The British Puppet Guild has announced the death of its president and longtime puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew at the age of 78. Le Drew, best known as the voice and puppeteer of Zippy on the children's television series Rainbow, passed away on July 18 following a short illness.
In a statement on its website, the guild 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."
A Legacy in Puppetry
The statement continued: "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, who was born in Canada, began his television career in 1964 with A Touch of Don Juan. He voiced Zippy on Rainbow from 1973 to 1997, a role for which he is most fondly remembered. Actor and singer Roy Skelton, who also voiced Zippy, died in 2011 at age 79.
Extensive Career in Children's Television and Film
Beyond Rainbow, Le Drew appeared in numerous other beloved children's programmes, including Playdays, Michael Bentine's Potty Time, The Tommy Cooper Show, Mortimer and Arabel, Utterly Brilliant with Timmy Mallett, and various iterations of The Sooty Show. He also had film credits in The Naked Runner alongside Frank Sinatra, Labyrinth with David Bowie, and Little Shop of Horrors.
Le Drew had been scheduled to attend Abbey Con in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, later this autumn. Trooper Events UK, the organisers, said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a dear friend and supporter of our events, Ronnie Le Drew." He was also set to appear at events organised by Creed Conventions, which stated: "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."
