It’s a sad week for Black entertainment as they mourn the death of “Showtime at the Apollo” co-host Kiki Shepard. She was 74.
Shepard’s rep confirmed to both TMZ and New York City’s ABC7 that she suffered a heart attack on March 16.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease,” her family said in a statement on social media. “We thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
Shepard appeared on the series between 1987 and 2002. She worked with entertainment staples like Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Mo’Nique, Rudy Rush, Mark Curry, and Rick Aviles.
“For 15 years, KiKi brought grace, warmth, and joy into the homes of millions as the beloved Co-Host of Showtime at the Apollo,” her family continued. “She was also renowned as the Apollo Queen of Fashion and Ambassador of the show.”
Shepard’s TV career began in the late 1970s after graduating from Howard University. Roles began to pour in for Shepard throughout the late 70s and early 80s, when she was in the ensemble cast of several Broadway productions, including “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Comin’ Uptown,” “Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God,” and “Porgy and Bess.”
She would eventually go on to become a familiar face to millions when she began her 15-year run on “Showtime at the Apollo.”