Longtime co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo” Kiki Shepard, whose real name is Chiquita Renee Shepard, has passed away. She was 74 years old.
Shepard’s representative, LaShirl Smith, shared with TMZ that the late TV star died from a massive heart attack in Los Angeles on Monday, March 16. Smith noted that Shepard’s cardiac arrest was completely unexpected.
Kiki Shepard’s Legacy in Television & Film
Shepard co-hosted “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 through 2002, where she shared the stage with Steve Harvey, often showing him up with her notable fashion statements. The show, filmed at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, drew in millions of viewers, leading to a brief revival in 2018.
Co-hosting the popular variety show isn’t Shepard’s only claim to fame, though. She also appeared in many television series, including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” “Baywatch Nights,” “NYPD Blue,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Mind Your Business,” TMZ reported. One of her last film appearances before her death was in the 2022 BET movie “Blackjack Christmas.”
She also hosted NBC’s “Live In Hollywood” and the TV One game show “The Bid Whist Party Throwdown,” according to her IMDb.
Having begun her entertainment career as a professional dancer in the early ‘70s, Shepard established herself as a multifaceted industry star.
During her career, Shepard went on to grace the stage in several Broadway productions throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God” and “Porgy and Bess,” TMZ reported.
Kiki Shepard Founded The KIS Foundation in 2006 for Sickle Cell Advocacy
Shepard was a fierce advocate for patients and families of those affected by sickle cell disease. In 2006, she founded The KIS Foundation, Inc., whose mission, according to their website, is to “encourage communities, partners, and advocates to take action early and stand with those impacted by this chronic illness.”
“Through outreach programs, advocacy efforts, and compassionate engagement, The KIS Foundation, Inc., continues to build a network of care that uplifts, informs, and inspires,” the website stated.
Following the news of her passing, fans of Shepard expressed their condolences for the late TV star in the comments of an Instagram post from The Source.
“Oh no 😢 Apollo legend right there. May she rest in peace,” wrote one.
“Apollo Queen 👑✨,” said another, referring to Shepard’s nickname from her hosting stint.
“Oh no 😮 Rest in Paradise Queen KiKi…gone but not forgotten 👸🏽🙏🏾🕊⚘️,” said another.
RIP Kiki Shepard.
