Something I've wondered...

[D'Snowth]

You know, the Muppets still went on, and are still going strong after Jim Henson's death. How come the same didn't happen with Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy, and Charlie Horse after Shari Lewis's death?

 

[SesameKermie]

The Muppets never really showed Jim as a character in the series. (Aside from as a puppet.) Part of Lamb Chop and her friend's charm was that they interacted with Shari as well as each other. When she died, one of the characters in the group died with her. The Muppets found replacements for their voices, but it is considerably harder to replace a human character.

 

[Vic Romano]

That and I think the Muppets are a huge conglomorate compared to Lamb Chop. I doubt Lamb Chop ever reached the world-wide audience the Muppets did as well as I don't think LC even got close to being multimillion dollar assetts like the Muppets.

 

[Phantom]

Also, consider single performer vs. multiple performers. There were a few people that helped in what Shari Lewis did, but not nearly the scope. There was really no one to carry on. Factor in what SK and Vic said and the dream just dies.

Shoot, if JHC passed with Jim, then look at the amount of assets that would have to have been re-organized and distributed. Same thing with Henry Ford or anyone that has dared to make it big. What would have happened to the Walt Disney corporation in 1966 if it was just well known but not hugenormous?

 

[Was Once Ernie]

Actually, Shari's daughter, Mallory Tarcher, is trying to carry on her mother's work. I've seen Mallory perform Lamb Chop and she's very good! She's a really nice lady, too.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

I would love to see Lamb Chop come back! Even if it isn't with the "human." Hushpuppy always cracked me up.

 

[wes]

WHoa Whoa Whoa, Lamb Chop Is still in use Sherri Lewis's Daugher is doing the puppet in stage Preformance. Read Here:
http://jumprunproductions.com/lc6.htm

 

[D'Snowth]

I find Shari Lewis and her work inspiring as well. Sometimes I like to see some other works of puppetry besides the muppets to get inspiration: Edgar Bergen, Sid and Marty Krofft (though I don't do drugs), etc. I also found it amazing when I first discovered that Shari was also a ventriloquist, I spent WEEKS trying to talk without moving my lips...I remember she said certain likes like "b's" are done with your tongue and the roof of your mouth...but still I just couldn't do it. I kinda wish PBS would still air some re-runs of Charlie Horse's Music Pizza.

 

[Phantom]

Actually, Shari's daughter, Mallory Tarcher, is trying to carry on her mother's work. I've seen Mallory perform Lamb Chop and she's very good! She's a really nice lady, too.

News to me. Good for her.

Not widely publicized.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

WHoa Whoa Whoa, Lamb Chop Is still in use Sherri Lewis's Daugher is doing the puppet in stage Preformance. Read Here:
http://jumprunproductions.com/lc6.htm

Awesome article! Thanks for sharing that!

Who's with me: Time for a new TV show and a movie??