Kiki Shepard, former 'Showtime at the Apollo' co-host, dies at 74
Kiki Shepard, best known as the longtime co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, passed away on March 16 at the age of 74. Her representative confirmed the news to outlets including TMZ and Variety.
Shepard was a central figure on the iconic Harlem variety show from 1987 to 2002, earning the nickname “Apollo Queen of Fashion” for her vibrant stage presence and style.
Alongside hosts like Steve Harvey and Sinbad, she became a beloved fixture of the program while also pursuing work as an actress and dancer.
Raised in Tyler, Texas, Shepard grew up in a family deeply connected to dance, with her parents having been competitive dancers before becoming teachers. She and her sisters were majorettes and baton twirlers, which set the stage for her artistic career.
After graduating from Howard University with a degree in business administration, she joined the D.C. Repertory Dance Company and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Shepard’s career highlights included performing at the 1977 Academy Awards, dancing on Broadway for a decade alongside stars such as Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, and later appearing on television shows like Baywatch and Thunder in Paradise.
Beyond entertainment, Shepard dedicated herself to advocacy. In 2006, she founded The KIS Foundation, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about sickle cell disease, a cause close to her heart as a carrier of the sickle cell trait.
Her passing prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with comedian Loni Love, actress Sherri Shepherd, and MarQueta Pippens among those honoring her legacy.
They remembered her warmth, joy, and enduring impact, celebrating her as both a trailblazer in entertainment and a passionate advocate who lived boldly and left a lasting mark.
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