Sid Croft, the Canadian-born entertainment magician who teamed up with his brother and fellow puppeteer Marty Croft to create cult favorites like the 1960s children’s TV show “HR Pufnstuf,” has died at the age of 96.
Croft’s death, which came three years after that of Marty Croft, was announced on Instagram by his friend and business partner Kelly Killian. No additional details were immediately available.
Marty Kroft, creator of popular children’s television shows including “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Land of the Lost,” “Lidsville” and “The Bugaloos,” has died. He was 86 years old.
“I have dedicated the last six years of my life to him, and he to me,” Killian wrote. “In that time, he has taught me more than I can put into words — about the art of Hollywood, the magic of the stage, and the depth and complexity of human nature. I very much wish I could spend more time with him.”
Famous cultural figures of the Croft family from Winnie the Misfit Pixie to siblings Donnie and Marie Osmond.
FILE – Puppeteers Sid Croft, left, and Marty Croft stand next to H.R. Pufnstoff, one of their many creations, at an auction in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Aug. 23, 1998.
AP Photo/John Hayes, file
TV fans of a certain age will long remember “HR Pufnstuf,” the live-action puppet series with its cheerful theme song, the dragon who gave the show its name — and served as Mayor of Living Island — and unforgettable supporting characters like the cursed witch Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo, and the patented Vroom Broom broom. “HR Pufnstuf” only aired for 17 episodes in 1969, but ran for decades in reruns and syndication. It ranked 27th in TV Guide’s 2007 poll of all-time favorite cult favorites.
Other Croft productions include “Land of the Lost,” “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl” and “Pryor’s Place,” featuring comedian Richard Pryor. Their children’s shows were sometimes so popular that critics suspected the Crofts were under the influence of drugs – claims the brothers rejected – but they also oversaw benefit programs like “Donnie.” & Marie,” The Osmonds’ 1970s Variety Show.
The Kroffts received a Daytime Emmy Award for lifetime achievement in 2018, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame two years later.
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