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Shari & Lamb Chop

Play trailer 2:38 Poster for Shari & Lamb Chop Now Playing 1h 32m Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 19 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Before Fred Rogers and Jim Henson, there was Shari Lewis, a children's television pioneer whose whimsical characters and ebullient spirit have guided generations of children as they came of age. Raised in the Bronx by a proud feminist mother and a professor father who moonlighted as Peter Pan the Magic Man, Shari became a multitalented dancer, singer, and magician. But when an injury sidelined her dance aspirations, she channeled her creativity into a passion for ventriloquism, creating the now beloved sock puppet characters Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. From her early years of TV success to the crush of her show's cancellation to her 1990s comeback in her 60s, Lisa D'Apolito's heartfelt doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist whose talent and perseverance stand as a testament to women's power and forever changed the landscape of children's entertainment. Featuring interviews with ventriloquists inspired by Lewis alongside nostalgia-rich clips and home movies, this vibrant portrait brims with the same warmth, wit, and magic that defined her, celebrating the power of imagination and the inner child within.
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Shari & Lamb Chop

Critics Reviews

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Alissa Wilkinson New York Times Shari & Lamb Chop is a charming introduction to a remarkable artist and the characters she created, which have endured across generations because they reflect the playfulness at the heart of their creator. Jul 18, 2025 Full Review Kate Erbland IndieWire [Offers] a new way into Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, one that somehow delivers the facts with the kind of showmanship only Lewis could offer. Rated: B Jul 17, 2025 Full Review Miyako Pleines Spectrum Culture Whether you remember Shari Lewis and her shows or not, director Lisa Dapolito has set out to make sure that you never forget one of America’s best and most beloved children’s show hosts — or her iconic lamb puppet. Jul 24, 2025 Full Review Erik Childress Movie Madness Podcast Sesame Street, Jim Henson and Mr. Rogers all got their documentaries. It is about time Shari Lewis finally got hers. Rated: 3/4 Jul 23, 2025 Full Review Neely Swanson Easy Reader (California) An educator to the end, the surprising Ms. Lewis was more than the sum of her parts and we were the benefactors. Jul 22, 2025 Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots A loving portrait of an entertainer, innovator, and perfectionist whose legacy is far richer than most remember. Jul 21, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Deborah H I liked it! Shari Lewis was so groundbreaking! Good movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Kady Really enjoy learning about her and her accomplishments and struggles. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Dave R This wonderful documentary celebrates a phenomenally talented entertainer and educator. Shari Lewis and her "friends" have delighted audiences for many decades and her legacy lives on. I would have appreciated another 30 minutes of details about this amazing artist. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/29/25 Full Review Peter B A really wonderful and heartwarming film. Shari Lewis was really so talented and touched so many people. I know it brought me back to my childhood and the film is such a great portrait of a talented artist who brought joy to so many. Really enjoyed the movie and the emotional ride. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Ranny L Shari & Lamb Chop is a joyful, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring documentary that honors a true pioneer of children’s entertainment. Director Lisa D’Apolito captures not only Shari Lewis’ incredible talent and groundbreaking contributions to television, but also her resilience, creativity, and the heartfelt connection she maintained with generations of children. This documentary isn’t just a tribute, it’s a celebration of imagination, perseverance, and the enduring magic of storytelling. What I love most about Shari & Lamb Chop 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. 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. 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’s 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. 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. The archival clips of Shari’s 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. The message of this documentary is powerful: women can lead, innovate, and inspire, even in industries that underestimate them. It also reminds us of the value in treating children as intelligent and imaginative individuals, something Shari Lewis always believed in. There is no inappropriate content, and it promotes creativity, curiosity, and perseverance, making it perfect for families and classrooms. I give Shari & Lamb Chop 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. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review Stephen C Real footage in 1 hour and 32 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $3,600.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Shari Lewis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Shari & Lamb Chop

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Movie Info

Synopsis Before Fred Rogers and Jim Henson, there was Shari Lewis, a children's television pioneer whose whimsical characters and ebullient spirit have guided generations of children as they came of age. Raised in the Bronx by a proud feminist mother and a professor father who moonlighted as Peter Pan the Magic Man, Shari became a multitalented dancer, singer, and magician. But when an injury sidelined her dance aspirations, she channeled her creativity into a passion for ventriloquism, creating the now beloved sock puppet characters Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. From her early years of TV success to the crush of her show's cancellation to her 1990s comeback in her 60s, Lisa D'Apolito's heartfelt doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist whose talent and perseverance stand as a testament to women's power and forever changed the landscape of children's entertainment. Featuring interviews with ventriloquists inspired by Lewis alongside nostalgia-rich clips and home movies, this vibrant portrait brims with the same warmth, wit, and magic that defined her, celebrating the power of imagination and the inner child within.
Director
Lisa Dapolito
Producer
Lisa Dapolito, Nicholas Ferrall, Cassidy Hartmann, Morris Ruskin, Douglas Warner
Screenwriter
Lisa Dapolito, Cassidy Hartmann, Andrea Lewis
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Production Co
The 51 Fund, 3 Faces Films, Olive Hill Media, White Horse Pictures, MoJo Global Arts
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 18, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$11.8K
Runtime
1h 32m
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