Who remembers the children's show HR Puffnstuff?

Question

What ever happened to the kid that played in it, Jack Wild?

Answer 1

Sid and Marty Krofft were brilliant!!!
Electrowoman and Dynagirl
Sigmund the Sea Monster
The Bugaloos

Born September 30, 1952, in Royton, near Oldham, England, Jack Wild was discovered by talent agent June Collins, mother of rock star Phil Collins. His breakthrough came when he landed the role of Oliver in the London stage production of "Oliver!". When it came to casting the film, the role of The Artful Dodger went to Jack, a role that resulted in his getting an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Fresh from this success, Jack was offered the lead role in the American television series "H.R. Pufnstuf" (1969). This Sid Krofft and Marty Krofft production featured Wild with puppets and actors in elaborate costumes as a marooned boy in an enchanted land. Other characters included Mayor Pufnstuf, a friendly dragon, and the evil Witchipoo (more than a nod to the Wicked Witches from The Wizard of Oz (1939)), who schemes to steal his magic talking flute for herself. The success of this program led to Wild reprising the role for the film version, Pufnstuf (1970). Other roles followed, including Melody (1971) and Flight of the Doves (1971). Around the same time Jack released three albums ("The Jack Wild Album", "Everything's Coming up Roses", featuring along with cover numbers a couple of new songs written by up-and-coming songwriter Lynsey De Paul, and "Beautiful World"). By 1972, however, he was already being demoted to the role of supporting actor for The Pied Piper (1972). He also appeared in "Our Mutual Friend" (1976) (mini). More recently, he returned to films in two small roles: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and Basil (1998). He underwent surgery for oral cancer in July 2004, and had some vocal chords and part of his tongue removed. Unfortunately, the cancer proved untreatable and he died on 1 March 2006

Answer 2

Jack Wild who played an accadamy award nomination role as the Artfull Dodger in the 1968 classic Oliver Twist and Jimmy on H.R. PuffnStuff in the early 70's passed away from throat cancer in june 2004

Answer 3

Jack Wild Hr Pufnstuf

Answer 4

I loved that show !
The show revolved around the adventures of Jimmy, a young boy trapped on the magical Living Island, where virtually every object, animal and plant can talk and move. In each of the 17 zany episodes, the evil Witchiepoo tries to steal Jimmy's talking golden flute, named Freddy, while Jimmy tries to escape the island and return home. Jimmy is protected and guided by the island's Mayor – a friendly dragon named H.R. Pufnstuf – and his many friends.
Aside from the extremely colorful and trippy imagery, there were many aspects to the popular show which, to the initiated, revealed its essentially stoney nature.

The main clue is the title character, H.R. Pufnstuf, whose last name sounds a lot like "Puffing stuff." The title "H.R." is never explained on the show, and many interpreted it as code for "Hand Rolled," with Pufnstuf's title of Mayor also being short for "marijuana." Pufnstuf is green with red hair, just like cannabis buds.

The theme song of the show gave another strong hint at stoner subtext, with the following chorus being repeated a few times, both at the beginning and end of the show. The last line seems out of context unless seen as a pot reference:

H.R. Pufnstuf, who's your friend when things get rough?
H.R. Pufnstuf, can't do a little, 'cause you can't do enough!

Although the marijuana and drug references are sometimes subtle, they are laced throughout the entire series. Some highlights include Witchiepoo offering a minion a "roach beef sandwich," Freddy the Flute getting turned into a magic mushroom, Pufnstuf telling Cling and Clang to "stop sniffing" the magic smoke, and Jimmy dosing Witchiepoo with a Love Potion.

Answer 5

Yeah, I do remember it. HR Puffnstuff, he's your pal when things get rough (something like that) Jack Wild I think was in it, but not sure.

Answer 6

I LOVED that show *but I confess I liked Sigmund the Sea Monster better* :)

Jack Wild went on to do a few films *most notably the Artful Dodger in Oliver! and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves** Sadly, he passed away last year from cancer :(

Answer 7

Jack Wild, the Artful Dodger in Oliver!, passed away recently from cancer. The show was wacked! Loved Witcheypoo.

Answer 8

Hr Puff N Stuff Cast

Answer 9

It is a very vague memory. I remember loving Witchy Poo. One of the best campy shows of all time. And I wanted that damn magic flute too.

Hate to say this, but Jack Wild passed away not too long ago. Maybe a year ago.

Answer 10

I remember the show and watching Jack Wild. I didn't know what happened to him until I read the post here. Thanks.