Renowned television producer and puppeteer Marty Krofft has passed away at the age of 86 due to kidney failure, according to his publicist Harlan Boll. Known as the "King of Saturday Mornings," Krofft, along with his brother Sid Krofft, created a vast array of beloved children's television shows that captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. Their imaginative and fantastical programs included popular titles such as "H.R. Pufnstuf," "Land of the Lost," and "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters." In addition to their children's shows, the Krofft brothers ventured into prime time with successful variety shows like "The Donny and Marie Show" and "The Brady Bunch Hour."

Marty Krofft was born on April 9, 1937, in Montreal, Canada, and was the youngest of four brothers. His brother Sid, who learned puppetry from their father, began touring professionally when Marty was just a toddler. The brothers officially became partners in 1959 and created their first major production, "Les Poupe??es de Paris," in 1960.

Their puppet show caught the attention of Angus Wynne, owner of the Six Flags amusement park chain, who commissioned the Kroffts to create a puppet show for his parks. This opportunity led the brothers to design puppets, costumes, and props for renowned clients such as the Jackson 5, the Ringling Brothers Circus, and the Ice Capades. They even briefly opened their own theme park, "The World of Sid and Marty Krofft," at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta.

However, it was their foray into television that truly solidified their influence and legacy. In 1969, the Krofft brothers debuted their first television show, "H.R. Pufnstuf," on NBC. The show followed a young boy who is transported to a magical island by a witch who desires his talking flute. On the island, the boy encounters H.R. Pufnstuf, the dragon mayor of a town filled with talking objects and animals. Together, they navigate the whimsical island while trying to evade the witch and her bumbling minions. Although only 17 episodes were filmed, the show became a beloved classic and inspired a made-for-TV movie, an ice show, and a plethora of merchandise.

Krofft's ability to combine his brother's creative vision with his business acumen was crucial to the success of their shows. Marty once stated, "Sid was always 'the artist.' He never did have a business sense. So I came in and filled that vacuum." His skill in wooing studio executives and securing funding ensured that the Krofft brothers' imaginative and often expensive programs made it to the small screen.

The Krofft brothers continued to produce a string of successful children's shows, such as "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters," about a friendly sea creature who befriends humans, and "The Bugaloos," which followed a rock group composed of teenage insects. These shows often featured psychedelic sets and a trippy atmosphere, leading some older viewers to perceive drug references, although the Kroffts vehemently denied any intentional connections.

In 1974, the Kroffts created "Land of the Lost," a more serious and science fiction-oriented program. The show premiered on NBC and revolved around a family who finds themselves stranded in a dimension inhabited by dinosaurs, primitive humans known as Pakuni, and menacing lizard-men called Sleestaks. Writers such as Ben Bova, Larry Niven, and Norman Spinrad contributed to the series, and a linguist developed a unique language for the Pakuni characters. "Land of the Lost" ran until 1977, with the Kroffts producing new episodes alongside their other projects, including shows like "Far Out Space Nuts" and "The Lost Saucer."

The Kroffts also ventured into prime time programming with the variety show "Donny & Marie." Starring siblings Donny and Marie Osmond, the show premiered on ABC in 1976 and featured guest appearances by popular celebrities of the time. Despite its initial success, the Kroffts' subsequent prime time offerings, such as "The Brady Bunch Hour," had shorter runs and faced mixed reviews.

Throughout their career, the Krofft brothers received numerous accolades for their contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2018, they were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, and in 2020, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Marty Krofft's wife, Christa Speck, a former Playboy playmate, passed away in 2013. He is survived by his brothers Sid and Harry, his daughters Deanna Krofft-Pope, Kristina Krofft, and Kendra Krofft, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Even in his later years, Krofft remained actively involved in the family business, guiding his daughters as they continued the Krofft legacy.