Legendary puppeteer and voice of Rainbow’s Zippy dies aged 78 as tributes paid to TV icon

LEGENDARY children’s TV star and puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew has died aged 78 after a short illness. The iconic presenter was best known for being one of the voices behind the puppet Zippy in the iconic ITV children’s show Rainbow. The Canadian-born British puppeteer started his career in TV in 1964 Credit: Alamy The iconic presenter was best known for being one of the voices behind the puppet Zippy Credit: Alamy In 2011, actor and singer Roy Skelton – one of the other voices behind Zippy – tragically passed away aged 79. Issuing a tribute to Le Dew the British Puppet Guild announced his sad death this morning. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! The organisation’s statement read: “We are saddened to announce the death of our President and friend Ronnie Le Drew, following a short illness. “Ronnie has been our president for 10 years, possibly the most active and supportive president we have ever had or will have. The Canadian-born British puppeteer moved to the UK as a teenager Credit: Alamy In 2019 Le Drew released his autobiographyCredit: Not known clear with picture desk “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. “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. “He meant so much to so many, and the legacy of his life will live on.” The Canadian-born British puppeteer moved to the UK as a teenager and trained at the Little Angel Theatre in London Most read in TV He would go on to start his career in TV in 1964 with with A Touch of Don Juan. Le Drew then began working on Rainbow in 1973, he operated the Zippy puppet and later created the character’s iconic voice. He remained with Ranbow as the operator of and voice behind Zippy for some 20 years. Le Drew also appeared in a slew of other popular children’s shows including Playdays, Michael Bentine’s Potty Time, The Tommy Cooper Show, Mortimer and Arabel, Utterly Brilliant with Timmy Mallett and multiple versions of The Sooty Show. He also racked up some film credits with appearances in The Naked Runner alongside Frank Sinatra, Labyrinth with David Bowie and Little Shop of Horrors. In 2019 Le Drew released his autobiography – Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain’s Most Infamous Puppet. Le Dew was due to attend Abbey Con in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in Autumn this year. Trooper Events UK, the team behind the convention, said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a dear friend and supporter of our events, Ronnie Le Drew.” He was also expected to appear at events run by Creed Conventions in the coming months. Today, Creed Conventions issued a tribute to the icon, saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and client, Ronnie Le Drew. “Ronnie was a true gentleman, immensely proud of his work, and a real delight to work with. “It was always a pleasure to spend time with him, and he brought joy to generations. “Our thoughts are with his family & friends.”