Marty Krofft

The co-creator of a slew of 1970s children's programming regarded as both beloved childhood memories and the height of psychedelic camp, Marty Krofft and his brother Sid co-produced such eye-popping, live-action shows as "H.R. Pufnstuf" (NBC, 1969-1971), "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters" (NBC, 1973-75) and "Land of the Lost" (NBC, 1974-77). After serving as assistant to older brother Sid's puppetry show in the 1960s, Marty teamed with his brother to design costumes for "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour" (NBC, 1968-1970). Soon the Kroffts were creating their own series, which blended oversized creature costumes with young actors, canned laughter and bright colors. By the mid-1970s, the Kroffts' success with children led to primetime, where they brought their fanciful sensibilities to "Donny and Marie" (ABC, 1976-79). In subsequent decades, the Kroffts would repackage their library for new audiences, while holding onto their core audience of nostalgic Gen Xers who still fondly remembered their candy-colored fantasy worlds as a weekly trip to a happier, if occasionally stranger, place. Marty Krofft, 86, was born on April 9, 1937 in Montreal, QC, Canada.