Shari Lewis

Shari Lewis was a ventriloquist, actress, and puppeteer who was considered a pioneer of children's puppetry, according to the Wiki. She is best known for performing her three famous characters, Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, and Hush Puppy for many years. Shari hasn't really worked with the Muppets but she guest starred on an episode of Sesame Street with Lamb Chop. Lewis at least got to be with Caroll Spinney and Louise Gold for that appearance. She starred in three of her most famous shows, The Shari Lewis Show, Lamb Chop's Play-Along, and The Charlie Horse Music Pizza. Two out of the three shows featured Fraggle Rock performers Gordon Robertson, Lee Armstrong, and Nikki Tilroe, in addition to one-time Muppet puppeteer Pat Brymer. I read that when Jim Henson died in 1990, Shari Lewis was interviewed by USA Today, and said "He raised puppeteering to an art form beyond people who just jiggle dolls." She and Lamb Chop were also featured in a celebrity "Alphabet Song" rendition on that same season they guest starred on. She has made appearances in many live shows with her three known characters for many years before Lamb Chop's Play Along and has won awards. Sadly, Shari's life did not last long, because in 1998 she died of pneumonia that resulted in The Charlie Horse Music Pizza getting canceled. Lewis' characters Charlie Horse & Hush Puppy were retired, but not Lamb Chop for her daughter Mallory Lewis inherited the role of Lamb Chop to keep her character going. I'm sure she's watching her daughter from above and is very proud of her. But Lamb Chop just isn't the same without her original performer. Shari Lewis, you made millions of children so happy with your characters. No wonder Sesame Street got beaten by you at two awards. The world still misses you, but your spirit will always be in children's hearts. I bid you a good farewell Shari. Always watch from heaven Lewis!

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