Shari Lewis

Birth Name: Phyllis Naomi Hurwitz/Sonia Phyllis Hurwitz

Date of Birth: January 17, 1933

Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: August 2, 1998

Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Shari Lewis was an American ventriloquist, puppeteer, children’s entertainer, and television show host. She is known for her work with her puppet Lamb Chop, continued by her daughter.

Shari was the daughter of Ann and Abraham B. Hurwitz, who was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. She was married to publisher Jeremy Tarcher, until her death. Jeremy’s sister was novelist Judith Krantz. The couple had a daughter, writer, producer, and ventriloquist Mallory Lewis. Shari’s surname was from her former husband Stan Lewis.

Shari’s paternal grandfather was named Benjamin Hurwitz.

Shari’s paternal grandmother was named Sarah.

Shari’s maternal grandfather was Morris Ritz (the son of Nathan Ritz and Pearl Grosman). Morris was born in Warsaw, Poland.

Shari’s maternal grandmother was Gussie Hafter (the daughter of Barnett Hafter and Rebecca Putterkuchen). Gussie also had roots in Warsaw. Barnett was the son of Moishe Chaim Hafter and Yedis Madenberg.

Source: Genealogy of Shari Lewis – https://www.geni.com