When Mallory Lewis was just a little girl, Lamb Chop wasn’t just a puppet; she was a trusted confidant. "I could tell Lamb Chop anything," Mallory recalls with a smile. "Whether it was losing my new white sweater at school or something silly I did, Lamb Chop never once tattled on me." In a heartwarming conversation with Closer, Mallory shares her memories of growing up with her iconic mother, Shari Lewis, and the magic of Lamb Chop.
Now, Mallory is the focus of a new documentary, Shari & Lamb Chop, which delves into her mother's extraordinary life, from her early successes to her triumphant comeback in the '90s. "Her story is truly the underdog story," says director Lisa D’Apolito in an interview with Closer. The film celebrates not only Shari's talents but also her unwavering dedication to bringing joy and education to children worldwide.
Shari Lewis was born into a world of artistry and creativity. Her father was a magician who later became a college professor, and her mother was an accomplished pianist and educator. Growing up surrounded by such talent, Shari taught herself ventriloquism as a child. However, her heart was set on acting. It wasn't until the '50s that she began performing with puppets, a decision that would change her life forever.
Read also:Al Roker Cant Handle Jenna Bush Hager And Savannah Guthries Surprise Singalong
Five years after winning first prize on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, Shari introduced Lamb Chop on the beloved children’s show Captain Kangaroo. "She called her father and said, ‘Watch this Saturday, Dad. This is it. This is the magic,’” Mallory fondly remembers. That moment marked the beginning of a legacy that would touch the hearts of millions.
Life with a Legend: Love, Laughter, and Hard Work
Mallory, the daughter of Shari and publisher Jeremy Tarcher, grew up in a bustling household where work and family intertwined seamlessly. "She always worked from home," Mallory explains. "We’d have brief moments of connection—a quick chat here, a laugh there—and then she’d dive back into her work." Despite her demanding schedule, Shari managed to run both a thriving career and a loving home.
Though Shari was the primary breadwinner, she ensured her family never lacked for care or attention. "She didn’t cook, but she always made sure there was dinner on the table," Mallory recalls. "And she didn’t drive—she thought carpooling would waste her time—but she always arranged playdates for me. She was practical yet thoughtful."
Raised by educators, Shari instilled in Mallory a deep respect for learning. "Mom believed children should be encouraged to explore and grow," Mallory says. "She’d tell me, ‘Get off the couch, jump, run, read, learn.’ She had no patience for people who didn’t try. She pushed me to be my best self." This philosophy shaped Mallory’s upbringing and inspired her to carry on her mother’s legacy.
Despite her intense focus, Shari always made time for her daughter. After business trips, she’d often mislead her staff about her return time so she could enjoy quiet moments with Mallory. "She was incredibly fun," Mallory reminisces. "We had a great sense of humor together. We’d laugh until we cried." These cherished memories remind Mallory of the bond they shared.
When Shari passed away from cancer in 1998, Mallory felt compelled to keep Lamb Chop alive. "I kept getting letters asking, ‘Is Lamb Chop dead, too?’" Mallory says. "I couldn’t let that happen." Determined to honor her mother’s legacy, Mallory began performing live shows with Lamb Chop. "People greet me with every ounce of love my mother earned," she says with pride. "It’s a beautiful continuation of her work."
Read also:Ryan Seacrest Opens Up About His Biggest Fear Relationships
A Legacy That Lives On
Through her performances and the new documentary, Mallory ensures that Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop continue to inspire generations of children. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of connection. As Mallory puts it, "Mom was one of the most focused people I’ve ever known, but she also knew how to have fun. That’s the legacy I want to keep alive."
