Ronnie Le Drew, Voice of Zippy from Rainbow, Dies Aged 78

The British Puppet Guild announced Le Drew's death, marking the end of an era for the craft.

For three decades, he dedicated himself to teaching at London’s Little Angel theatre, shaping generations of puppeteers.

The Guild stated, 'We are saddened to announce the death of our President and friend Ronnie Le Drew, following a short illness.' They further confirmed his unwavering commitment, noting, 'Ronnie has been our president for 10 years, possibly the most active and supportive president we have ever had or will have.'

Le Drew's career began with early commercial work, operating the original Bill and Ben puppets in an Ideal Home Exhibition advert.

He also manipulated Brains from Thunderbirds in a Drench water advert, showcasing his versatile skill set.

This early exposure to diverse projects solidified his foundational groundwork long before his most iconic role.

The landscape of children's television shifted dramatically with Rainbow's debut in October 1972.

Conceived as a British equivalent to the American educational show Sesame Street, the programme achieved critical acclaim.

It won the Society of Film and Television Arts Award for Best Children's Programme in 1975.

Ronnie Le Drew's integral role in Rainbow, which aired for 27 series and 1,071 episodes until its conclusion in 1992, established his cultural presence.

Rod, Jane and Freddy made regular appearances, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Stakeholders across the industry, from the British Puppet Guild to generations of puppeteers, now feel a profound loss.

The Guild, for whom Ronnie Le Drew served as president for 10 years, emphasized his active and supportive leadership.

His commitment extended beyond performance, dedicating three decades to teaching at London’s Little Angel theatre.

This mentorship directly shaped the future of the craft, ensuring a continuous flow of talent and influencing the next wave of puppeteers.

The landscape of puppetry continues to evolve, yet Ronnie Le Drew's influence remains visible, even in modern productions.

His appearance in the 2019 Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance demonstrated his enduring relevance and adaptability.

In 2019, he released his autobiography, 'Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain’s Most Infamous Puppet,' offering invaluable historical context and personal insights into his iconic role.

This publication preserves his unique perspective for future generations.

The economic impact of his work spanned decades, from early commercial ventures to major film productions like Labyrinth and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

These projects generated significant revenue and cultural capital within the entertainment industry.

Public pressure for quality children's programming, exemplified by Rainbow's critical acclaim, underscored the demand for skilled puppeteers like Ronnie Le Drew.

His ability to connect with audiences through characters like Zippy created a lasting cultural touchstone.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Ronnie Le Drew later moved to Britain as a teenager, establishing his career in the UK.

The British Puppet Guild acknowledged the breadth of his impact, stating, 'Ronnie was, of course, known for Zippy, but his legacy in the puppetry world stretches far more than that, and there will be countless puppeteers mourning the loss of our dear friend.'

The Guild reflected on his character, noting he was 'Attending nearly every event, whether it be online or in person, often performing when asked and always willing to chat, tell stories and entertain in whatever way he could.'

The British Puppet Guild concluded, 'He meant so much to so many, and the legacy of his life will live on.'

His passing leaves a void in the puppetry community, but his contributions continue to inspire.

Le Drew's work shaped the industry, leaving an indelible mark on both performers and audiences alike.