Ronnie Le Drew obit

Legendary puppeteer and children's TV star dies aged 78

 

He was not on the list.

Legendary children's TV star Ronnie Le Drew has died at the age of 78, it has been confirmed.

The Canadian‑born British puppeteer and actor was best known as the man behind Zippy in the iconic ITV children’s show Rainbow.

His death was announced by the British Puppet Guild this morning (Monday, JKuly 27).

The statement said: "We are saddened to announce the death of our President and friend Ronnie Le Drew, following a short illness.

"Ronnie has been our president for 10 years, possibly the most active and supportive president we have ever had or will have.

"Attending nearly every event, whether it be online or in person, often performing when asked and always willing to chat, tell stories and entertain in whatever way he could.

"Ronnie was, of course, known for Zippy, but his legacy in the puppetry world stretches far more than that, and there will be countless puppeteers mourning the loss of our dear friend.

"He meant so much to so many, and the legacy of his life will live on."

Mr Le Drew had attended Abbey Con, a comic convention in Abingdon, and was due to return to this year's event in autumn.

A statement from Trooper Events UK, the team behind the convention, said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of a dear friend and supporter of our events, Ronnie Le Drew.

"Ronnie was one of the friendliest and kindest people we had the pleasure of knowing.

"He always brought warmth and kindness with him, and he will be missed dearly.

"We send our love and deepest condolences to all of Ronnie’s family and friends who have lost such a beautiful person.

"Ronnie was due to return to Abbey-Con this year, but sadly his health suddenly took a turn for the worse. We will miss him dearly and remember him always.

"Rest in peace, Ronnie. You will never be forgotten."

Other tributes include those from Paul Robertson on X, who wrote: "I was not expecting to wake up to any of this news today.

"Ronnie Le Drew (best known as ‘Zippy’ in Rainbow) has unfortunately passed away.

"Was very grateful to always have chats online with him about Rainbow, Sooty and puppets.

"Condolences go to his friends and family."

Born in Toronto on 23 October 1947, he moved to Britain as a teenager and trained at the Little Angel Theatre in London, becoming John Wright’s second apprentice and learning every aspect of puppetry.

His association with the Little Angel Theatre spanned more than 30 years, first as a performer and later as a director, and he went on to co‑found the London School of Puppetry with his partner Caroline Astell‑Burt.

Le Drew began working on Rainbow in 1973, operating Zippy and later providing the character’s unmistakable voice, and remained with the programme for around 20 years, including spin‑offs such as Rainbow Days.

Away from Rainbow, he appeared on a string of classic children’s shows, including Playdays, Michael Bentine’s Potty Time, The Tommy Cooper Show, Mortimer and Arabel, Utterly Brilliant with Timmy Mallett and multiple versions of The Sooty Show, often performing Sweep and other characters.

His film credits took him into some of the biggest fantasy productions of the last half‑century, with puppetry work on Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, Beauty and the Beast and Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

Le Drew also contributed to adverts and live events, from operating the original Bill and Ben in an Ideal Home Exhibition commercial to animating “Brains” from Thunderbirds in a memorable Drench water campaign.

In 2019, he published his memoir Zippy and Me: My Life Inside Britain’s Most Infamous Puppet, looking back on six decades in puppetry and the way characters like Zippy, Sweep and others shaped generations of British childhoods.

Sid Krofft obit

Sid Krofft Dies: Creator & Producer With Brother Marty Of Kids’ Show Classics ‘H.R. Pufnstuf,’ ‘Land of the Lost’ & Others Was 96

 

He was not on the list.

Sid Krofft, who along with brother Marty Krofft created and co-produced a slew of trippy, beloved kids’ TV classic of the 1970s such as H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost and others, died Friday, April 10, of natural causes at the home of his friend and business partner Kelly Killian. He was 96.

His publicist, Adam Fenton, said Krofft died peacefully in his sleep.

“Sid Krofft was an icon who did what he loved most until the very end – being out in public with his legions of fans,” Fenton said. “Sid never slowed down, attending his final show where it all began just last November in his home state of Rhode Island. Sid was a beacon of light and will be greatly missed.”

Read an official statement from the Krofft family below.

Considered the artistic half of the Sid and Marty Krofft partnership, Sid Krofft infused Saturday mornings of the 1970s with a day-glo vision that combined the era’s psychedelia with the campy, self-knowing verge-of-adult style of those Fractured Fairy Tales cartoons. He and brother Marty created and produced a decade of live-action TV hits that combined outlandish and brilliantly colored costumes and bizarre puppetry that would have a profound influence on later shows including Pee-wee Herman’s Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Among the Krofft brothers series, in addition to Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost, were The Bugaloos, Lidsville and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. They created the costumes and look of The Banana Splits, and produced the variety entry The Donnie and Marie Show starring Donnie and Marie Osmond.

Sid Krofft’s career in show business began decades before his early ’70s heyday. Born Cydus Yolas in Montreal on July 30, 1929, he purchased his first puppet and became a street performer in Providence, Rhode Island at the age of 10. Impressed by his son’s earning ability, his father hired an agent and changed the boy’s name to Sid Krofft.

At 16 Kroff and his puppets were performing in vaudeville, burlesque and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 1949 he donned ice skates and, along with his puppets, appeared in Howdy Mr. Ice, 1950 with Sonja Henie at New York’s famed Center Theatre.

In the early 1950s, Krofft traveled through Europe performing his marionette act in such iconic theaters as The Lido and the Follies Bergier in France, and gave a command performance for the queen of England in the Night of 100 Stars.

In 1957, Krofft created his first tv pilot called Here’s Irving, recruiting many of the great puppeteers of the era to come together to perform, including Bill Baird and Bob Bakker. The pilot wasn’t picked up but while Krofft was in L.A. filming it, he was hired as the opening act for Judy Garland (at the recommendation of Jack Benny). During a 1959 show with Garland at the Fontainebleau resort, Sid invited brother Marty to join him on tour as his assistant. A car salesman at the time, Marty Krofft joined the act.

Sid Krofft would also work with such performers as Liberace, Martha Rae, Mickey Rooney, Xavier Cugat, Tony Martin and Pat Boone.

Two years after the Garland shows, Sid Krofft announced the the “world’s largest puppet show” to be called Les Poupees de Paris. Pulling from his knowledge of Parisian showgirls and burlesque antics, the critically acclaimed and risque show featured a real ice rink, fountains, swimming pool and voices from many popular actors and actresses of the time. From 1961 through 1968, Les Poupees de Paris played the Gilded Rafters in the San Fernando Valley, multiple World’s Fairs, and its own theaters in New York, New Orleans and Las Vegas.

In 1963, after a chance encounter with Walt Disney who advised adding their names above the title, the bill on the marquis was changed to credit Sid and Marty Krofft.

By 1967 Sid Krofft had become the creative head for Six Flags amusement parks at the request of owner Angus Wynn. There, he created and built many of the park’s rides, animatronics and attractions. This collaboration also placed a Krofft marionette theater in every Six Flags park, with hourly shows of their signature showgirls and celebrity likenesses.

Needing space and more creative talent, the Krofft brothers opened their Showbusiness Factory and, with the blessing from Wynn, began to build for other companies. In addition to the Disney company and McDonald’s, one of the first companies to hire the Krofft’s was Hanna Barbara, who needed full-body character suits created for their new show The Banana Splits. The show, debuting in 1968, was a hit, as were the Kroffts’ fantastical costumes. Offered their own TV show, the Kroffts dug into Sid’s archives from the Worlds Fairs, modifying them to create the sweet-natured dragon-like creature HR Pufnstuf and the show named for him.

Debuting in the 1969 fall season, Pufnstuf, starring Oliver! actor Jack Wild and, as the beak-nosed Witchipoo the Witch the scene-stealing Billie Hayes, was a smash, spawning a feature film spin-off (featuring Cass Elliot) and other similar, chaotic live-action shows such as The Bugaloos, Lidsville (set in a fantasy land populated by living hats), Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, Land of the Lost, Dr. Shrinker, Fol-de-rol and Horror Hotel.

Land of the Lost, in which a time-traveling humans interacted with stop-motion dinosaurs and humanoid villains called Sleestaks, ran from 1974 to 1976 and was rebooted in 2009 as a feature film starring Will Ferrell.

At 90, Krofft joined Instagram and ran a weekly show called Sundays with Sid along with his producer and sidekick Kelly Killian. The two interviewed hundreds of creatives, artists and fans in the entertainment industry and puppetry world.

Killian said, “I loved Sid with my whole heart. He taught me more than I could ever put into words—about the art of Hollywood, the magic of the stage, and the depth and complexity of human nature. I didn’t know Sid for his shows—I only knew the man who created them. And that man was extraordinary. I wish so very much that I had more time with him. I will miss his big blue eyes, his cheerful smile with his dimples, and the warmth that seemed to follow him everywhere he went.”

Krofft and Killian were finalizing two books recounting Sid Krofft’s life and career, including one from the perspective of Sid the performer, and the other from Sid as the person behind the scenes.

Also in development were two children’s shows, Broomelda Snickelsnuff and Wonderwiggle, which Killian will continue. Krofft was also working with Suzie Vignon and Joshua Disney on their project Love Sucks as Creative and Visual Producer.

Sid and Marty Krofft were the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys and have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Here is the official statement from the Krofft Family and SMK Company:

Having only been informed of their uncle’s passing, nearly 72 hours after the fact, following reports that had already appeared in the media, the Krofft sisters, along with the rest of the company, are all saddened to hear about the passing of Sid Krofft.

Sid Krofft was a rainbow-colored, prolific and creative genius who rose from humble beginnings to become a true embodiment of the American Dream. Born in Canada, Sid, along with his brother Marty, built an entertainment empire that continues to inspire generations. The brothers’ history of contrasting styles and personalities, ultimately produced a perfectly complementary blending of visions creating dazzling and imaginative worlds that have entertained and shaped future generations. As co-founders of Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures, they brought to life everything from their groundbreaking adult puppet revue Les Poupées de Paris, to beloved children’s programming such as H.R. Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost, to hit variety shows like Donny & Marie, Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, as well as their trailblazing satirical puppet series D.C. Follies. Sid and Marty Krofft’s collaborative vision left an indelible mark on five films, approximately fifty television shows and an undeniable influence on popular culture.

Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures successfully continues its great legacy, with both Sid and Marty looking over us.

Producer

Sid Krofft and The Krofft Puppets in Sundays with Sid (2020)

Sundays with Sid

9.2

TV Series

producer

2020–2023

78 episodes

 

The Bugaloos

TV Movie

producer

2017

 

Cesar Millan, Calvin Millan, and The Krofft Puppets in Mutt & Stuff (2015)

Mutt & Stuff

5.9

TV Series

executive producer

2015–2017

74 episodes

 

Kyle Breitkopf, Rebecca Bloom, Solomon Stewart, and The Krofft Puppets in Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (2016)

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters

6.9

TV Series

executive producer

2016–2017

7 episodes

 

Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (2016)

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl

5.4

TV Mini Series

executive producer

2016

8 episodes

 

Will Ferrell in Land of the Lost (2009)

Land of the Lost

5.3

producer

2009

 

Tim Curry, Gary Cole, Caitlin Wachs, Sasha Pieterse, and Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak in Family Affair (2002)

Family Affair

5.2

TV Series

producerexecutive producer

2002–2003

16 episodes

 

Markie Post and Anne Stedman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (2001)

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl

6.7

TV Short

executive producer

2001

 

The Okee Dokee Show

TV Series

executive producer

1997–1998

 

The Krofft Puppets in Toby Terrier and His Video Pals (1993)

Toby Terrier and His Video Pals

9.3

TV Series

producer

1993

8 episodes

 

Land of the Lost (1991)

Land of the Lost

6.8

TV Series

producerseries producer

1991–1992

9 episodes

 

Krofft Late Night (1991)

Krofft Late Night

6.0

TV Movie

producer

1991

 

Ronald McDonald in McDonaldland (1963)

McDonaldland

7.2

TV Series

executive producer

1963–1989

149 episodes

 

Leslie Nielsen, Fred Willard, and The Krofft Puppets in D.C. Follies (1987)

D.C. Follies

7.2

TV Series

executive producerproducer

1987–1989

46 episodes

 

Redeye Express (1988)

Redeye Express

5.8

TV Movie

executive producer

1988

 

Tina Roark in The Patti LaBelle Show (1985)

The Patti LaBelle Show

8.1

TV Special

producer

1985

 

All Star Rock 'n' Wrestling Saturday Spectacular (1985)

All Star Rock 'n' Wrestling Saturday Spectacular

7.5

TV Movie

produced by

1985

 

Richard Pryor in Pryor's Place (1984)

Pryor's Place

7.0

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producer

1984

13 episodes

 

Richard Pryor in Pryor's Place (1984)

Saturday's the Place!

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producer

1984

 

The Cracker Brothers (1984)

The Cracker Brothers

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producer

1984

 

The CBS Saturday Morning Preview Special

TV Movie

producer

1983

 

Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Louise Mandrell, Oral Roberts, and Richard Roberts in Good News for You in 1982 (1982)

Good News for You in 1982

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producer

1982

 

Barbara Mandrell, Irlene Mandrell, and Louise Mandrell in Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters (1980)

Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters

6.8

TV Series

executive producer

1980–1982

35 episodes

 

Harry Tracy: The Last of the Wild Bunch (1982)

Harry Tracy: The Last of the Wild Bunch

6.1

executive producer

1982

 

Oral Roberts Celebration

TV Movie

executive producer

1981

 

Anson and Lorrie

TV Movie

executive producer

1981

 

Side Show (1981)

Side Show

6.2

TV Movie

executive producer

1981

 

Middle Age Crazy (1980)

Middle Age Crazy

5.6

executive producer

1980

 

Jeff Altman, Keiko Masuda, and Mie in Pink Lady (1980)

Pink Lady

4.4

TV Series

producer

1980

6 episodes

 

Ray Young and Joseph Butcher in The Krofft Supershow (1976)

Bigfoot and Wildboy

6.5

TV Series

executive producer

1977–1979

20 episodes

 

Eric Faulkner, Billie Hayes, Alan Longmuir, Derek Longmuir, Leslie McKeown, Stuart 'Woody' Wood, Bay City Rollers, and The Krofft Puppets in The Bay City Rollers Show (1978)

The Bay City Rollers Show

6.6

TV Series

producer

1978

13 episodes

 

Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n Rollers

TV Special

executive producer

1978

 

The Bay City Rollers Meet the Saturday Superstars (1978)

The Bay City Rollers Meet the Saturday Superstars

8.0

TV Movie

executive producer

1978

 

Robin Tyler and Patty Harrison in The Krofft Comedy Hour (1978)

The Krofft Comedy Hour

7.0

TV Movie

executive producer

1978

 

Robin Dearden, Helaine Lembeck, Lennie Weinrib, and Larry Larsen in Magic Mongo (1977)

Magic Mongo

6.2

TV Series

producer

1977

16 episodes

 

The Krofft Supershow (1976)

The Krofft Supershow

7.2

TV Series

producer

1976–1977

32 episodes

 

Gordon Jump in Wonderbug (1976)

Wonderbug

6.4

TV Series

executive producer

1976–1977

22 episodes

 

Kaptain Kool and the Kongs Present ABC All-Star Saturday (1977)

Kaptain Kool and the Kongs Present ABC All-Star Saturday

5.9

TV Movie

executive producer

1977

 

Florence Henderson, Susan Olsen, Robert Reed, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Maureen McCormick, Geri Reischl, and Barry Williams in The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976)

The Brady Bunch Variety Hour

3.8

TV Series

producerexecutive producer

1976–1977

9 episodes

 

Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond in Donny and Marie (1975)

Donny and Marie

6.2

TV Series

producer

1975–1977

37 episodes

 

Jay Robinson in Dr. Shrinker (1976)

Dr. Shrinker

6.7

TV Series

producerexecutive producer

1976

16 episodes

 

Deidre Hall and Judy Strangis in The Krofft Supershow (1976)

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl

6.6

TV Series

producer

1976

16 episodes

 

Kathy Coleman, Wesley Eure, Jon Locke, Spencer Milligan, Bill Boyd, and The Krofft Puppets in Land of the Lost (1974)

Land of the Lost

7.1

TV Series

executive producerproducer

1974–1976

43 episodes

 

ABC's Saturday Sneak Peek (1976)

ABC's Saturday Sneak Peek

6.6

TV Movie

executive producer

1976

 

Bob Denver, Patty Maloney, Chuck McCann, and The Krofft Puppets in Far Out Space Nuts (1975)

Far Out Space Nuts

6.1

TV Series

executive producer

1975

15 episodes

 

Jim Nabors, Ruth Buzzi, Jarrod Johnson, and Alice Playten in The Lost Saucer (1975)

The Lost Saucer

6.4

TV Series

producerexecutive producer

1975

16 episodes

 

Scott C. Kolden, Johnny Whitaker, and The Krofft Puppets in Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973)

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters

6.9

TV Series

producerexecutive producer

1973–1975

29 episodes

 

James A. Osmond and The Krofft Puppets in The NBC Saturday Morning Preview Revue (1974)

The NBC Saturday Morning Preview Revue

7.0

TV Movie

producer

1974

 

Raquel Welch and The Krofft Puppets in Really, Raquel (1974)

Really, Raquel

7.8

TV Special

executive producer

1974

 

Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Maureen McCormick, Johnny Whitaker, Jack Wild, and Barry Williams in The World of Sid & Marty Krofft at the Hollywood Bowl (1973)

The World of Sid & Marty Krofft at the Hollywood Bowl

7.3

TV Special

producer

1973

 

Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Paul Gale, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Maureen McCormick, and Barry Williams in The Brady Bunch Meets ABC's Saturday Superstars (1972)

The Brady Bunch Meets ABC's Saturday Superstars

8.2

TV Movie

producer

1972

 

Fol-de-Rol (1972)

Fol-de-Rol

7.3

TV Movie

executive producer

1972

 

Billie Hayes, Butch Patrick, and Charles Nelson Reilly in Lidsville (1971)

Lidsville

7.0

TV Series

producer

1971–1972

17 episodes

 

The Bugaloos (1970)

The Bugaloos

6.9

TV Series

producer

1970–1971

17 episodes

 

Joy Campbell, Walker Edmiston, Cass Elliot, Roberto Gamonet, Billie Hayes, Allan Melvin, Martha Raye, Jack Wild, and The Krofft Puppets in Pufnstuf (1970)

Pufnstuf

6.5

executive producer

1970

 

Joy Campbell, Walker Edmiston, Roberto Gamonet, Joan Gerber, Billie Hayes, Lennie Weinrib, Jack Wild, and The Krofft Puppets in H.R. Pufnstuf (1969)

H.R. Pufnstuf

7.4

TV Series

producer

1969–1970

17 episodes

 

Here's Irving (1957)

Here's Irving

TV Short

producer

1957

 

Writer

The Banana Splits: Sloppy Nights (2020)

The Banana Splits: Sloppy Nights

8.2

Video Game

characters

2020

 

Sid Krofft and The Krofft Puppets in Sundays with Sid (2020)

Sundays with Sid

9.2

TV Series

Writer

2020

 

Cesar Millan, Calvin Millan, and The Krofft Puppets in Mutt & Stuff (2015)

Mutt & Stuff

5.9

TV Series

created by

2015–2017

74 episodes

 

Kyle Breitkopf, Rebecca Bloom, Solomon Stewart, and The Krofft Puppets in Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (2016)

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters

6.9

TV Series

created by

2016–2017

7 episodes

 

Will Ferrell in Land of the Lost (2009)

Land of the Lost

5.3

television series

2009

 

Richard Pryor in Pryor's Place (1984)

Pryor's Place

7.0

TV Series

created by

1984

13 episodes

 

Jay Robinson in Dr. Shrinker (1976)

Dr. Shrinker

6.7

TV Series

created by

1976

16 episodes

 

Kathy Coleman, Wesley Eure, Jon Locke, Spencer Milligan, Bill Boyd, and The Krofft Puppets in Land of the Lost (1974)

Land of the Lost

7.1

TV Series

created by

1974–1976

43 episodes

 

Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond in Donny and Marie (1975)

Donny and Marie

6.2

TV Series

creator

1976

2 episodes

 

Bob Denver, Patty Maloney, Chuck McCann, and The Krofft Puppets in Far Out Space Nuts (1975)

Far Out Space Nuts

6.1

TV Series

created by

1975

15 episodes

 

Jim Nabors, Ruth Buzzi, Jarrod Johnson, and Alice Playten in The Lost Saucer (1975)

The Lost Saucer

6.4

TV Series

developed by

1975

16 episodes

 

Scott C. Kolden, Johnny Whitaker, and The Krofft Puppets in Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973)

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters

6.9

TV Series

creator

1973–1975

29 episodes

 

Fol-de-Rol (1972)

Fol-de-Rol

7.3

TV Movie

creator

1972

 

Billie Hayes, Butch Patrick, and Charles Nelson Reilly in Lidsville (1971)

Lidsville

7.0

TV Series

creator

1971–1972

17 episodes

 

The Bugaloos (1970)

The Bugaloos

6.9

TV Series

created bycreator

1970–1971

17 episodes

 

Joy Campbell, Walker Edmiston, Roberto Gamonet, Joan Gerber, Billie Hayes, Lennie Weinrib, Jack Wild, and The Krofft Puppets in H.R. Pufnstuf (1969)

H.R. Pufnstuf

7.4

TV Series

creator

1969–1970

17 episodes

 

Additional Crew

Joy Campbell, Walker Edmiston, Roberto Gamonet, Joan Gerber, Billie Hayes, Lennie Weinrib, Jack Wild, and The Krofft Puppets in H.R. Pufnstuf (1969)

H.R. Pufnstuf

7.4

TV Series

presenter

1969

4 episodes

 

Actor

Kindness Town (2024)

Kindness Town

Short

Narrator

2024

 

Kyle Breitkopf, Rebecca Bloom, Solomon Stewart, and The Krofft Puppets in Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (2016)

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters

6.9

TV Series

Sid

2016–2017

2 episodes

 

Markie Post and Anne Stedman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (2001)

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl

6.7

TV Short

Glitter Rock (uncredited)

2001

 

Shower of Stars (1954)

Shower of Stars

7.3

TV Series

1957

1 episode

 

Costume Designer

The Banana Splits Adventure Hour (1968)

The Banana Splits Adventure Hour

7.3

TV Series

Costume Designer

1968–1970

 

Special Effects

Raquel Welch and The Krofft Puppets in Really, Raquel (1974)

Really, Raquel

7.8

TV Special

puppet effects

1974

 

Puppetry

Dean Martin in The Dean Martin Show (1965)

The Dean Martin Show

8.1

TV Series

puppeteer

1965

3 episodes

 

Soundtrack

Billie Hayes, Butch Patrick, and Charles Nelson Reilly in Lidsville (1971)

Lidsville

7.0

TV Series

writer: "Lidsville (Theme Song)"

1971–1972

17 episodes

 

Thanks

Bird of Steel!

special thanks

Completed

 

Paul Reubens in Pee-wee as Himself (2025)

Pee-wee as Himself

8.4

TV Mini Series

the producers wish to thank

2025

2 episodes

 

Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan in Ruby Sparks (2012)

Ruby Sparks

7.2

the producers wish to thank the following for their assistance

2012

 

Self

Willie Tyler and Lester: Hello Dummy!

Self

Post-production

 

Music Innovation

Self

Filming

 

Mark A. Altman, Daren Dochterman, and Ashley E. Miller in Deck 78 (2022)

Deck 78

Podcast Series

Self - Producer, Land Of The Lost

2025

1 episode

 

Adesina Sanchez, Brimstone, Stephen Zambito, Kimberly Adragna, Tom Greer, Scott Eisenberg, Guy Brogna, and Kevin Dempsey in The Grindhouse Radio (2015)

The Grindhouse Radio

7.7

TV Series

Self

2025

1 episode

 

The Bob Gurr Show (2023)

The Bob Gurr Show

TV Series

Self

2024

1 episode

 

Sid Krofft and The Krofft Puppets in Sundays with Sid (2020)

Sundays with Sid

9.2

TV Series

Self

2020–2023

92 episodes

 

Alaska Thunderfuck in Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror (2022)

Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror

7.3

TV Mini Series

Self

2022

1 episode

 

Funko Pop! Talk - Interview Show

Podcast Series

Self

2022–2023

 

Gilbert Gottfried in Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast (2014)

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

9.6

Podcast Series

Self - Guest

2018

1 episode

 

This Is Not a Routine Expedition: Making of 'Land of the Lost' (2009)

This Is Not a Routine Expedition: Making of 'Land of the Lost'

7.6

Video

Self

2009

 

Deep Inside (2007)

Deep Inside

2.4

TV Series

Self

2009

1 episode

 

Up Close with Carrie Keagan (2007)

Up Close with Carrie Keagan

4.0

TV Series

Self

2009

1 episode

 

Marty Krofft, Sid Krofft, and The Krofft Puppets in The 7th Annual TV Land Awards (2009)

The 7th Annual TV Land Awards

6.1

TV Special

Self

2009

 

Séries express

3.5

TV Series

Self

2008

1 episode

 

Florence Henderson in The Florence Henderson Show (2007)

The Florence Henderson Show

6.5

TV Series

Self

2008

1 episode

 

Harry Belafonte, Smokey Robinson, Arianna Huffington, Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, Cornel West, Newt Gingrich, Suze Orman, Richard Haass, Jim Wallis, and Connie Rice in Tavis Smiley (2004)

Tavis Smiley

5.7

TV Series

Self

2005

1 episode

 

E! True Hollywood Story (1996)

E! True Hollywood Story

6.5

TV Series

Self - Interviewee

2000

1 episode

 

Magic in Midtown: The World of Sid & Marty Krofft (1976)

Magic in Midtown: The World of Sid & Marty Krofft

TV Special

Self

1976

 

The Mac Davis Special

9.0

TV Special

Self

1975

 

Mike Douglas in The Mike Douglas Show (1961)

The Mike Douglas Show

7.0

TV Series

Self - Childrens TV Producer

1969

1 episode

 

Dick Smothers, Tom Smothers, and Smothers Brothers in The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967)

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

8.0

TV Series

Self

1967

2 episodes

 

Merv Griffin in The Merv Griffin Show (1962)

The Merv Griffin Show

6.6

TV Series

Self

1965–1966

2 episodes

 

Gypsy (1965)

Gypsy

7.7

TV Series

Self - puppeteer

1965

1 episode

 

World's Fair Spectacular

TV Special

Self

1965

 

The Bell Telephone Hour (1959)

The Bell Telephone Hour

7.7

TV Series

Self

1964

1 episode

 

Lucille Ball and Art Linkletter in House Party (1952)

House Party

6.9

TV Series

Self

1961

1 episode

 

Ed Sullivan in The Ed Sullivan Show (1948)

The Ed Sullivan Show

7.9

TV Series

Self - Marionette Act

1959

1 episode

 

The Jimmy Wheeler Show

TV Series

Self

1956

1 episode

 

The Kate Smith Hour (1950)

The Kate Smith Hour

6.2

TV Series

Self - puppeteer

1954

1 episode

 

Lorraine Bayly obit

Beloved Aussie TV icon Lorraine Bayly dies age 89

A beloved figure on Australian TV screens has died aged 89. 

She was not on the list.

Beloved Australian actress Lorraine Bayly AM has died aged 89.

The Sullivans star’s death was confirmed to 2GB on Saturday by her close friend and journalist Craig Bennett on behalf of her family.

Bayly died in a Sydney care home on Saturday morning.

She was best known for her role as Grace Sullivan in The Sullivans, which ran from 1976 to 1983, as well as her time as a presenter on popular children’s show Playschool and a guest role on Neighbours.

After leaving The Sullivans, Bayly took a starring role in Carson’s Law that was written specifically for her, playing solicitor Jennifer Carson.

She won Silver Logies for most popular actress for both The Sullivans and Carson’s Law.

In an emotional post to social media, Mr Bennett said Bayly was a “showbiz legend, a bona fide star of stage and screen, a triple Logie winning TV treasure and beautiful friend to many”, noting she had only retired 10 years ago.

He said her love of the arts had been strong from a young age. As a child in Narrandera, she would cloak herself in the curtains and sing and dance around, before training more formally at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre in the 1950s.

Despite an illustrious television career, Mr Bennett said Bayly’s “big love” was the stage, where she starred in more than 50 plays and musicals.

Bayly turned 89 last month, and had been enjoying her retirement by spending time with her nephew Brad, his wife Janelle and their children on the family’s macadamia farm at Maclean Ridge.

She never slowed down though, Mr Bennett said, using all of her years to their full potential.

“Every decade Lorraine would learn something new, from playing tennis to the saxophone, to ballroom dancing,” he said.

“Vale to a most kind, remarkable and beautiful person.

“After years of gruelling health issues, she’s now free and off onto her next wild adventure. Big block of chocolate in hand! LB was a self confessed chocoholic!”

Actress

To My One and Only

Short

Doris

2015

 

Locks of Love (2014)

Locks of Love

6.9

Doris

2014

 

Miranda Otto, Craig McLachlan, and Peter O'Brien in Through My Eyes (2004)

Through My Eyes

7.6

TV Mini Series

Avis

2004

2 episodes

 

Pizza (2000)

Pizza

7.4

TV Series

The Fairy

2001

1 episode

 

Michael Craig and Denise Roberts in G.P. (1989)

G.P.

7.5

TV Series

Pat Stoppard

1995

1 episode

 

Neighbours (1985)

Neighbours

5.7

TV Series

Faye Hudson

1991–1992

58 episodes

 

John Wood in Rafferty's Rules (1987)

Rafferty's Rules

7.3

TV Series

Gwen Forster

1988–1990

2 episodes

 

Penny Cook, Lorrae Desmond, Grant Dodwell, Shane Porteous, Syd Heylen, Anne Tenney, Brian Wenzel, and Shane Withington in A Country Practice (1981)

A Country Practice

6.8

TV Series

Jean Richmond

1989

2 episodes

 

Home Brew

TV Movie

Edna Eustace

1989

 

Grim Pickings (1989)

Grim Pickings

7.6

TV Mini Series

Betsy Tender

1989

2 episodes

 

The Challenge (1986)

The Challenge

7.8

TV Mini Series

Eileen Bond

1986

6 episodes

 

Lorraine Bayly in Carson's Law (1983)

Carson's Law

8.2

TV Series

Jennifer Carson

1983–1984

184 episodes

 

1915 (1982)

1915

7.2

TV Mini Series

Helen Gilchrist

1982

4 episodes

 

The Man from Snowy River (1982)

The Man from Snowy River

7.2

Rosemary Hume

1982

 

Lorraine Bayly, Paul Cronin, Susan Hannaford, Andrew McFarlane, Richard Morgan, and Steven Tandy in The Sullivans (1976)

The Sullivans

6.9

TV Series

Grace Sullivan

1976–1980

594 episodes

 

Fatty Finn (1980)

Fatty Finn

6.6

Maggie McGrath

1980

 

Case for the Defence (1978)

Case for the Defence

6.4

TV Series

Sister Barrett

1978

1 episode

 

Play School (1966)

Play School

7.5

TV Series

1976

1 episode

 

Ride a Wild Pony (1975)

Ride a Wild Pony

6.1

Mrs. Ellison

1975

 

Grigor Taylor in Silent Number (1974)

Silent Number

5.8

TV Series

Jackson

1974

1 episode

 

Spyforce (1971)

Spyforce

6.7

TV Series

Julia Carpenter

1971

1 episode

 

Homicide (1964)

Homicide

7.7

TV Series

Audrey ShepherdMargaret StevensJennifer Tracy ...

1967–1971

4 episodes

 

The Link Men (1970)

The Link Men

TV Series

1970

1 episode

 

The Rovers (1969)

The Rovers

8.1

TV Series

Virginia Shaw

1970

1 episode

 

Division 4 (1969)

Division 4

8.3

TV Series

Linda SzaboJenny Noble

1969

2 episodes

 

Hunter (1967)

Hunter

8.5

TV Series

Karen SavageSharon ReidDiana Mannering

1967–1968

4 episodes

 

The Interpretaris (1966)

The Interpretaris

TV Mini Series

Vera Balovna

1966

6 episodes

 

Jack Allan, Gordon Glenwright, Sean Scully, and Jacki Weaver in Be Our Guest (1966)

Be Our Guest

TV Series

Lorraine

1966

 

Self

Sunday Night (2009)

Sunday Night

4.7

TV Series

Self - Interviewee

2018

1 episode

 

The Jewel of the Mountains (2015)

The Jewel of the Mountains

TV Movie

Self - Narrator

2015

 

When the Queen Came to Town (2014)

When the Queen Came to Town

Self - Story teller

2014

 

Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (2009)

Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation

7.5

TV Series

Self

2011

1 episode

 

20 to 1 (2005)

20 to 1

5.7

TV Series

Self - Actress

2006–2010

7 episodes

 

Gary Day, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, and Norman Yemm in Homicide... 30 Years On (1994)

Homicide... 30 Years On

8.4

TV Movie

Self

1994

 

New Faces

TV Series

Self - Judge

1992–1993

 

Michael Parkinson in Parkinson in Australia (1979)

Parkinson in Australia

6.4

TV Series

Self

1983

2 episodes

 

Mike Willesee and Pro Hart in This Is Your Life (1975)

This Is Your Life

6.5

TV Series

Self

1979

1 episode

 

Sammy Awards 1979

TV Special

Self - Compere

1979

 

Play School (1966)

Play School

7.5

TV Series

Self

1966–1979

157 episodes

 

Muhammad Ali and Bert Newton in The 21st Annual TV Week Logie Awards (1979)

The 21st Annual TV Week Logie Awards

TV Special

Self - Silver Logie Winner

1979

 

Capriccio!

TV Series

Self

1978–1980

 

The 11th Annual TV Week Logie Awards (1969)

The 20th Annual TV Week Logie Awards

TV Special

Self - Silver Logie Winner

1978

 

Mike Walsh and Marcia Hines in Sammy Awards 1977 (1977)

Sammy Awards 1977

TV Special

Self

1977

 

Play School (1964)

Play School

7.0

TV Series

Self - Presenter (as Lorraine Bailey)

1972

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

Walt Disney in The Magical World of Disney (1954)

The Magical World of Disney

8.3

TV Series

James' Wife (archive footage)

1979

2 episodes

Stage

 

Year     Production       Role     Venue / company        Ref.

1954    The Desert Song                     Rockdale Town Hall with Australian Light Opera Company

1958    Variations on Similar Themes             Cammeray Children's Library, Theatre Institute, Sydney with Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1958–1960      The Man          Ruth    Theatre Institute, Sydney, Ensemble Theatre, Sydney          

1959    The Drunkard  The Child        Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1960    Miss Lonelyhearts       Lead role        

1961    The Buffalo Skinner   The Mother    

1962    Fairytales of New York           All female roles          

1963    The Season at Sarsaparilla      Judy Pogson    Theatre Royal, Sydney with J. C. Williamson's / Elizabethan Theatre Trust      

The Tiger / The Typists           Stage manager Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1963–1964      Mary, Mary     Tiffany Richards         Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Theatre Royal Sydney, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide & New Zealand tour with J. C. Williamson's   

1964    The Rehearsal Lead role         Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

Cages: Snow Angel / Epiphany          Stage manager

1965    Invitation to a March             

Chase Me Comrade     Nancy Rimmington     Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Theatre Royal Sydney with J. C. Williamson's          

1966    The Shadow of a Gunman                  Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1968    The Rimers of Eldritch                      

1968–1969      An Enemy of the People                    

1969    The Daughter-in-Law Lead role        

Come Laughing Home           Lead role        

1970    We Bombed in New Haven    Lead role         Monash University, Playhouse, Canberra with Ensemble Theatre, Sydney         

Three Months Gone    Anna   Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1971    Who Killed Santa Claus?                    Phillip Theatre, Sydney with J. C. Williamson's        

1973    Suddenly at Home      Sheila Wallis   Comedy Theatre Melbourne with J. C. Williamson's 

Queen of the Rebels    Lead role         Marian St Theatre, Sydney    

1974    Who's Who     Lead role         Ensemble Theatre, Sydney, Theatre 62, Adelaide     

1975    The Male of the Species                     Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Elizabethan Theatre, Sydney, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide with J. C. Williamson's 

1976    Status Quo Vadis         Mrs Elgin        Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1980–1981      The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Mona Stangley            Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne with Cooke Hayden Price      

1984–1985      Play Memory               Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1985    Same Time, Next Year            Doris   Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1987    The Gingerbread Lady            Evy Meara       Universal Theatre Theatre Royal, Hobart, Ensemble Theatre           

1989–1990      Lipstick Dreams                      Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney, Monash University, Melbourne, Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane       

1991    Another Time  Belle    Marian St Theatre, Sydney    

1991    Gaslight           Mrs Manningham        Australian tour with Theatre of Comedy       

1992    Dear Liar         Mrs Patrick Campbell Monash University, Geelong Arts Centre with Malcolm C Cooke & Associates  

1994    Mixed Emotions                      Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

1995    The Last Yankee                    

1996    Rough Justice  Prosecutor Margaret Casely   

1997    Death of a Salesman   Linda Loman   Sydney Opera House with Ensemble Theatre, Sydney         

1998    Blinded by the Sun                

1999    The Shoe-Horn Sonata            Sheila 

2000    Travelling North                     University of Sydney with Ensemble Theatre, Sydney         

2001    The Oldest Profession Vera     Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

The Chalk Garden                   Glen St Theatre, Sydney with The Actors' Forum     

2002    Brighton Beach Memoirs                    Sydney with The Actors' Forum        

2003    Birthrights       Margaret          Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Ensemble Theatre, Sydney           

2007    Rabbit Hole     Nat      Ensemble Theatre, Sydney, Playhouse, Canberra     

2010    Calendar Girls Jessie   Lyric Theatre, Brisbane Ensemble Theatre, Sydney, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne      

2012    When Dad Married Fury        Judy     Ensemble Theatre, Sydney, Theatre Royal, Sydney  

2015    The Shoe-Horn Sonata            Sheila  Ensemble Theatre, Sydney    

2015–2016      The Sound of Music    Frau Schmidt   Australian national tour

Danny Seagren obit

Danny Seagren Dies: ‘Sesame Street’ Star & First Live-Action Spider-Man, Was 81

 

He was not on the list.

Danny Seagren, a Jim Henson puppeteer who played Big Bird on Sesame Street and portrayed the first live-action Spider-Man on The Electric Company, has died age 81.

Seagren died on November 10, according to his family. There was no cause of death stated.

Seagren, who was born on November 15, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN, was both a puppeteer and puppet maker for Jim Henson.

Along with being Ernie’s right hand, the Muppet maker also starred as Big Bird on several episodes of Sesame Street, as well as playing the tall bird during live shows as well as on The Ed Sullivan Show.

He also created puppets for series including Miss Peach, the comic that was adapted as an animated segment on ABC preschool series Curiosity Shop, CBS kids show Captain Kangaroo and PBS’ Who’s Afraid Of Opera, which starred Joan Sutherland.

Seagren was also television’s first Spider-Man, starring as the famed web slinger on The Electric Company, the PBS series that starred Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman and was produced by Sesame Workshop predecessor Children’s Television Workshop.

Other credits include Tales from Muppetland, The Great Santa Claus Switch and The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant.

“Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” his family wrote online.

Seagren is survived by longtime companion, Kate Vereau, his brother Dr. Stephen L. Seagren, his wife Jill R. Seagren, and their son, his nephew Sean G. Seagren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

 

Actor

Sesame Street (1969)

Sesame Street

8.1

TV Series

Father BasketballMuppet PerformerBig Bird

1969–1986

33 episodes

 

Spidey Super Stories (1974)

Spidey Super Stories

5.7

TV Series

Spider-Man

1974–1977

29 episodes

 

The Electric Company (1971)

The Electric Company

8.2

TV Series

Spider-Man

1974–1977

390 episodes

 

Who's Afraid of Opera?

TV Series

Rudi (voice)

1972–1973

8 episodes

 

Tales from Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen (1972)

Tales from Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen

7.4

TV Movie

Additional Muppet Performer (voice)

1972

 

Tales from Muppetland: The Frog Prince (1971)

Tales from Muppetland: The Frog Prince

7.9

TV Movie

Muppet Performer

1971

 

The Great Santa Claus Switch (1970)

The Great Santa Claus Switch

7.2

TV Movie

GloatSnarlSnerf (voice)

1970

 

Additional Crew

Tom Selleck, Lily Tomlin, Alice Dinnean, Shari Lewis, Noel MacNeal, Bob West, Lamb Chop, Philip D. Garcia, and Wenqian Wan in Barney & Friends (1992)

Kids for Character

7.6

Video

muppet designer

1996

 

The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant

Video

animal design consultant (animal construction)

1981

 

Tales from Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen (1972)

Tales from Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen

7.4

TV Movie

additional muppet performer

1972

 

Puppetry

New

Miss Peach of the Kelly School (1982)

Miss Peach of the Kelly School

7.3

TV Series

puppet designer

1982

 

Archive Footage

Jim Henson: Idea Man (2024)

Jim Henson: Idea Man

7.7

Self - Muppet Performer (archive footage, uncredited)

2024

 

Celebrating Marvel's Stan Lee (2019)

Celebrating Marvel's Stan Lee

8.0

TV Special

Self - Spider-Man (archive footage)

2019

 

Brian Unger in In Their Own Words (2015)

In Their Own Words

7.2

TV Series

Muppet Performer (archive footage, uncredited)

2015

1 episode

 

Personal details

Born

November 15, 1943Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA

Died

November 10, 2025Little River, South Carolina, USA(undisclosed)