Shari Lewis (real name Shari Hurwitz) was a popular ventriloquist on the local New York television variety show circuit before NBC introduced her to the rest of the world.
Her series, like many children’s shows of the time, taught kids valuable lessons while simultaneously entertaining them and warming their hearts.
The popularity of the show came partly from the appeal of Shari’s puppets – Hush Puppy, Charlie Horse, and of course the beloved Lamb Chop.
Lewis was not only an adept ventriloquist but was also able to imbue her puppets with a truly lovable quality that kids found irresistible.
Shari had a certain appeal as well, for both kids and adults perceived her as a cute, bubbly, and very non-threatening lady.
Eventually, she went on to win twelve Emmys and the prestigious Peabody award for her work in children’s programming.
Other guests on the show were her large Saint Bernard dog, Jump Pup, and her kindly next-door neighbour, Mr Goodfellow.
Lewis would return to TV in the 1970s with The Shari Show, and again in the ’90s with the very successful Lamb Chop’s Play-Along and The Charlie Horse Music Pizza.
Shari passed away from cancer in 1998, aged 65.
Shari Lewis Herself
Lambchop
Shari Lewis
Hush Puppy
Shari Lewis
Charlie Horse
Shari Lewis
Mr Goodfellow
Ronald Radd
Jump Pup
Jackie Warner
Various
Clive Russell
