Hollywood legend Sid Krofft, who along with his brother Marty created and co-produced numerous beloved classic children's TV series in the 1970s including as H.R. Pufnstuf, starring Oliver's Jack Wild, and fantasy series Land of the Lost, died at the age of 96 on Friday, April 10 of natural causes. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Adam Fenton, who revealed he had died peacefully in his sleep at the home of his friend and business partner Kelly Killian.

In a statement Adam said: "Sid Krofft was an icon who did what he loved most until the very end – being out in public with his legions of fans. Sid never slowed down, attending his final show where it all began just last November in his home state of Rhode Island. Sid was a beacon of light and will be greatly missed." Kelly also paid tribute saying: "I loved Sid with my whole heart. He taught me more than I could ever put into words—about the art of Hollywood, the magic of the stage, and the depth and complexity of human nature.

"I didn’t know Sid for his shows—I only knew the man who created them. And that man was extraordinary. I wish so very much that I had more time with him. I will miss his big blue eyes, his cheerful smile with his dimples, and the warmth that seemed to follow him everywhere he went."

He was predeceased by his sibling who died on November 25, 2023 at the age of 86. His career began as a child when he purchased his first puppet and became a street performer in Providence, Rhode Island at the age of just 10. By 16 he and his puppets were performing in vaudeville, burlesque and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.

In 1959 he enjoyed a stint supporting Judy Garland at the Fontainebleau resort. His younger brother Marty was working as a car salesman when he asked him to join him on tour as his assistant. He officially joined the act and the pair would become entertainment icons.

Between them they created and produced TV hits that combined outlandish and brilliantly colored costumes and puppetry. Shows such as The Bugaloos, Lidsville, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, The Lost Saucer, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl and Wonderbug were hugely popular with children.

Tributes flooded in for the star from his celebrity friends and collaborators. Magician David Copperfield, 69, took to social media to share a series of pictures with the star and wrote: "The world just lost Sid Krofft. He was a great collaborator, and even a better friend...Creating dreams - till the end. He gave us 96 years of wonder. Love you Sid. Will miss you my friend...Thank you for everything.

Family Affair actress Kathy Garver, 80, penned: "A family affair in heaven. So sad to report that Sid Krofft passed away today
he was part of the brilliant duo sid and Marty Croft, who brought entertainment in the 60s and 70s from Lidsville to the remake of Family Affair. The remake did not last very long, but it was great getting to know Sid and Marty better. We had such a great relationship and they were such kind, fun and generous friends. Rest in peace, dear Sid with your brother Marty together in heaven.

The Musters star Butch Patrick, 72, who played Eddie Munster in the legendary show shared an image with Sid taken at a convention and commented: "Very sad today. My dear buddy Sid Krofft passed away peacefully at his home this morning. What a great life he had. A very long time ago Sid convinced me over lunch to spend my summer of 71 at Paramount Studios. On stage 8 I would spend 11 weeks filming a little Saturday morning show called Lidsville...[Sid] was such a kind soul [and] was loved by all. Thanks again my friend for a lunch that changed my life. Godspeed Sid."