Children's TV star Ronnie Le Drew, the puppeteer behind Rainbow star Zippy, has died at the age of 78.
The Canadian-British puppeteer was best known for operating Zippy on the TV show from the early 1970s for two decades.
The British Puppet Guild said in a statement on Monday: “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.
“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.”
It concluded: “He meant so much to so many, and the legacy of his life will live on.”
His son later wrote on X: “John Ronnie’s son here. We’re devastated to announce that Dad passed away this morning, after a brief illness...
“We’re all grieving and sorry for our loss of such a sweet beautiful man. John, Liz and family.”
Le Drew brought Zippy to life in the beloved ITV series Rainbow, alongside Roy Skelton, who died in 2011.
Rainbow was the UK’s version of the US’ Sesame Street. Each episode focused on a new situation at Rainbow House, where the main characters lived.
Le Drew’s TV career started in 1964, when he appeared on A Touch of Don Juan. He appeared on Rainbow from 1973 until 1992.
He also appeared on other children’s shows like Playdays, Utterly Brilliant with Timmy Mallett, and The Sooty Show, mainly playing Sooty’s sidekick, Sweep.
Le Drew had film credits too, taking on puppeteering roles in fantasy musical films Labyrinth and The Little Shop of Horrors, both released in 1986, as well as The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).
John Ronnie’s son here.
— Ronnie Le Drew (@Punchand) July 27, 2026
We’re devastated to announce that Dad passed away this morning, after a brief illness.
We’re all grieving and sorry for our loss of such a sweet beautiful man.
John, Liz and family pic.twitter.com/Zi0f0EMGAE
More recently, he played several background characters in the 2019 Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
The star released an autobiography, titled Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain’s Most Infamous Puppet, in 2019.
He went on several tours, doing live shows where he spoke about his career and revived some of his most memorable puppet characters onstage.
