Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop: The Team That Changed Children's TV

Shari Lewis and her puppet sidekick Lamb Chop entertained generations of children and adults with their symbiotic personalities and song, dance, and silliness. Lewis was an accomplished businesswoman, one of the few women to run her television production company. She spent her 65 years pursuing performative perfection, innovating and adapting to the needs of her audience and the market, and extending the longevity of her career. Her daughter Mallory and author Nat Segaloff have written a seminal biography, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop: The Team that Changed Children's Television, to examine the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and hard work that gave Lewis and Lamb Chop their enduring star power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

For nearly fifty years, celebrated ventriloquist and entertainer Shari Lewis delighted generations of children and adults with the help of her trusted sock puppet sidekick Lamb Chop. For decades, the beloved pair were synonymous with children's television, educating and enchanting their young audience with their symbiotic personalities and their proclivity for song, dance, and the joy of silliness. But as iconic as their television personas were, relatively little inside knowledge has been revealed about Lewis herself and the life-changing moments that led her to the entertainment industry and, perhaps, most importantly, to Lamb Chop. Renowned for her skills as a performer, Lewis was an equally skilled businesswoman. Operating in an era when women were largely left out of the conversation, she was one of the few women to run her own television production company. Whether it was singing, dancing, conducting, writing, drawing, or ventriloquism—a skill in which she was virtually unmatched—Lewis spent the entirety of her 65 years in pursuit of performative perfection. Constantly innovating and adapting to the needs of her audience and the market, Lewis extended the longevity of her career decade after decade. Her contributions, and those of Lamb Chop, and the rest of her puppet pals, forever changed the history of children's television. Now, two decades after Lewis and Lamb Chop last graced television with their presence, Lewis' daughter Mallory and author Nat Segaloff have set the record straight about the iconic pair in Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop: The Team that Changed Children's Television. In this seminal biography, the pair pull the veritable wool from the eyes of audiences who adored the legendary entertainer to examine the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and sheer ha.

Introduction:
Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, the beloved duo that graced television screens for decades, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Their unique blend of humor, education, and puppetry made them a household name, captivating audiences of all ages. In this essay, we will delve into the life and career of Shari Lewis, exploring the factors that shaped her path to fame and the impact she had on the world of children's television.
Early Life and Education:
Shari Lewis was born on March 13, 1946, in New York City. She grew up in a family that valued creativity and performance. Lewis's mother, a singer and dancer, encouraged her daughter to pursue her artistic interests from a young age. She began performing in local theater productions and later studied acting and puppetry at the High School of Performing Arts in New York.
The Beginnings of Lamb Chop:
Lewis's journey into the world of puppetry began when she created Lamb Chop, a small sock puppet with a distinctive voice and personality. Lamb Chop quickly became a star in her own right, appearing on television shows such as The Shari Lewis Show and The Lamb Chop Play-Along. Lewis's ability to bring Lamb Chop to life with her skilled puppetry and infectious personality made the show a hit with children and adults alike.
The Shari Lewis Show:
The Shari Lewis Show, which aired from 1961 to 1968, was one of the most successful children's television programs of its time. The show featured a variety of puppets, including Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, and H.R. Pufnstuf, as well as live animals and human performers. Lewis's energetic and engaging style of storytelling and performance made the show a staple in households across America.
Lamb Chop and the Legacy:
Lamb Chop, in particular, became an iconic figure in children's television. The puppet's mischievous personality, catchy songs, and playful antics made it a favorite among young viewers. Lewis's ability to create a character that was both entertaining and educational made the show a valuable tool for teaching children about a variety of subjects, including language, music, and science.
Shari Lewis as a Performer:
Shari Lewis was not only a puppeteer but also a talented performer in her own right. She sang, danced, and acted on stage, showcasing her versatility and range as an artist. Lewis's commitment to her craft and her ability to connect with her audience made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Shari Lewis as a Businesswoman:
In addition to her success as a performer, Shari Lewis was also a skilled businesswoman. She founded her own television production company, Shari Lewis Productions, which produced a variety of children's television shows and specials. Lewis's determination and perseverance in the face of adversity helped her to achieve her goals and establish herself as a leader in the industry.
Conclusion:
Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop's legacy continues to inspire and entertain generations of children and adults. Their unique combination of humor, education, and puppetry made them a trailblazer in the world of children's television. Lewis's commitment to her craft, her business acumen, and her ability to connect with her audience have left an indelible mark on the history of entertainment. As we look back on their contributions, we are reminded of the power of creativity, imagination, and the joy of sharing our passions with others.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813196268