Whatever Happened to Billie Hayes (Witchiepoo) After ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’?
Billie Hayes, best known to many for her role as Witchiepoo on the beloved kids’ show H.R. Pufnstuf, passed away from natural causes on April 29, 2021, at the age of 96. She was one of those rare actors who could seemingly transform herself into any character. Because of this, when she wasn’t in makeup and on screen, many people didn’t even recognize her. Billie would disappear, and a new, wonderful character would emerge.
This kind of anonymity can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because you can go about your day without being recognized. It’s a curse because you can go about your day, maybe hit an audition for a role that you really want, and still not be recognized.
Pictured is Billie Hayes. Credit: Mario Casilli / TV Guide / Everett Collection
The first TV program that I remember Billie in was H.R. Pufnstuf. The Krofft brothers, Sid and Marty, got the inspiration for this show from some of the work they did for the 1968 World’s Fair. They took those ideas and developed them into a program that debuted in 1969. Jack Wild played Jimmy, an 11-year-old boy who becomes shipwrecked on a magical, living island. Jimmy is stranded there due to the nefarious designs of Witchiepoo, the character Billie played to perfection. You see, it turns out that Witchiepoo knows that Jimmy has a magic flute, and she wants it for herself.
While only 17 episodes of H.R. Pufnstuf were produced, it feels like there were many more because it was broadcast for such a long time on television. I know Billie was proud of her work on this show, and I would agree. She was awesome.
Still, H.R. Pufnstuf isn’t my favorite Billie Hayes performance. That honor goes to another Krofft show that debuted a few years later, called Lidsville. I contend that this program, which also starred Butch Patrick and Charles Nelson Reilly, is one of the scariest kids’ shows in existence.
H.R. PUFNSTUF, Billie Hayes, H.R. Pufnstuf, Jack Wild, 1969-71
On Lidsville, Billie played Weenie, a not-so-great genie who was a friend to Butch Patrick’s character, Mark. She does what she can to help him, but truth be told, she’s trapped in Lidsville as well. I really liked Billie in this role, and I believe that much of her real personality, her kind and gentle nature, was evident while playing this role.
Over the years, Billie would find a ton of work with the Krofft brothers. Even though H.R. Pufnstuf only ran for one season, Witchiepoo would continue to pop up on various Krofft television shows, including Lidsville.
LI’L ABNER stars Joe E. Marks, Billie Hayes, Stubby Kaye, Leslie Parrish and, Peter Palmer. Credit: Everett Collection
Prior to working with the Krofft brothers, Billie was probably best known for her role as Mammy Yokum in both the Broadway and movie versions of Al Capp’s Li’l Abner. I must confess that I didn’t see Billie in this role until just a couple of years ago, but she’s really great, and I can see why she is remembered for this performance. There are a handful of clips on YouTube if you’d like to see more.
I also have to confess that I didn’t remember that Billie had been in General Hospital until after she had passed away. During the early ’80s, Billie played Secret Agent Robert Scorpio’s mentor, Brighton O’Reilly. As I said earlier, Billie just kind of disappeared into a role.
Mario Casilli/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection
Upon Billie’s passing, Sid and Marty Krofft tweeted their condolences by quoting Margaret Hamilton, who had once told them that Billie was “one of the best witches ever.” I totally agree, but I’d say it’s more than that. Simply put, she was the best Billie Hayes ever. She was a quality human being and a darn fine actor who cared about everyone and everything she ever encountered.
Case in point, for years, Billie was the president of a non-profit organization called PET Hope, which is dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abandoned animals. When Billie signed autographs, she didn’t do so for personal gain. Instead, she would request that whoever was asking for her signature donate to PET Hope. You see, for Billie, there were things in life way more important than money.
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Witches
October 2023
Take a fond look back at our favorite small-screen spellbinders
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