Ronnie Le Drew, puppeteer behind Zippy and David Bowie’s goblins, dies aged 78

Ronnie Le Drew, the renowned puppeteer famous for bringing to life Zippy from the children's TV show Rainbow and the goblins in David Bowie's film Labyrinth, has passed away at the age of 78 after a brief illness. Born in Canada and later based in Britain, Le Drew was president of the British Puppet Guild and had a long career in puppetry.

He contributed to various productions including the 1986 films Labyrinth and Little Shop of Horrors, as well as several Muppet movies like The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992. Le Drew was also involved with the Sooty show, often performing as Sweep, and had a strong connection with the Little Angel Theatre in London, where he trained and later taught.

Alongside his partner Caroline Astell-Burt, he co-founded the London School of Puppetry. The British Puppet Guild praised him as an active and supportive president who frequently attended events and entertained audiences. His son announced the death on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

Le Drew's portrayal of Zippy spanned decades, including a revival in the 1990s where he also provided the puppet's voice. Rainbow, which started in 1972, was a beloved educational children's program in the UK, featuring characters like Zippy, George, and Bungle. Ronnie Le Drew remained active in his field until recently, sharing his experiences on platforms such as YouTube.