Renowned puppeteer Sid Krofft, known for creating quirky characters in the 1960s and ’70s, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 10 at the home of his friend and business partner Kelly Killian, as announced on Instagram. He was 96 years old. Krofft, along with his younger brother Marty, was the creative force behind various TV series, including their debut show, “H.R. Pufnstuf,” which gained a cult following.
Describing the show as their “first baby,” Krofft led the whimsical journey of a young boy, a talking flute, and a six-foot-tall dragon. His publicist, Adam Fenton, highlighted Krofft’s dedication to engaging with his fans until the end.
In a conversation with “As It Happens” host Nil Köksal, puppeteer Ronnie Burkett reflected on Krofft’s enduring passion for creativity and continuous pursuit of new ideas well into his late 90s. Burkett also touched on the subversive nature of the Krofft brothers’ work, noting its unique blend of camp and adult humor in children’s entertainment.
Christian Jacobs, a TV producer and musician, shared his admiration for Sid and Marty Krofft’s childlike enthusiasm for entertaining and bringing joy to audiences. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a playful spirit in children’s entertainment, a sentiment echoed by Sid’s presence at a show in Los Angeles where he praised Jacobs as the “king of marionettes.”
Reflecting on the memory, Jacobs expressed gratitude for the mentorship and inspiration provided by figures like Sid Krofft, emphasizing that the influence of such individuals keeps one’s spirit youthful regardless of age.