Ronnie Le Drew, puppeteer behind Zippy and David Bowie’s goblins, dies aged 78
Zippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022. Photograph: Tom Dymond/Channel 4/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenZippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022. The news was confirmed by the British Puppet Guild, of which Le Drew was president.The Canadian-born British puppeteer was also known for working on 1986’s Labyrinth alongside David Bowie as well as 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors and various Muppet movies including in 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol.
- ▪Zippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022.
- ▪Photograph: Tom Dymond/Channel 4/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenZippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022.
- ▪The news was confirmed by the British Puppet Guild, of which Le Drew was president.The Canadian-born British puppeteer was also known for working on 1986’s Labyrinth alongside David Bowie as well as 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors and various
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| Publication time | Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:21:11 GMT |
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Zippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022. Photograph: Tom Dymond/Channel 4/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenZippy and Ronnie Le Drew on The Big Breakfast TV show in 2022. Photograph: Tom Dymond/Channel 4/ShutterstockPuppetryRonnie Le Drew, puppeteer behind Zippy and David Bowie’s goblins, dies aged 78Canadian-born British operator, president of the British Puppet Guild, died after a ‘short illness’Martin BelamMon 27 Jul 2026 13.21 EDTLast modified on Mon 27 Jul 2026 13.37 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRonnie Le Drew, best known for operating the puppet Zippy on the classic children’s television programme Rainbow has died aged 78, after a short illness.
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