Kiki Shepard, best known as a cohost of Showtime at the Apollo, has passed away at 74.
Born Chiquita Renee Shepard, she died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Monday, March 16, according to a representative who spoke with TMZ.
From 1987 to 2002, Shepard was a familiar face on Showtime at the Apollo, where she shared hosting duties with figures like Steve Harvey and Sinbad. She became widely admired for her wit, charisma, and standout fashion sense, earning the nickname “Apollo Queen of Fashion.”
Tributes poured in following her death, including a heartfelt message from hairstylist and longtime friend Elgin Charles. Writing on X, he expressed deep sorrow, describing her passing as a sudden and painful loss. He reflected on their decades-long friendship, calling Shepard not only a cultural icon but also a “sister in spirit,” and praised her authenticity, grace, and dedication to raising awareness about sickle cell disease.
He added that her absence leaves a major void for her loved ones and the broader community, emphasizing that her legacy as both an advocate and a loyal friend will endure.
A native of Tyler, Texas, Shepard was an outstanding student who attended North Texas State University and later Howard University, where she joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration, ranking in the top 10% of her class.
While in college, she discovered a passion for dance that led to a successful stage career. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she appeared in several Broadway productions, including Bubbling Brown Sugar, Comin’ Uptown, Reggae, and Your Arms Too Short to Box With God.
Beyond her work on Showtime at the Apollo, Shepard built a career as both an actress and voice performer, with roles in shows such as A Different World, Baywatch, and NYPD Blue. She was also widely respected for her efforts supporting the sickle cell community.
