Marty Krofft, iconic TV producer, dead at 86
Sid and Marty Krofft produced children's television programming including, 'Land of the Lost' and 'H.R. Pufnstuf'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Marty Krofft, known for producing "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of The Lost," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
Krofft died of kidney failure, his representative confirmed to Fox News Digital. Often referred to as "the King of Saturday Mornings," Marty was "surrounded by family and friends" when he passed away.
Marty and brother Sid Krofft dominated Saturday morning programming for multiple generations of fans.
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Marty Krofft, iconic television producer, died on Saturday, Nov. 25. He was 86. (David Livingston)
"Land of the Lost," a Saturday-morning favorite, followed the adventures of the Marshall family who were trapped in a land of dinosaurs, lizard men called Sleestak and enigmatic pylons offering the slender hope of a way back home.
The series, which starred Kathy Coleman, Wesley Eure, Spencer Milligan and Phillip Paley, among others, aired from 1974-76.
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For more than 50 years, Sid & Marty Pictures produced family programming, including "Pryor's Place" starring Richard Pryor, "The Bugaloos," "Lidsville," "Electra Woman & Dyna Girl," and more.
Brothers Marty (left) and Sid Krofft produced "Land of the Lost." (Alberto E. Rodriguez)
"Krofft also created a long list of primetime hits that included, the satirical and funny "D.C. Follies" series, the "Donny & Marie Show" (which rocketed to No. 1 on Friday-nights on ABC), "The Brady Bunch Hour," and "Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters," all of which were audience favorites and remained in the top 10," his rep said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Marty previously served as the creative director for Six Flags and produced live shows in theme parks across America prior to television. The Krofft brothers also had years of experience with puppetry, and traveled the country with an adult-themed puppet show called "Les Popees De Paris."
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"Having been instrumental in the success of the ‘Banana Splits’ for Hanna Barbara in 1969, Marty was approached by NBC to create his own Krofft Saturday Morning Children’s Series," his rep said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"H.R. Pufnstuf" was based on one of Krofft's own puppets. (Donato Sardella)
"They picked HR Pufnstuf, by far the fans’ favorite character from their live shows. Its success spawned a feature film, produced with Universal Pictures as a partner and distributor."
Marty is survived by is brothers, Harry Krofft and Sid Krofft; daughters Deanna Krofft-Pope (husband, Randy Pope), Kristina Krofft and Kendra Krofft (husband, Lou Moreno).
In addition, he has five grandchildren: (Taylor Pope, Karson Pope, Griffin Pope, Georgia Zander, Drake Zander) and one great-grandchild, Maddox Nichols.
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