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

Ronnie Le Drew, a distinguished Canadian-born British puppeteer, has passed away at the age of 78 after a brief illness. The British Puppet Guild, a professional organization dedicated to the art of puppetry, of which Le Drew held the esteemed position of president, officially confirmed his death. Le Drew's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both children's television and feature films, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.

His most enduring and widely recognized contribution was his role as the operator of Zippy, one of the central and most beloved puppet characters on the iconic British children's television programme, Rainbow. This long-running series, which captivated young audiences for many years, featured Zippy as a vibrant and engaging personality, interacting dynamically with human presenters and a cast of other memorable puppets. Le Drew's exceptional skill in manipulating Zippy's movements and providing his distinctive voice was instrumental in making the character a cherished and unforgettable fixture for multiple generations of viewers.

Le Drew's puppeteering prowess was not confined to the world of Rainbow. His talents were sought after for a variety of other significant productions. He lent his expertise to the critically acclaimed 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth, a Jim Henson production that famously starred David Bowie. In Labyrinth, Le Drew was instrumental in animating the film's memorable goblin characters, contributing to the movie's unique visual style and fantastical atmosphere. His work also extended to the 1986 musical horror comedy Little Shop of Horrors, another notable film production. Furthermore, Le Drew was a key contributor to various Muppet productions, including the heartwarming 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol, where he helped bring beloved Muppet characters to life. His extensive involvement in the Sooty franchise, a cornerstone of British children's television, saw him regularly performing as Sweep, the loyal and often mischievous dog puppet who served as Sooty's constant companion. His collaborations on the Sooty shows included working alongside the show's creators and performers Harry Corbett and his son Matthew Corbett, continuing a rich legacy of the popular puppet characters.