Ronnie Le Drew, the man behind Zippy from the classic children's TV show Rainbow, has died at the age of 7813:05, 27 Jul 2026Updated 13:29, 27 Jul 2026Children's TV star Ronnie Le Drew, the man behind Rainbow's Zippy, has died at the age of 78.‌The puppeteer was born in Toronto, Canada but moved to the Britain as a teenager where he trained at the Little Angel Theatre in London. He worked with the company for 30 years first as a performer then as a director and teacher.‌His work on Rainbow began in 1973, operating Zippy and then later providing his distinctive voice. Rainbow ran from October 1972 to March 1992. It was intended to develop language and social skills for pre-school children with puppets Zippy, George and Bungle taking on the role of inquisitive children, guided by presenter David Cook, and from 1974 onwards Geoffrey Hayes.‌The TV show gained cult status and won the Society of Film and Television Arts Award for Best Children's Programme in 1975.As well as working on Rainbow, Le Drew gave his talents to other classic children’s shows, including Playdays, The Tommy Cooper Show and The Sooty Show. He also operated the original Bill and Ben in an Ideal Home Exhibition advert and the Brains from Thunderbirds puppet in a Drench water advert.His work also led him to major films including Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors and The Muppet Christmas Carol.‌His death was announced by the British Puppet Guild on Monday. 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."‌Mr Le Drew was due to appear at Abbey Con, a comic convention in Abingdon, this autumn. A statement from Trooper Events UK, the team behind the convention, said: "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."Article continues belowThe original voice of Zippy - and George - from Rainbow, Roy Skelton died in 2011. He also voiced the Daleks in Doctor Who from 1967 to 1988.