For generations of children, Zippy wasn’t just a puppet.
He was loud, cheeky, unpredictable, impossible to ignore—and somehow always capable of making people smile.
Behind those unforgettable laughs, however, was a man many viewers never saw.
A performer whose hands, voice and extraordinary imagination brought one of Britain’s most beloved television characters to life for decades.
Today, that remarkable journey has come to an end.
Ronnie Le Drew, the legendary puppeteer who became the voice and performer behind Zippy, has died at the age of 78 following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond children’s television.
For many, it feels like saying goodbye to another cherished piece of childhood.
The Man Behind One Of Television’s Most Famous Puppets
Although millions instantly recognised Zippy’s unmistakable voice, far fewer knew the name Ronnie Le Drew.
Yet without him, one of Britain’s most iconic children’s programmes would never have been quite the same.
Born in Canada, Ronnie moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, carrying with him a fascination for performance and storytelling.
That passion eventually led him to London’s renowned Little Angel Theatre, where he trained in the demanding art of puppetry.
It was there that he discovered a gift that would shape the rest of his life.
Puppetry is often called an invisible art.
When it is performed well, audiences forget the person behind the character.
They laugh with the puppet.
They cry with the puppet.
They remember the puppet.
Ronnie mastered that invisible magic.
Becoming The Voice Of Zippy
When Rainbow first appeared on television in 1972, another performer originally voiced Zippy.
But in 1974, Ronnie stepped into the role that would define his career.
From that moment onward, Zippy became inseparable from his performance.
His energetic delivery, impeccable comic timing and unmistakable personality transformed the colourful puppet into one of the most recognisable characters in British television history.
Children raced home from school to watch him.
Parents smiled alongside them.
Years later, those same children introduced Rainbow to families of their own.
Few performers can say they entertained several generations.
Ronnie could.
More Than Just Rainbow
While Zippy became the role that made him famous, Ronnie’s creative journey reached much further.
His remarkable puppetry skills found their way into internationally celebrated productions, including Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and several productions connected to the world of the Muppets.
Even in recent years, his passion never disappeared.
He continued working on film projects, proving that creativity has no retirement age.
Whether performing for television, cinema or live audiences, Ronnie approached every role with the same enthusiasm that first inspired him as a young performer.
A Champion For Puppetry
Away from the cameras, Ronnie dedicated enormous time to supporting future generations of puppeteers.
As President of the British Puppet Guild for ten years, he became far more than a respected figurehead.
Friends and colleagues remember someone who attended almost every gathering, encouraged newcomers, generously shared his knowledge and never stopped celebrating the craft he loved.
Those who knew him personally often speak not only about his talent, but about his warmth.
He wasn’t simply admired.
He was loved.
In an industry built on bringing characters to life, Ronnie had a rare ability to make people feel welcome as well.
A Farewell That Touched A Generation
News of Ronnie’s passing spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of emotion from fans who suddenly realised another treasured part of their childhood had quietly slipped away.
Many reflected that Zippy had been part of some of their earliest memories.
A familiar face after school.
A comforting voice during simpler times.
A character who never truly grew old, even as the audience did.
The timing made the loss feel even heavier.
On the very same day, Britain was also mourning another beloved childhood figure, leaving many fans saying they simply couldn’t process losing two icons at once.
Across social media, thousands shared memories rather than sadness alone.
Favourite episodes.
Childhood photographs.
Stories of watching Rainbow with parents, grandparents and siblings.
Those memories became the greatest tribute of all.
The Invisible Artist Who Will Never Be Forgotten
Perhaps the greatest achievement of a puppeteer is that audiences remember the character instead of the performer.
Ronnie Le Drew accomplished that better than almost anyone.
Yet today, people are finally speaking his name with the recognition he always deserved.
Because behind every laugh Zippy gave the nation stood a man with extraordinary talent, endless creativity and a generous heart.
His hands may no longer bring puppets to life.
His voice may have fallen silent.
But every time someone hears Zippy’s unmistakable laugh, watches an old episode of Rainbow, or remembers those carefree afternoons in front of the television, a small part of Ronnie Le Drew’s magic will continue to live on.
Some performers leave behind awards.
Others leave behind unforgettable characters.
Ronnie Le Drew gave Britain something even more precious.
He gave millions of children joy.
And that is a legacy time can never erase.
