Puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew, best known for operating Zippy on the classic children's television programme Rainbow, has died at age 78 after a short illness. His legacy spans decades of beloved puppet work, from David Bowie's Labyrinth to The Muppet Christmas Carol. We remember the man behind the magic.
The Life and Career of Ronnie Le Drew
Canadian-born British puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew trained at London's Little Angel Theatre, where he later taught and served as a mentor. He co-founded the London School of Puppetry with his partner Caroline Astell-Burt. Le Drew served as president of the British Puppet Guild for ten years, attending nearly every event and often performing on the spot.
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Iconic Roles
Le Drew brought to life the boisterous orange Zippy on Rainbow from 1972 through the 1990s. He also worked on 1986's Labyrinth alongside David Bowie, operating goblins, and on Little Shop of Horrors (1986). His Muppet movie credits include The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and various Sooty iterations as Sweep.
| Production | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow | 1972–1992 | Zippy (operator) | Classic children's TV show |
| Labyrinth | 1986 | Goblin puppeteer | Starred David Bowie |
| Little Shop of Horrors | 1986 | Puppeteer | Musical comedy |
| The Muppet Christmas Carol | 1992 | Various | Muppet franchise |
| Sooty | Multiple eras | Sweep (operator) | Sidekick to Sooty |
Key Takeaways
- Ronnie Le Drew passed away at 78 after a brief illness, confirmed by the British Puppet Guild.
- He was president of the British Puppet Guild for a decade and co-founded the London School of Puppetry.
- His most famous character was Zippy on Rainbow, but he also worked on Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, and Muppet movies.
- Le Drew taught puppetry at Little Angel Theatre and was known for his warm, entertaining personality.
- His son John shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Legacy in Puppetry
The British Puppet Guild described Le Drew as “possibly the most active and supportive president we have ever had.” His work influenced generations of puppeteers and delighted audiences worldwide. Rainbow's Zippy and George remain iconic, and his contributions to film classics continue to be celebrated.
FAQ
Q: Who was Ronnie Le Drew?Who was Ronnie Le Drew?
Ronnie Le Drew was a Canadian-born British 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.
Q: What shows and movies did Ronnie Le Drew work on?What shows and movies did Ronnie Le Drew work on?
His credits include Rainbow (Zippy), Labyrinth (goblins), Little Shop of Horrors, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and multiple Sooty series as Sweep.
Q: How did Ronnie Le Drew die?How did Ronnie Le Drew die?
He died at age 78 after a short illness, as announced by the British Puppet Guild and his son John via social media.
Q: What is Ronnie Le Drew's legacy?What is Ronnie Le Drew's legacy?
He is remembered as a master puppeteer who brought joy to children and adults alike, mentored many in the craft, and was a beloved figure in the British puppetry community.
Ronnie Le Drew's passing marks the end of an era for puppetry lovers. His work will continue to inspire future puppeteers and entertain audiences for generations to come.
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