Master puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew, best known as the voice and operator of Zippy on ITV’s Rainbow, has died at the age of 78.
British entertainment is mourning the loss of Ronnie Le Drew, the master puppeteer whose hands, voice, and comedic genius brought life to Zippy, one of the most iconic characters in children’s television history. Le Drew passed away following a short illness at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the childhoods of generations of viewers.
His death was announced in a heartfelt statement shared on Monday by the British Puppet Guild, an organization where Le Drew served as president for a decade. The guild remembered him not only as a titan of his craft but also as a deeply cherished friend and mentor to fellow artists.
Giving Voice to a Chaos-Maker
Born in Toronto in 1947 before moving to the United Kingdom, Le Drew trained at London’s prestigious Little Angel Theatre, immersing himself in the meticulous and demanding world of puppet craft. After beginning his television career in the mid-1960s, he joined the landmark ITV children’s series Rainbow in 1973.
For two decades, Le Drew was the creative force inside the bright yellow, zip-mouthed suit of Zippy. While other characters on the show modelled calm and gentle lessons, Zippy was a chaotic, mischievous ball of energy whose frequent interruptions, sharp remarks, and desire to have his mouth physically zipped shut made him an unforgettable television icon. Le Drew’s brilliant physical dexterity and impeccable comedic timing transformed what could have been a simple prop into a fully realised, dynamic personality loved by toddlers and adults alike.
A Master Across Eras and Icons
While Rainbow defined a massive portion of his professional life, Le Drew’s extraordinary career extended far beyond the iconic colorful set:
- The Big Screen: He lent his considerable talents to cinematic milestones, working on Jim Henson’s 1986 fantasy classic Labyrinth—starring David Bowie—as well as The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Muppet Treasure Island (1996).
- Children’s Classics: His hands and voice appeared across a wide array of beloved programs, including Playdays, Michael Bentine’s Potty Time, The Tommy Cooper Show, and multiple iterations of The Sooty Show.
- Advocacy for the Craft: Beyond performing, Le Drew dedicated decades to championing puppetry as an art form, penning his acclaimed 2019 memoir Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain’s Most Infamous Puppet and actively leading the British Puppet Guild.
An Enduring Cultural Footprint
Tributes from colleagues, performers, and fans have flooded social media since the news broke, celebrating a man who spent his life operating “under the counter” to bring joy to millions. He is remembered by peers as a consummate professional who approached children’s television with the same seriousness, dedication, and artistic rigour as any dramatic stage actor.
Ultimately, Ronnie Le Drew’s passing marks the quiet closing of a golden chapter in British television history. Yet, every time a viewer recalls the chaotic brilliance of Zippy or the nostalgic theme song of Rainbow, Le Drew’s unique artistic magic lives on—proving that some of television’s most vibrant personalities were brought to life by someone working quietly out of sight, driven purely by a love for performance and imagination.
