Kiki Shepard, the longtime cohost of the popular variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” has passed away at 74 years old.
Kiki, born Chiquita Renee Shepard, died on March 16 from a massive heart attack, according to TMZ. Shepard’s representative LaShirl Smith confirmed the cause of death to the outlet, saying that it was “completely unexpected.” From 1987 to 2002, Shepard co-hosted “Showtime at the Apollo,” filmed at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. During her time, she worked with a variety of guest hosts and permanent hosts like Sinbad and Steve Harvey. The Apollo was a launching pad for unknowns, and Shepard was the one introducing them to the world. That stage changed lives, and she was the gateway.
Born and raised in Texas, Shepard’s parents were champion competitive dancers, and she later became a professional dancer herself. She danced all over the globe with the D. C. Repertory Dance Company. She also performed as a dancer at the 49th Academy Awards. She has over 25 acting credits to her name, beginning with an uncredited role in 1978’s “The Wiz.” She also appeared in “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” “NYPD Blue,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
A staunch advocate for raising awareness for Sickle Cell Disease, Shepard founded The Kiss Foundation, Inc., in 2006 after working with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) in 1993.