TV pioneer behind beloved classic children’s shows has died

A true TV pioneer is gone — and for generations of fans, a piece of childhood magic goes with him.

Sid Krofft, the creative force behind some of the most unforgettable children’s television of the 1960s and ’70s, has died at the age of 96.

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.

His passing was announced by close friend and business partner Kelly Killian, who shared an emotional tribute.

“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.”

According to reports, Krofft died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.

The man who made Saturday mornings magical

Together, 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.

With its psychedelic sets, quirky puppets, and unforgettable characters like the dragon mayor and the scheming witch Witchiepoo, the show became a cult favorite — even catching the attention of The Beatles, who reportedly requested tapes of the series.

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’s magical talking flute.

“We screwed with every kid’s mind,” Marty Krofft once said. “There’s a Krofft look — the colors. There’s an edge. Disney doesn’t have an edge.”

Their creative universe didn’t 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.

Tributes pour in: “He changed my life”

Following the news, tributes quickly flooded in from those who knew him — including former child star Butch Patrick.

“Very sad today,” he wrote. “My dear buddy Sid Krofft passed away peacefully at his home this morning. What a great life he had.“

Patrick shared how one simple lunch with Krofft changed the course of his life.

“A very long time ago, Sid convinced me over lunch to spend my summer of 71 at Paramount Studios,” he recalled. “On 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.

He added:

“He 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.”

“Sid was loved by all,” Patrick continued. “Thanks again, my friend, for a lunch that changed my life.”

Another former child star, Johnny Whitaker, also paid tribute:

“I had the privilege of getting to work closely with this genius and show business legend and his brother,” he wrote. “They were very different, but each had their style bringing to life countless characters and stories.”

He added: “Sid was the creative genius and Marty was the business mind… Sid, you will be missed, my mentor & forever friend.”

A legacy that will never fade

In 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.