Shari Lewis was an actress, singer, dancer and ventriloquist best known for her loveable sidekick sock puppet, Lamb Chop. The daughter of a magician, Shari’s father encouraged her to rebel against the plethora of small, supporting female roles of the time and flourish into the star she was born to become. Her fascinating life and career, with all its highs and lows, is the subject of the new documentary, Shari & Lamb Chop. Offscreen Central’s Cassie Hager caught up with director Lisa D’Apolito ahead of the movie’s premiere at the 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival at the historic Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Cassie Hager: Thanks so much for speaking with me! I’ve heard a lot about this movie, and I think it’s because we all have such a personal connection to Lamb Chop and to Shari in one way or another. What is your history with Shari and her cast of characters?
Lisa D’Apolito: Shari was really popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and then again in the ‘90s with Lamb Chop’s Play-Along. I was sort of in between those, so I didn’t grow up with Shari. I knew her from Hollywood Squares and interviews and things like that. When I started learning more about her and her 60-year career, I was amazed.

Cassie Hager: What do you think it is about her that makes her so fascinating to people?
Lisa D’Apolito: Well besides Lambchop, and her being the greatest ventriloquist of all time, she was a pioneer in television. Her show started in the ‘50s, so she and Lucille Ball were really some of the first female television producers ever.

Cassie Hager: She really was a pioneer for all women. Who would you say is the target audience for this movie?
Lisa D’Apolito: It’s interesting, because as I show the film I start to see who the audience is, and it’s very multi-generational. People are taking their mothers to see it because their mothers were fans of Shari. But I also hear people are taking their teenage daughters to teach them about this amazing woman. So, I know every filmmaker says their movie is for everyone, but I really do think this is a multi-generational audience.

Cassie Hager: Is this your first time in Milwaukee? How are you liking it and the festival?
Lisa D’Apolito: This is my first time! It’s beautiful. People are so nice and this theater is amazing. I had another movie called Love, Gilda, that played here a couple years ago, and I couldn’t make it. So I’m glad I’m here!

Shari & Lamb Chop has a runtime of 92 minutes and features interviews with magician David Copperfield, comedian Sarah Sherman, and Shari’s daughter, Mallory. For more information on screenings, you can visit shariandlambchopdoc.com.