Ronnie Le Drew, Zippy Puppeteer from Rainbow, Dies at 78 2026

Ronnie Le Drew, the beloved puppeteer best known for operating the iconic orange puppet Zippy on the classic children's television programme Rainbow, has died at the age of 78 after a short illness. The news was confirmed by the British Puppet Guild, where Le Drew served as president for a decade. His career spanned decades and included work on major films such as Labyrinth alongside David Bowie, Little Shop of Horrors, and multiple Muppet movies including The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Early Life and Puppetry Training

Born in Canada but raised in the UK, Le Drew trained at London's award-winning Little Angel Theatre, where he developed a lifelong passion for puppetry. He later co-founded the London School of Puppetry with his partner Caroline Astell-Burt, teaching new generations of puppeteers.

Iconic Roles and Collaborations

Le Drew's most famous role was operating Zippy on Rainbow, the children's show that aired from 1972 to 1992. He also worked on various iterations of Sooty, often performing as Sweep, Sooty's sidekick, alongside Harry and Matthew Corbett. In film, he contributed to the puppetry for David Bowie's Labyrinth (1986) and the musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors (1986).

Notable Puppet Roles

Legacy and Tributes

The British Puppet Guild released a statement praising Le Drew as “possibly the most active and supportive president we have ever had.” His son John shared the news on social media, calling him a “sweet beautiful man.” The puppeteer's work on Rainbow created two enduring characters: the brash, loud-mouthed Zippy and the shy pink hippopotamus George, voiced by the late Roy Skelton.

Key Takeaways

• Ronnie Le Drew operated Zippy on Rainbow for 20 years.
• He worked on major films like Labyrinth and Little Shop of Horrors.
• He co-founded the London School of Puppetry and taught at Little Angel Theatre.
• He served as president of the British Puppet Guild for 10 years.
• His death was announced by his son and the guild after a short illness.

FAQ

Ronnie Le Drew's contributions to puppetry will be remembered by fans of Rainbow, Labyrinth, and countless other productions. His legacy lives on through the London School of Puppetry and the many puppeteers he inspired.