Sid Krofft, TV Puppeteer, Dies at 96

Sid Krofft, the pioneering television producer and puppeteer who co-created iconic children's shows such as "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of the Lost" alongside his brother Marty, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday at the Los Angeles home of his friend and business partner, Kelly Killian. He was 96.

Krofft's death was confirmed by his publicist, Adam Fenton, who described him as an enduring figure in entertainment. "Sid Krofft was an icon who did what he loved most until the very end: being out in public with his legions of fans," Fenton said in a statement. "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."

Killian, who had been close to Krofft for the last six years, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram page. "I loved Sid with my whole heart," she wrote. "The last six years of my life were devoted to him, and his to me. In that time, 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." She recounted his final words to her the previous Thursday:...