The Man Behind Zippy: Ronnie Le Drew, Britain's Best-Loved Puppeteer, Has Died at 78

Ronnie Le Drew was not a household name, but his work was. As the man behind Zippy, the brash orange puppet on the beloved children's programme Rainbow, Le Drew shaped the childhoods of millions of British viewers.

His death, confirmed by the British Puppet Guild, has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow performers.

Who Was Ronnie Le Drew?

Le Drew was a Canadian-born British puppeteer who built one of the most quietly remarkable careers in British entertainment.

He trained at London's Little Angel Theatre, co-founded the London School of Puppetry with his partner Caroline Astell-Burt, and served as president of the British Puppet Guild for ten years.

What Made Zippy Such an Iconic Character?

Rainbow launched in 1972 on Thames Television and ran until 1992, conceived reportedly as a British equivalent of Sesame Street. Zippy, the mouthy know-it-all orange puppet, became its breakout character.

Zippy and co-puppet George were initially voiced by Roy Skelton, who also voiced Doctor Who's Daleks between 1967 and 1988. Le Drew operated the puppet for approximately 20 years.

How Long Did He Work on Rainbow?

Le Drew reportedly described his role as a six-week contract that lasted 20 years, as per The Guardian. During the Tetra Films revival from 1994 to 1997, he also took over as Zippy's voice, adding another dimension to his already defining contribution.

Did He Work Beyond Children's Television?

His career extended well beyond Rainbow. Le Drew worked on the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth alongside David Bowie, Little Shop of Horrors the same year, and The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992. He also worked on various Sooty productions, typically performing as Sweep.

What Did His Colleagues Say?

According to the British Puppet Guild, Le Drew was possibly the most active and supportive president the organisation had ever had, regularly attending events and always willing to perform and entertain.

Was He Still Working Before His Death?

Le Drew had recently appeared on the YouTube channel My 70s TV Childhood, discussing his career, suggesting he remained connected to his craft until close to the end.

Ronnie Le Drew's legacy was built not on fame but on craft. For generations of British children, Zippy was never just a puppet. That was entirely his doing.

(With inputs from yMedia)