search
Get Started
search
Zippy - Puppetry
zoom_in Click to enlarge

Zippy

description Zippy Overview

Zippy is a widely recognized hand puppet character from the long-running British children's television series Rainbow, which aired from 1972 to 1997. He is physically distinguished by his large, oval head and a prominent zip that serves as his mouth. Known for his loud, talkative, and often arrogant personality, Zippy frequently causes trouble and argues with the other puppets and the human presenters. When he becomes too disruptive, his friends frequently silence him by pulling the zip shut across his face.

help Zippy FAQ

What TV show is Zippy the puppet from?

Zippy is a loud and opinionated puppet character from the British children's television series Rainbow. The show originally aired on the ITV network from 1972 to 1997.

Why does Zippy have a zip for a mouth?

Zippy has a zip-fastened mouth so the human characters, Geoffrey and George, can physically zip him shut when he talks too much. This was a recurring comedic gag on the show to manage his loud personality.

Who was the puppeteer for Zippy on Rainbow?

Zippy was originally voiced and operated by Peter Hawkins, but he is most famously associated with Roy Skelton. Roy Skelton provided Zippy's voice and also voiced the pink hippo character, George.

Is Zippy from Rainbow actually a puppet or a costume?

Zippy is a large puppet with an extremely large head and a small, puppeteer-controlled body. The character has a distinctive orange appearance and is considered a pop culture icon in the United Kingdom.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Track changes
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare