When I first wrote this posting that was originally titled “The World of Marty Krofft,” I stated that I was hoping that one day I might be able to change the title of this posting to “The World of Sid & Marty Krofft.” This was the name of a short-lived amusement park that the famous sibling producers helped design in Atlanta. In fact, both brothers were slated to appear at the July 18, 2009, Hollywood Show in Burbank – but unfortunately Sid had to cancel out. Marty made his appearance, with the money he was charging for signed photos going to charity. As you’ll note in the update below, however, I eventually did have reason to change the title.
Sid & Marty Krofft are familiar names to children of the 70s like me. Although I was just a tad bit too young to fully appreciate the surreal genius behind such Saturday morning programming as H.R. Pufnstuf, Lidsville, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, and The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, I was completely in tune to Land of the Lost and it was certainly one of my favorite childhood shows. And incidentally, it is worth noting that the Kroffts produced The Brady Bunch Variety Hour as well.
After meeting Marty Krofft at the 2009 show, I worked my way through the remaining few celebrities, concluding with Billie Hayes, who had portrayed Witchiepoo in H.R. Pufnstuf. While at her table, I was able to witness a very fortuitous reunion as Krofft and Jerry Maren (who was a regular in another Krofft series, Lidsville) both meandered over to her. A photographer snapped a photo of them together and I quickly shoved my camera into his hand so that I could get in on the amazing Krofft action.
UPDATE: I wasn’t sure if it would ever happen, but I finally did get the chance to meet Marty Krofft’s brother Sid. They were both scheduled to be at the Hollywood Show on October 8, 2011. Many fans has gotten items signed by Marty previously, so lots of them were just waiting on Sid.
And we waited… and waited. Again, Marty stood there alone for quite some time.
Eventually, Sid showed up and the line backed up. Not only had many seen the solo Marty at the 2009 show, but he has been signing solo autographs all morning. Eventually, I made my way through the line and had Sid add his autograph to my photo. Both equally friendly, they allowed me to get a photo as it should have been from day one: The World of Sid & Marty Krofft & Brad.
Celebs of the 2009 Hollywood Show will continue…
Celebrity encounters of the Fall 2011 Hollywood Show will continue…
I loved HR Pufnstuf. He’s your friend when things get ruff.
Bev
March 12th, 2010
LOVED HR Pufnstuf when I was a kid. Now my four-year-old daughter watches Mutt n Stuf and I didn’t even realize that it was created by Sid n Marty Krofft. I haven’t paid much attention to it, really, but she loves it and so does my 10-year-old son. Calvin Millan is a bit annoying for me to watch, but the show is cute.
T. Meacham
December 29th, 2015