Kiki Shepard, the longtime co-host of the iconic Showtime At The Apollo, has passed away at the age of 74. According to her representative, Shepard suffered a sudden heart attack in Los Angeles on Monday, March 16.
Born Chiquita Renee Shepard in Tyler, Texas, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. Both of her parents were competitive dancers, and her older sister, Von Gretchen Shepard, was crowned Miss Black America in 1974.
An accomplished student, Shepard earned a degree from Howard University, following in her sister’s footsteps. While at Howard, she joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and became a member of the D.C. Repertory Dance Company in the early 1970s, honing her skills on the theater stage, including Broadway.
Shepard gained widespread fame in 1987 as the co-host of Showtime At The Apollo, a position she held for 16 years. Known for her radiant presence and distinct voice, she became an integral part of the show’s enduring legacy.
In addition to her work on stage and television, Shepard appeared in popular series such as A Different World, Baywatch, and Everybody Hates Chris, while also lending her voice to various projects. Her last credited role was in the comedy Highly Favored.
Beyond entertainment, Shepard spent the past seven years organizing and hosting her own celebrity golf tournament, attracting performers from diverse walks of life.
Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to share their condolences and celebrate the life of a woman who left a lasting mark on television and the arts.
Kiki Shepard’s legacy as a dancer, actress, and co-host will be remembered fondly by generations of fans and fellow entertainers.
