Beloved TV producer Marty Krofft, known for his imaginative children's shows and primetime hits in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 86 in Los Angeles. His publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Krofft died on Saturday due to kidney failure. Alongside his brother Sid, the Krofft brothers were famous puppeteers who made a significant impact on television and even received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Throughout their career, the Krofft brothers brought a unique and surreal sensibility to children's TV, captivating audiences with their creativity. Their shows featured vibrant and fantastical worlds, including the iconic "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "The Bugaloos." Although "H.R. Pufnstuf" aired for just 17 episodes, it has earned a lasting cult status and ranked 27th in a 2007 TV Guide poll of all-time favorites. The show featured a captivating storyline with elements such as an enchanted island, a talking flute, a shipwrecked boy, and a dragon wearing cowboy boots.

In addition to their children's shows, the Kroffts ventured into primetime television, showcasing their versatility and talent. They brought famous singing siblings Donny and Marie Osmond to the small screen with their clean-cut variety show. The Osmonds' show became a significant cultural phenomenon of the '70s and was later rebooted as a daytime talk show in the '90s and a Broadway Christmas show in 2010. The Kroffts also produced "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters," a series centered around the country music star, which ran from 1980 to 1982.

Marty Krofft's significant contributions to the entertainment industry continued well into his later years. In 2015, more than 45 years after the debut of "H.R. Pufnstuf," the title character made a guest appearance on the Krofft brothers' successful show "Mutt & Stuff." Krofft expressed his pride in their continued success and dismissed rumors of drug use during the creation of "H.R. Pufnstuf." He emphasized their commitment to professionalism and stated, "You cannot work stoned."

Born in Montreal on April 9, 1937, Marty Krofft's journey into entertainment began with puppetry. Together with his brother Sid, they created a risque puppet show called "Les Poupe??es de Paris" in 1960, which achieved success during its traveling performances. This led to various opportunities creating puppet shows for amusement parks. Eventually, the Kroffts established their own amusement park, the World of Sid & Marty Krofft, in Atlanta during the 1970s.

The Kroffts' television ventures expanded beyond children's programming. They produced shows like "Land of the Lost," "Electra Woman and Dyna Girl," "Pryor's Place" with Richard Pryor, and "D.C. Follies," a satirical take on politics and news using puppets. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, the Krofft brothers received a Daytime Emmy for lifetime achievement in 2018 and were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.

Sid Krofft took to Instagram to express his heartbreak over his younger brother's passing, emphasizing the impact that Marty had on their fans' lives. Despite their numerous accomplishments, Marty Krofft remained passionate about show business until the end, stating in a 2015 interview, "What am I gonna do - retire and watch daytime television and be dead in a month?" His dedication to his craft and his memorable contributions to children's television will forever be remembered and cherished.