Mallory Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mallory Lewis
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Lewis with Lamb Chop at Kadena Air Base in 2004
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Mallory Hurwitz Tarcher
July 8, 1962 New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | Mally Lewis Mally Tarcher |
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| Years active | 1991–present |
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| Children | Jamie Tarcher Hood |
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| Relatives | Judith Krantz (paternal aunt) |
Mallory Lewis is an American writer, TV producer, ventriloquist, and puppeteer. She was born on July 8, 1962. Today, she brings the famous sock puppet, Lamb Chop, to life. Lamb Chop was created by Mallory's mother, the amazing ventriloquist Shari Lewis.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Mallory Lewis was born as Mallory Tarcher in New York City. She grew up in a Jewish family. Her parents were Jeremy Tarcher (who lived from 1932 to 2015) and Shari Lewis (who lived from 1933 to 1998). Shari Lewis was the brilliant creator of the beloved puppet, Lamb Chop. Mallory shared a special bond with Lamb Chop from a young age, even sleeping with the puppet.
Mallory Lewis's Career Journey
Mallory Lewis worked closely with her mother on popular TV shows. She was a producer for Lamb Chop's Play-Along and The Charlie Horse Music Pizza. Her father, Jeremy Tarcher, also helped with Shari Lewis's shows on PBS.
Continuing the Legacy of Lamb Chop
After her mother passed away in 1998, Mallory decided that Lamb Chop should continue to entertain fans. This decision was supported by her family and a good family friend, Dom DeLuise. In 2009, Mallory began performing with Lamb Chop herself. Around this time, she changed her last name to Lewis to honor her mother.
Mallory has the same hand size as her mother, which helps her bring Lamb Chop to life. Lamb Chop is known for being "sassy," but always remembers to say "please" and "thank you." Mallory once said she didn't want to try to be as great as her mother. Instead, she wanted to do everything she could to keep Lamb Chop going.
Discovering a Special Talent
Mallory had never tried to do Lamb Chop's voice before. However, when she accepted an award for her mother, she performed with the puppet. To her surprise, she found she could do Lamb Chop's voice perfectly without moving her lips, just like her mother. This is a special skill called ventriloquism.
Writing and Other Creative Works
Besides performing, Mallory Lewis is also a talented writer of children's books. Some of her books feature a baby orangutan character named Zoey. Mallory also performs with a puppet of Zoey.
Giving Back: Charity and Support
Mallory Lewis performs often for groups that support the military, like the USO and the Fisher House Foundation. She also performs at arts centers and state fairs across the country.
In 2002, Mallory helped raise $275,000 for a brain cancer program at UCLA. She also helped start Jump For The Cause, a women's skydiving group. This group has raised almost $2 million for breast cancer research. Mallory is also on the board of the Blue Ribbon, a support group for the Los Angeles Music Center.
The Future of Lamb Chop
Before Shari Lewis passed away, she sold most of the rights to Lamb Chop. These rights are now held by DreamWorks Classics. However, Mallory still owns the rights to perform live with Lamb Chop. She hopes to bring Lamb Chop back to television one day.
Lamb Chop's Legacy Continues with Family
The tradition of Lamb Chop continues with Mallory's son, James Abraham Tarcher Hood. James often travels with his mother as her road manager. He helps with things like setting up sound equipment and selling merchandise. James is also the only person, besides Shari and Mallory, who has ever performed as Lamb Chop. Mallory shared that Lamb Chop is very real in his life, just as she was in hers.
Awards and Recognition
Mallory Lewis has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series. She has also been nominated for this award many times. She and her mother even shared an Emmy Award together.
