{"id":14044,"date":"2025-07-18T11:27:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T18:27:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=14044"},"modified":"2025-07-18T16:10:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T23:10:16","slug":"shari-lamb-chop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/shari-lamb-chop\/","title":{"rendered":"Shari &#038; Lamb Chop * A Joyful, Nostalgic, And Deeply Inspiring Documentary Honoring A True Pioneer Of Children\u2019s Entertainment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14050\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.poster.jpg?resize=133%2C197&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"133\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.poster.jpg?resize=691%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 691w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.poster.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 133px) 100vw, 133px\" \/>Coming-of-age can be difficult, but is always more bearable when you have someone who connects with you on a cellular level. Shari Lewis &#8211; a children\u2019s television pioneer before Fred Rogers, Jim Henson, and others &#8211; was one of those people. She was a dancer, singer, and magician, but was best known as the ventriloquist behind sock puppets Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. This heartfelt and entertaining doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist who forever changed the face of children\u2019s television. Featuring ventriloquists she inspired and nostalgia-laden clips, this upbeat portrait brims, like Lewis, with warmth and charm. \u00a0<em>Shari and Lamb Chop <\/em>is the tonic we all need to reconnect with our inner children, and celebrate pure imagination.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, \u201c<em>Shari &amp; Lamb Chop<\/em> is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children\u2019s entertainment. Director Lisa D\u2019Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis\u2019 incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children.\u201d See her full review and interview with the director and Shari\u2019s daughter, Mallory below.<\/p>\n<p>Shari &amp; Lamb Chop<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 21<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KQ0_AUuGjKo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14048 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.b.jpg?resize=252%2C142&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.b.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.b.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.b.jpg?resize=768%2C431&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.b.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/>Shari &amp; Lamb Chop<\/em> is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children\u2019s entertainment. Director Lisa D\u2019Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis\u2019 incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children.<\/p>\n<p>This documentary isn\u2019t just a tribute, it\u2019s a celebration of imagination, perseverance, and the enduring magic of storytelling.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bXd82jXJpBA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-14046 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.group_.jpg?resize=249%2C166&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"249\" height=\"166\" \/>What I love most about <em>Shari &amp; Lamb Chop<\/em> is how it dives beyond the surface of fame to explore the personal journey of a multi-talented performer. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and rare home movies, the film shows how Shari Lewis redefined what it meant to connect with young audiences, on her own terms and in a male-dominated industry. The documentary balances entertainment and emotion in a way that feels honest and unforgettable.<\/p>\n<p>This documentary is a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling and the legacy of pioneers who paved the way for joy and imagination.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14049\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.a.jpg?resize=154%2C202&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"154\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.a.jpg?resize=229%2C300&amp;ssl=1 229w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.a.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 154px) 100vw, 154px\" \/>The film tells the story of Shari Lewis, a Bronx-born performer who overcame a career-ending dance injury by channeling her creativity into ventriloquism. With her iconic sock puppet Lamb Chop, and other characters like Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy, she rose to national fame as one of the earliest stars in children\u2019s television. The film follows her journey through the highs of early success, the disappointment of cancellation, and her incredible resurgence in the 1990s when she once again captured the hearts of a new generation.<\/p>\n<p>The interviews are a major highlight. Ventriloquists and performers who were inspired by Lewis, as well as her daughter Mallory Lewis, offer touching insights and personal stories.<\/p>\n<p>The archival clips of Shari\u2019s performances are charming and delightful, full of wit, warmth, and timeless energy. One of my favorite parts is seeing Shari backstage, meticulously working on her characters and pushing herself to be better, not for fame, but because she believed in children and what they deserved from entertainment.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-14047 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Shari.Mal_.c.jpg?resize=150%2C209&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"209\" \/>The message of this documentary is powerful: women can lead, innovate, and inspire, even in industries that underestimate them.<\/p>\n<p>It also reminds us of the value in treating children as intelligent and imaginative individuals, something Shari Lewis always believed in.<\/p>\n<p>There is no inappropriate content, and it promotes creativity, curiosity, and perseverance, making it perfect for families and classrooms.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Shari &amp; Lamb Chop<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults who grew up with Lamb Chop or are discovering her magic for the first time. It opens in theaters on July 18, 2025 and will also be available digitally and on home video.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3g7rNMIu8yE?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coming-of-age can be difficult, but is always more bearable when you have someone who connects with you on a cellular level. Shari Lewis &#8211; a children\u2019s television pioneer before Fred Rogers, Jim Henson, and others &#8211; was one of those people. She was a dancer, singer, and magician, but was best known as the ventriloquist behind sock puppets Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. This heartfelt and entertaining doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist who forever changed the face of children\u2019s television. Featuring ventriloquists she inspired and nostalgia-laden clips, this upbeat portrait brims, like Lewis, with warmth and charm.  Shari and Lamb Chop is the tonic we all need to reconnect with our inner children, and celebrate pure imagination.<br \/>\nKIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, \u201cShari &#038; Lamb Chop is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children\u2019s entertainment. Director Lisa D\u2019Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis\u2019 incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[9392,9395,1783,9388,9377,9387,9379,9390,9393,5705,9376,9374,9394,9373,1166,9137,9381,9386,9389,9375,9382,9378,9384,9385,9391,9383,9380],"class_list":["post-14044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-arthur-godfreys-talent-scouts","tag-banana-splits-adventure-hour","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-captain-kangaroo","tag-charlie-horse","tag-childrens-entertainment","tag-childrens-television","tag-childrens-entertainer","tag-facts-nfun","tag-family-entertainment","tag-hush-puppy","tag-lamb-chop","tag-lamb-chops-play-along","tag-mallory-lewis","tag-movie-reviews","tag-nostalgia","tag-puppet","tag-puppet-show","tag-puppeteer","tag-shari-lewis","tag-shari-lewis-lamb-chop","tag-shari-lewis-biography","tag-shari-lewis-show","tag-sock-puppet","tag-tv-show-host","tag-ventriloquism","tag-ventriloquist"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3Ew","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14044"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14055,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14044\/revisions\/14055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}