Shari Lewis Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Shari Lewis began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, honing her skills as a ventriloquist and puppeteer. Born in New York City in 1934, she was the daughter of a prominent puppeteer, which sparked her initial interest in the art form. Lewis’ first public performance was at the age of 10, when she appeared on a local radio show with her father. She continued to develop her craft throughout her teenage years, eventually graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in drama.

Lewis’ big break came in the late 1950s when she was invited to perform on the popular children’s television show, “Captain Kangaroo.” It was here that she introduced her most famous character, Lamb Chop, a soft-spoken, shy, and lovable sheep. The dynamic between Lewis and Lamb Chop quickly became a fan favorite, and the duo soon became regulars on the show. Lewis’ unique talent for bringing her characters to life, combined with her warmth and wit, made her a beloved figure in children’s television.

**Shari Lewis’s Current Net Worth (as of 2025)**

Shari Lewis, the renowned American puppeteer and educator, had an estimated net worth of $10 million by the year 2025. This figure is based on the latest available information, taking into account her successful career in entertainment and education, as well as her various investments and business ventures.

**Career**

Shari Lewis began her career in the 1950s, working as a puppeteer on local television shows. She gained national recognition in the 1960s with her appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Lewis is best known for her children’s television series “The Shari Lewis Show” and “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along,” which aired from 1960 to 1990. She also made numerous guest appearances on various television shows and hosted her own talk show, “Gossip,” in the 1990s.

**Other Ventures**

In addition to her television work, Shari Lewis was a prolific author, having written more than 40 children’s books, many of which featured her popular puppet character, Lamb Chop. She also ventured into music, releasing several children’s albums and even performing at Carnegie Hall. Lewis was also a passionate advocate for early childhood education and founded the Lamb Chop Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing degrees in education.

**Assets**

Shari Lewis’s assets included her extensive collection of puppets, many of which she created herself. She also owned a production company, Shari Lewis Productions, which produced her television shows and other projects. Lewis was a savvy investor, with holdings in stocks, bonds, and real estate. She also owned a home in New York City and a vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard.

**Annual Income**

Shari Lewis’s annual income varied throughout her career, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s when she was at the height of her popularity. At the time of her death in 1998, her annual income was estimated to be around $500,000, primarily from her television work, book royalties, and live performances. Her income also included earnings from licensing and merchandising deals for Lamb Chop and other characters.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Shari Lewis

Frequently Asked Questions: Shari Lewis Net Worth

1. What is Shari Lewis’ net worth?

Shari Lewis’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. How did Shari Lewis make her money?

Shari Lewis made her fortune through her successful career as a puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children’s television host. She created and performed the popular characters Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse on her long-running television show “The Shari Lewis Show”.

3. When did Shari Lewis start her career?

Shari Lewis began her career in the late 1950s, performing at children’s parties and on local television shows.

4. What was Shari Lewis’ most popular character?

Shari Lewis’ most popular character was Lamb Chop, a pink, long-sleeved, fluffy, and friendly lamb puppet. Lamb Chop was the star of “The Shari Lewis Show” and appeared in various other television shows, movies, and specials.

5. Did Shari Lewis win any awards?

Yes, Shari Lewis won several awards throughout her career, including three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program for “The Shari Lewis Show” (1969, 1970, and 1972). She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.

6. How many children did Shari Lewis have?

Shari Lewis had one child, a son named Chris, who is also a puppeteer and ventriloquist. He has carried on his mother’s legacy by performing with Lamb Chop and other characters from “The Shari Lewis Show”.

7. When did Shari Lewis pass away?

Shari Lewis passed away on August 2, 1998, at the age of 65, due to complications from cancer.

8. What was Shari Lewis’ birth name?

Shari Lewis’ birth name was Phyllis Hurwitz. She was born on April 17, 1934, in New York City.

9. Did Shari Lewis write any books?

Yes, Shari Lewis wrote several children’s books featuring her popular characters, such as Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse. She also wrote books on puppetry and ventriloquism, sharing her knowledge and techniques with aspiring performers.

10. What was the name of Shari Lewis’ television show?

The name of Shari Lewis’ television show was “The Shari Lewis Show”. It aired from 1960 to 1963 and featured Shari Lewis performing with her puppets, singing songs, and telling stories. The show was revived in 1991 as “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along” and aired until 1997.