She also voiced Mrs. Neederlander on “Transformers: Rescue Bots”
Alex Noble | May 3, 2021 @ 4:29 PM
CBS Television
Billie Hayes, an actress who starred as the wacky villain Witchiepoo on the beloved 1969-70 children’s series “H.R. Pufnstuf,” died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. She was 96.
Hayes’ family announced her death on Monday.
By the time she was squaring off with a psychedelic dragon over a talking flute on “H.R. Pufnstuf,” Hayes was already an established comic actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1956 in the ensemble cast of the aptly titled “New Faces of 1956,” which also featured a young Maggie Smith. That same year, Hayes originated the role of Mammy Yokum in the musical “Li’l Abner” and went on to star in the show’s 1961 film version.
Billie Hayes, Witchiepoo Actress From Classic Show H.R. Pufnstuf, Dead at 96
✖
Billie Hayes, an actress best known to a certain generation for playing the evil wicked witch Witchiepoo on the Sid and Marty Krofft created series
H.R. Pufnstuf, has passed away.
Deadline brings word of Hayes passing, revealing she died of natural causes Thursday April 29 at Cedar’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Hayes was 96 at the time of her death. She is survived by her niece Nancy Powers, and nephews Tom Brosch, Louie Brosch and Guy Brosch. Born in Du Quoin, Illinois on August 5, 1925, Hayes began her career in showbusiness early, transitioning from a career in music to acting over the years which would lead to her most famous role.