The enduring legacy of the British children's television show "Rainbow" continues to resonate with audiences, but the lives of its cast and crew have taken significantly different paths since its conclusion in 1992. The show, known for its colorful puppets Zippy and George, and the gentle bear Bungle, ran for over 1,000 episodes.
Ronnie Le Drew, the puppeteer and voice behind the energetic Zippy, passed away on July 27 at the age of 78 after a short illness. Le Drew joined the show in 1974 and also provided his talents to other children's programs like "Playdays," "The Tommy Cooper Show," and "The Sooty Show." His work extended to films such as "Labyrinth" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol." In 2019, Le Drew published a memoir, "Zippy And Me: My Life Inside Britain's Most Infamous Puppet," which delved into behind-the-scenes revelations about the show.
Roy Skelton, who voiced both Zippy and George and penned approximately 100 scripts for "Rainbow," also wrote a humorous spin-off, "Naughty Rainbow." Skelton was notably the voice of the Daleks in "Doctor Who" from 1967 to 1988. He reprised his role as Zippy in the 2008 BBC series "Ashes to Ashes." Skelton died in June 2011 at the age of 79 following a stroke and pneumonia.
Peter Hawkins, the original voice of Zippy, departed the show after its first year due to challenges in adapting gags for a preschool audience. He continued with significant voice work for children's television in the 1980s, including "SuperTed" and "The Family-Ness," and passed away in July 2006 at 82.
John Leeson, the original Bungle the bear, went on to voice K-9 in "Doctor Who." Outside of acting, Leeson works as a freelance wine lecturer.
Stanley Bates voiced Bungle for the longest tenure, from 1974 to 1989. After "Rainbow," he appeared in films like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Theatre Of Blood" before largely stepping away from television. He later made headlines in 2001 for a road rage incident.
Malcolm Lord took over the role of Bungle from 1989 to 1992. He transitioned into theatre, pantomime, and occasional television roles, becoming a sought-after performer for Dame roles in pantomimes, celebrating his 40th anniversary in the genre in 2024.
Paul Cullinan, who played Bungle until the show's end, auditioned for "The Voice UK" after "Rainbow," though he did not advance past the audition stage.
Geoffrey Hayes, who took over as host from David Cook in 1973, became a familiar face for generations of viewers. After the show concluded, Hayes found work as a taxi driver and also worked part-time stocking shelves at Sainsbury's. He had a recurring role in "Z Cars" and appeared on shows like "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" and "Pointless Celebrities." Hayes died in October 2018 from pneumonia.
Freddy Marks was part of the musical trio Rod, Jane and Freddy, joining the show in 1980. After "Rainbow," he continued in entertainment as a scriptwriter and performer, and starred in their own spin-off series, "The Rod, Jane and Freddy Show." Marks married co-star Jane Tucker in 2016, years after her divorce from Rod Burton. He passed away in May 2021 after a cancer diagnosis.
Jane Tucker, also a member of the Rod, Jane and Freddy trio, married Marks in 2016. She continued acting in minor roles and appeared on "Pointless Celebrities." Tucker was initially married to Rod Burton from 1976 to 1979 before marrying Marks.
Rod Burton completed the Rod, Jane and Freddy trio. Following "Rainbow," he focused on their touring show, which ran until 1996. He received the Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in the same year. Burton semi-retired but continues to write songs for television.