Rainbow presenter and second dad to a generation of kids, Geoffrey Hayes, has died aged 76.
A jobbing actor in the sixties and seventies (appearing in shows like Z-Cars), Geoffrey’s big break came when he was offered the chance to replace presenter David Cook on Rainbow. He often said in interviews that he thought it would only be a six week job; little did he know he’d go on to become such a cultural icon.
By all accounts mostly playing himself on Rainbow, Geoffrey entertained kids for three decades while somehow managing to be a single dad to Bungle, Zippy and George. His acting chops were frequently on display too, with such varied roles as The Joker to Zippy’s Batman, elderly women, and his own evil uncle, “Uncle Bill Grumpy”. His wonderfully relaxed and inclusive presenting style was a perfect match for Rainbow, and enabled him to teach viewers life lessons on topics ranging from looking after pets to nature conservation to learning about other cultures.
We at Den of Geek just want to say thank you for giving us such wonderful memories Geoffrey.