On this day in 1961, a now-iconic photograph was taken that captured more than just a television moment — it preserved the enduring magic between a pioneering performer and her unforgettable puppet. Shari Lewis and her beloved sidekick Lamb Chop were already household names by then, but the impact of their partnership would echo across generations.
For children growing up in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, the names Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop were inseparable. Lewis, a trailblazing female host in the early days of children’s television, brought warmth, wit, and education into millions of homes through her charming performances and signature puppets. At the heart of her act was Lamb Chop — a sassy, sharp-tongued lamb with a stitched smile and a mind of his own.
Created in 1957, Lamb Chop wasn’t your typical soft-spoken puppet. With his quick comebacks and mischievous humor, he gave children someone to laugh with rather than just laugh at. His chemistry with Lewis was electric, and their banter became the soul of Lewis’ various children’s programs, most notably The Shari Lewis Show, which aired in the 1960s.
What set Lewis apart was her ability to balance education and entertainment. Through music, sketches, and storytelling, she emphasized empathy, curiosity, and ethics — all while keeping children thoroughly engaged. Her work wasn’t just fun; it was formative.
In 1992, Lewis introduced a new generation to her magic with the PBS hit Lamb Chop’s Play-Along. Designed to get kids off the couch and actively participating, the show ran for five years and earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Lamb Chop, now decades old, still felt fresh and relevant — a testament to Lewis’ timeless creativity.
Until her passing in 1998 at the age of 65, Shari Lewis never stopped working to elevate children’s programming. By then, Lamb Chop had become a cultural icon — a puppet who had outgrown the hand that created him, yet remained eternally tethered to Lewis’ spirit.
Shari Lewis didn’t just entertain children — she empowered them. And with Lamb Chop by her side, she left behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and love that continues to resonate with families even today.