Beloved Rainbow Puppeteer and Voice Actor Ronnie Le Drew Passes Away at 78

Ronnie Le Drew, renowned for his portrayal of Zippy on the beloved children’s programme Rainbow, has passed away at the age of 78. The British Puppet Guild announced his death on July 18, issuing a heartfelt statement on their website. The organisation expressed their sorrow, stating, “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 tribute continued, recognising Le Drew’s dedication: “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.”

A Pioneer in Puppetry

Originally from Canada, Le Drew embarked on his television career in 1964 with A Touch of Don Juan, but it was his role as the voice of Zippy from 1973 to 1997 that endeared him to audiences, making him a household name. Le Drew’s legacy in children’s entertainment is vast, having contributed to numerous programmes including Playdays, Michael Bentine’s Potty Time, The Tommy Cooper Show, Mortimer and Arabel, and Utterly Brilliant with Timmy Mallett, as well as various adaptations of The Sooty Show.

His impressive body of work extended to film, featuring in productions such as The Naked Runner alongside Frank Sinatra, Labyrinth with David Bowie, and Little Shop of Horrors. Le Drew’s influence and contributions to the arts have left an indelible mark on the industry.

A Lasting Influence on the Community

Tragically, Le Drew was scheduled to attend Abbey Con in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, later this autumn, and his passing is felt deeply within the community. Trooper Events UK, the organisers of the convention, remarked, “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a dear friend and supporter of our events, Ronnie Le Drew.” His commitment to his craft and his engagement with fans made him a cherished figure in the world of puppetry.

Additionally, he was expected to participate in several upcoming events hosted by Creed Conventions. They expressed their condolences, stating, “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.” His contributions to the field will be remembered fondly, and he will be missed by many.

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