Renowned puppeteer Sid Krofft, known for creating quirky and colorful characters on 1960s and ’70s television, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 10 at the residence of his friend and business partner Kelly Killian, as announced on Instagram. Krofft, who was 96 years old, along with his younger brother Marty, co-created several TV series, including their debut show, “H.R. Pufnstuf,” which later gained a cult following.
Describing the series as their “first baby,” Krofft and Marty brought to life the whimsical adventures of a young boy, a talking flute, and a six-foot-tall dragon. Publicist Adam Fenton shared that Krofft remained dedicated to interacting with his fans until the end.
Puppeteer Ronnie Burkett, known for his role as Ralph on the TVOntario series “Harriet’s Magic Hats,” reminisced about Krofft’s enduring childlike enthusiasm and emphasized the importance of focus in a long-lasting career.
Reflecting on the term “subversive” used to describe Sid and Marty Krofft’s work, Burkett highlighted the campy and adult-themed elements present in their shows, which stood out from traditional children’s programming focused on educational content. The Krofft brothers aimed to entertain with their eccentric characters and imaginative worlds.
Christian Jacobs, a TV producer and musician, praised Sid and Marty Krofft for their childlike wonder and dedication to bringing joy through entertainment. He emphasized the need for such enthusiasm in children’s entertainment and shared a heartwarming memory of Sid acknowledging his talent in puppetry.
The meeting between Burkett and Krofft at a show in Los Angeles underscored the impact of having older mentors and the enduring spirit of staying young at heart through a shared love for creativity and entertainment.