Voice of Rainbow's Zippy dead aged 78: Ronnie Le Drew passes away following a short illness

Ronnie Le Drew, the Canadian-born British puppeteer behind the beloved children's television character Zippy on Rainbow, has died at the age of 78 following a short illness. His passing was confirmed by the British Puppet Guild, which described him as a devoted member and president for a decade. The guild expressed deep sorrow over his death, noting his tireless dedication to the puppetry community, his willingness to perform and engage, and his enduring presence at events. Le Drew took over the operation of Zippy in 1974, succeeding Violet Philpott, who had initially played the character. Philpott left due to a back injury sustained from operating Zippy through a window. Le Drew continued the role until the 1994 reboot of Rainbow, which saw a complete overhaul of the show's format and cast. During this period, he became both the puppeteer and voice of Zippy, a unique dual responsibility that highlighted his skill and versatility. His son later shared the news on social media, expressing devastation at his father's passing and describing him as a "sweet beautiful man." Rainbow, which premiered in 1972, was designed as a British counterpart to Sesame Street. Each episode revolved around situations occurring within the Rainbow House, where the main characters, Zippy, Bungle the teddy bear, and George the hippopotamus, acted as curious children exploring various topics. The show featured regular appearances by musical guests including Rod Burton, Jane Tucker, and Freddy Marks, whose contributions added to the program's charm and educational value. Marks, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer, was among the notable figures associated with the series. The original presentation of Rainbow was handled by David Cook, with Geoffrey Hayes assuming the role of a teacher figure starting in 1974. Hayes remained a central figure in the show for two decades until his death in 2018 from pneumonia. Meanwhile, Le Drew's work with Zippy evolved significantly during the 1994 reboot. Due to financial constraints, Tetra Films, the production company, could not afford to hire Roy Skelton, who had previously voiced Zippy. As a result, Le Drew assumed the dual role of operator and voice, further cementing his connection to the character. In 2019, Le Drew released a memoir titled Zippy and Me, which revealed behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the show, including candid insights into the personal lives of the cast. He disclosed that some of the actors engaged in drinking and even arranged the animal characters into suggestive positions. These revelations challenged the perception of Rainbow as a purely innocent and wholesome children's program, offering a more nuanced view of its history. Rainbow aired for 27 series and 1,071 episodes, becoming a staple of British children's television. The show's legacy endures through its influence on puppetry and children's programming, and its cultural impact continues to be felt. Tributes poured in on social media platforms following the announcement of Le Drew's death, reflecting the deep respect and affection he garnered throughout his career. His contributions to the world of puppetry and children's entertainment will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.