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Legendary Puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew Dies Aged 78
The puppeteer and actor spent decades on children’s television and later co-founded the London School of Puppetry with Caroline Astell-Burt.
- On Monday, July 27, 2026, the British Puppet Guild announced the death of their president, Ronnie Le Drew, aged 78, following a short illness. Le Drew was a Canadian-British puppeteer best known for voicing Zippy in the iconic ITV children's show Rainbow.
- After training at London's Little Angel Theatre, Le Drew began his television career in 1964 with A Touch of Don Juan, then joined Rainbow in 1973 and spent 20 years operating the beloved character Zippy.
- Beyond Rainbow, Le Drew appeared in major films including Labyrinth, The Little Shop of Horrors, and The Muppet Christmas Carol . In 2019, he published his memoir, Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain's Most Infamous Puppet.
- The British Puppet Guild, where Le Drew served as president for 10 years, described him as "possibly the most active and supportive" leader. Trooper Events UK added, "He always brought warmth and kindness with him, and he will be missed dearly."
- Across the puppetry industry, Le Drew's influence persisted through his advocacy for the art's sophistication, helping audiences understand it extended "far more" beyond children's entertainment. His legacy shaped generations of British childhoods and inspired countless performers throughout his six-decade career.
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Zippy puppeteer and ITV Rainbow legend Ronnie Le Drew dies aged 78 as family issues tribute
Ronnie Le Drew, the Canadian-born puppeteer who brought the beloved character Zippy to life on the children's television programme Rainbow, has died at the age of 78 after a short illness.The British Puppet Guild, where Mr Le Drew served as president for a decade, broke the news on Monday.His son John subsequently confirmed the death on X, writing: "John Ronnie's son here. We're devastated to announce that Dad passed away this morning, after a b…
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources24
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution68% Center
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources are Center
68% Center
L 18%
C 68%
14%
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