Puppeteer and Producer Sid Krofft Dies at Age 96

Sid Krofft, a puppeteer, producer, and self-described artist and dreamer, died on Friday at the age of 96. He worked with his brother to create a series of Saturday morning television programs through the 1970s. These programs featured puppet-filled worlds that continue to influence television production today.

R. Pufnstuf," set on a magical island with a dragon as mayor; "Lidsville," involving anthropomorphic hats; "The Bugaloos," a British pop band resembling insects; "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters," where human children befriend a sea creature; and "Land of the Lost," about a family trapped in a reality with dinosaurs and monsters. Krofft began performing professionally at age 10.

In the late 1950s, he opened shows for Judy Garland and later incorporated his brother into the act after an assistant left.

Early Career and Productions Together, they produced “Les Poupées de Paris,” an adults-only puppet revue similar to the Folies Bergère, which appeared in nightclubs and at world's fairs.

They also opened a props and puppets shop called the Show Business Factory. R. Pufnstuf," which debuted in September 1969. The title character originated from a show they created for San Antonio’s HemisFair ‘68.

The series combined puppets, costume puppets, and human characters in a half-hour comedy format with a Day-Glo aesthetic. R.

Later Works and Legacy The Krofft productions extended to live-action prime-time variety shows, such as those starting on ice or featuring water ballet.

, was set in a canine preschool and included a human host, real dogs, and puppets. This series produced the most episodes among their works. " Puppetry remains active in modern contexts, including performances by the Bob Baker Marionettes at events like Coachella after relocating to Highland Park.

Puppets provide a space between everyday reality and fantasy within the same physical environment. Krofft's contributions helped establish foundations for imaginative children's television. His work with puppets and costumes shaped genres blending live action and animation.

The ongoing use of puppetry in media reflects the enduring appeal of these techniques.