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Title: Inside Shari Lewis’ Two Marriages: How the Lamb Chop Ventriloquist’s Husbands Shaped Her Career
Shari Lewis, the beloved American ventriloquist, puppeteer, and children’s television host, is best remembered for bringing the adorable sock puppet Lamb Chop to life. But behind the scenes, Lewis’ personal life—particularly her two marriages—played a significant role in shaping her career and creative legacy.
Who Was Shari Lewis?
– Born Phyllis Naomi Hurwitz on January 17, 1933, in New York City
– Daughter of Abraham Hurwitz, a magician and New York’s official “Magician Laureate”
– Trained in music, dance, and theater from a young age
– Gained national fame in the 1950s and 60s with her television shows featuring puppets Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, and Hush Puppy
– Won multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for her contributions to children’s programming
– Passed away in 1998 at the age of 65 after a battle with uterine cancer
Shari Lewis’ First Marriage: A Brief Chapter
Lewis’ first marriage was relatively short-lived and remains less documented in the public eye. While little is known about her first husband, the relationship occurred early in her career and ended in divorce. This period, however, marked a time of intense professional growth for Lewis as she began developing her unique brand of educational entertainment.
Second Marriage: A Creative Partnership
In 1958, Shari Lewis married Jeremy Tarcher, a publisher and writer who would become a pivotal figure in her life and work. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1998 and was marked by deep collaboration and mutual respect.
Jeremy Tarcher: A Brief Biography
– Born in 1932, Jeremy Tarcher was a successful book publisher and the brother of novelist Judith Krantz
– Founded Jeremy P. Tarcher Inc., a publishing house known for self-help and spiritual titles
– Played a key role in supporting Lewis’ creative endeavors, both emotionally and professionally
Together, Lewis and Tarcher co-wrote dozens of children’s books and television scripts. Tarcher often helped shape the educational content of Lewis’ shows, ensuring they were both entertaining and enriching for young audiences.
How Her Marriages Influenced Her Career
Shari Lewis’ personal relationships, particularly her second marriage, had a profound impact on her career trajectory:
– Emotional Support: Tarcher provided a stable home life, allowing Lewis to focus on her creative work
– Creative Collaboration: The couple worked together on numerous projects, blending their talents in writing and performance
– Business Acumen: Tarcher’s experience in publishing helped Lewis navigate the business side of television and book deals
Notable Career Highlights
– Hosted The Shari Lewis Show (1960–1963), a hit children’s program on NBC
– Revived her career in the 1990s with Lamb Chop’s Play-Along and The Charlie Horse Music Pizza on PBS
– Authored over 60 children’s books, many co-written with Tarcher
– Advocated for educational television and the importance of imagination in childhood development
Fun Facts About Shari Lewis
– Lamb Chop was originally created in 1957 and became an instant hit with audiences
– Lewis performed all her puppet characters herself, mastering the art of ventriloquism
– She was also a skilled musician, often incorporating violin and piano into her performances
Legacy
Shari Lewis’ legacy lives on through her daughter, Mallory Lewis, who continues to perform with Lamb Chop today. Her work remains a shining example of how creativity, education, and love can come together to create something truly timeless.
In summary, Shari Lewis’ marriages—especially her enduring partnership with Jeremy Tarcher—were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of her groundbreaking career. Their union was not just a marriage of hearts but also of minds, resulting in a legacy that continues to inspire generations of children and families.