The puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew, best known for operating Zippy on the classic children's show Rainbow and creating goblins for David Bowie's Labyrinth, has died at age 78 after a short illness. The British Puppet Guild confirmed his passing, expressing profound loss for the puppetry community. Le Drew's career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on children's television and film.
Early Life and Training
Born in Canada but raised in the UK, Ronnie Le Drew developed a passion for puppetry early on. He trained at London's acclaimed Little Angel Theatre, where he later taught and inspired new generations of puppeteers. Alongside his partner Caroline Astell-Burt, he co-founded the London School of Puppetry, cementing his role as a mentor and pioneer in the craft.
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Iconic Roles: Zippy and Beyond
Le Drew is most famously recognized as the performer behind Zippy, the brash orange puppet on Rainbow (1972–1992). The show also featured the shy pink hippo George, voiced by Roy Skelton. Le Drew's energetic portrayal made Zippy a beloved household name across the UK.
In film, he worked on David Bowie's Labyrinth (1986), operating the goblin puppets, and also performed in Little Shop of Horrors (1986) and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). Additionally, he was a regular performer as Sweep in the Sooty series alongside Harry and Matthew Corbett.
Career Highlights and Contributions
| Production | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow | Zippy (puppeteer) | 1972–1992 |
| Labyrinth | Goblin puppeteer | 1986 |
| Little Shop of Horrors | Puppeteer | 1986 |
| The Muppet Christmas Carol | Puppeteer | 1992 |
| Sooty | Sweep (performer) | Various |
Le Drew also served as president of the British Puppet Guild for ten years, described by the guild as "the most active and supportive president we have ever had." He attended nearly every event, often performing and sharing stories.
Key Takeaways from Ronnie Le Drew's Legacy
- Performed one of the most iconic children's TV puppets – Zippy from Rainbow.
- Brought goblins to life in David Bowie's cult classic Labyrinth.
- Co-founded the London School of Puppetry to train future artists.
- Honored as president of the British Puppet Guild for a decade.
- Influenced multiple generations through TV, film, and live theater.
Personal Tributes
His son, John, posted a heartfelt message: "We're devastated to announce that dad passed away this morning, after a brief illness. We're all grieving and sorry for our loss of such a sweet beautiful man." The puppeteer's warmth and dedication were echoed by colleagues worldwide.
FAQ
Who was Ronnie Le Drew?
Ronnie Le Drew was a British-Canadian puppeteer best known for operating Zippy on Rainbow and working on Labyrinth with David Bowie. He co-founded the London School of Puppetry and served as president of the British Puppet Guild.
What was Ronnie Le Drew's most famous role?
His most famous role was operating Zippy on the children's television series Rainbow, which aired from 1972 to 1992.
What movies did Ronnie Le Drew work on?
He worked on Labyrinth (1986), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), among others.
The puppetry world has lost a true icon. Ronnie Le Drew's contributions will continue to inspire both audiences and performers for generations to come.
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