From a black-and-white snapshot taken in 1960, a smiling young woman beams at the camera, radiating the charm and warmth that would define her career. She was just 27 at the time, but her journey in show business was already well underway — and soon, her name would be known in households across America. That woman was Shari Lewis: puppeteer, ventriloquist, singer, writer, and beloved children’s entertainer whose voice quite literally brought characters to life.
A Born Performer
Born Phyllis Naomi Hurwitz in The Bronx, New York, in 1933, Shari Lewis was introduced to performance at an early age. Her father, a magician and educator, taught her the fundamentals of showmanship, including ventriloquism, juggling, and music. It was a unique combination of skills that would later become her signature.
She took the stage name “Shari Lewis” and began her career in the 1950s with appearances on local television in New York. She quickly captured the attention of both children and adults with her quick wit, gentle humor, and the magical presence of her puppets — most notably, a lovable lamb named Lamb Chop.
The Rise of Lamb Chop
In 1957, Shari Lewis won first prize on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, a breakthrough that catapulted her into national television. Two years later, The Shari Lewis Show premiered on NBC, introducing the world to her whimsical universe of puppet characters.
At the heart of her act was Lamb Chop, a feisty little sock puppet with long eyelashes, a sharp tongue, and an enormous heart. Lamb Chop wasn’t just a puppet — she was a personality, as real to millions of children as any living creature. With her adorable lisp and clever back-and-forth banter with Lewis, Lamb Chop became an icon of children’s entertainment.
Later, Lamb Chop would be joined by other memorable characters, such as Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy. But it was Lamb Chop who truly stole the spotlight, winning the affection of audiences and eventually earning the title of “the sock puppet with a soul.”
Not Just Child’s Play
Shari Lewis’s talent extended far beyond puppetry. She was a gifted musician who conducted symphony orchestras, a skilled writer who authored over 60 children’s books, and a creative visionary who always insisted on high-quality content for young audiences.
Her television programs were more than entertainment — they offered a safe space for children to laugh, learn, and feel understood. Shari never spoke down to kids. Instead, she treated them with intelligence and respect, a rare trait in children’s programming that earned her both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Her shows won multiple awards, including several Emmys and a Peabody Award, recognizing the positive impact of her work on generations of young viewers.
A Comeback with Meaning
In the early 1990s, after a period away from national television, Shari Lewis returned with Lamb Chop’s Play-Along, a new PBS show that introduced her timeless characters to a new generation. The show emphasized participation, kindness, and creativity, echoing her lifelong commitment to educational entertainment.
The series was a hit, and Shari Lewis was once again a star. Children sang along with the closing song — the endlessly catchy “This is the song that doesn’t end…” — a tune that became something of a cultural phenomenon. But beyond the humor and fun, Lewis was promoting something deeper: imagination, empathy, and the power of stories.
Grace in the Face of Illness
In 1998, Shari Lewis was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Despite the devastating diagnosis, she continued to work, appearing on television and performing with Lamb Chop until just weeks before her passing. Her dedication to her craft, even in the face of illness, was a testament to her passion and love for her audience.
She passed away on August 2, 1998, at the age of 65. Her death was mourned by millions — not just as the loss of a talented performer, but of a cherished figure who had been part of countless childhoods.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Shari Lewis’s legacy endures. Her daughter, Mallory Lewis, has continued to perform with Lamb Chop, ensuring that the character lives on for future generations. In doing so, she honors not just her mother’s memory, but the message Shari Lewis believed in so deeply: that children deserve love, laughter, and learning in equal measure.
In an era filled with flashy digital entertainment, the gentle magic of Shari Lewis remains remarkably powerful. Her blend of heartfelt humor, musical talent, and storytelling brilliance is timeless — a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to create a little wonder is a puppet, a song, and a voice filled with love.
From that vintage 1960 snapshot to her final curtain call, Shari Lewis exemplified the joy of performance and the depth of connection that great entertainers can achieve. Her voice, quite literally, had a magical effect — one that still echoes in the hearts of those who grew up listening.