SAD NEWS: Legendary children’s TV presenter famous for Zippy puppet d!es
The puppeteer passed away following a short illness.
Ronnie Le Drew has d!ed aged 78 (Image: Archive)
Children’s TV star and puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew has d!ed at the age of 78. Le Drew became a household name as the voice and performer behind Zippy in the iconic ITV children’s series Rainbow. His death was announced by the British Puppet Guild on Monday (July 27). The statement said: “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.
“He meant so much to so many, and the legacy of his life will live on.”
Le Drew was born in Toronto, Canada before moving to Britain as a teenager. There, he trained at the Little Angel Theatre in London, becoming John Wright’s second apprentice.
His association with the children’s puppet theatre spanned more than three decades, beginning as a performer before later taking on the role of director.
He later co-founded the London School of Puppetry with his partner, Caroline Astell-Burt.
Le Drew enjoyed a varied career in television, with his first credits dating back to 1964 when he appeared in BBC productions including A Touch of Don Juan and Late Night Line-Up.
He went on to work across a wide range of children’s and entertainment programmes, including The Little Mermaid, Mak the Sheep Stealer, Michael Bentine’s Potty Time, Roger and the Rotten Trolls and Bill’s New Frock.
Le Drew co-founded the London School of Puppetry (Image: YouTube)
Le Drew was no doubt best known for voicing Zippy in ITV’s Rainbow, later renamed Rainbow Days. The Canadian-born British star voiced the puppet in programmes such as The Jim Davidson Show, The Generation Game, The World of Puppets and Ashes to Ashes.
The puppeteer made a recent appearance at Abbey Con, a comic convention in Abingdon, and was due to return for this year’s event in the autumn.
Trooper Events UK, the team behind the convention, paid tribute to Le Drew, saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a dear friend and supporter of our events, Ronnie Le Drew.
“Ronnie was one of the friendliest and kindest people we had the pleasure of knowing. He always brought warmth and kindness with him, and he will be missed dearly.
“We send our love and deepest condolences to all of Ronnie’s family and friends who have lost such a beautiful person.
“Ronnie was due to return to Abbey-Con this year, but sadly his health suddenly took a turn for the worse. We will miss him dearly and remember him always.
“Rest in peace, Ronnie. You will never be forgotten.”
