sid would have.<\/p>\n
Facebook \/ Butch Patrick
\nHe added:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was such a kind soul. He was so convincing, I even cut my hair to play the part of Mark. BIG deal back then when we all had hair like Led Zeppelin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSid was loved by all,\u201d Patrick continued. \u201cThanks again, my friend, for a lunch that changed my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another former child star, Johnny Whitaker, also paid tribute:<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the privilege of getting to work closely with this genius and show business legend and his brother,\u201d he wrote. \u201cThey were very different, but each had their style bringing to life countless characters and stories.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cSid was the creative genius and Marty was the business mind\u2026 Sid, you will be missed, my mentor & forever friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
A legacy that will never fade
\nIn 2018, the Krofft brothers were honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020, recognition of a career that changed television forever.<\/p>\n
Co-Creator Sid Krofft attends the DVD release party for the Saturday Morning Television Series \u201cH.R. Pufnstuf\u201d on February 12, 2004 at The Museum of Television and Radio, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman\/Getty Images)
\nBut for millions of fans, Sid Krofft\u2019s true legacy isn\u2019t measured in awards \u2014 it\u2019s in the strange, colorful, unforgettable worlds he created.<\/p>\n
Worlds that made kids laugh, wonder\u2026 and believe in a little bit of magic.<\/p>\n
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