The beloved puppeteer behind Zippy from Rainbow, Ronnie Le Drew, has passed away at 78, leaving behind a legacy that shaped childhoods across the UK. Known for his work on the iconic children’s show — which aired over 1,000 episodes — Le Drew also lent his voice to major films like Labyrinth and The Muppet Christmas Carol. His 2019 autobiography shocked fans with revelations about the show’s wild backstage culture. Today, the cast’s lives diverge wildly: some soared into fame (John Leeson as K9, Malcolm Lord as a pantomime star), while others returned to humble jobs. Even Bungle’s Paul Cullinan tried his luck on The Voice UK, and the musical trio Rod, Jane, and Freddy saw their own spin-off — with Jane marrying both Rod and Freddy, who sadly died in 2021. Their stories prove how deeply Rainbow touched generations — and how wildly life can turn after the curtain falls.
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