By Alexis LaRueAFRO Internalarue@afro.com
Kiki Shepard, the long-time co-host of the variability present “Showtime on the Apollo,” died on March 16 after struggling a coronary heart assault. She was 74.
Shepard, a Texas native and a graduate of Howard College, launched her profession as an ensemble dancer on Broadway in exhibits like “Reggae” and “Comin’ Uptown” within the late Nineteen Seventies and early 80s.
She additionally had roles on tv, together with appearances in sequence akin to “Thunder in Paradise,” “Baywatch Nights,” “Household Regulation,” and “All people Hates Chris,” along with her work on the Broadway stage and the 2025 sequence, “Extremely Favored.”
Shepard later appeared on tv screens nationwide within the Eighties because the co-host of “Showtime on the Apollo,” which showcased quite a few performers at Harlem’s historic Apollo theatre.
The previous broadway dancer broke boundaries by exhibiting the world that Black is gorgeous. Together with her charisma, southern allure and persona being displayed each Saturday night time, it will definitely led to her longevity on the present.
As Shepard turned extra well-known within the tv business, extra individuals started to discuss with her as “The Black Vanna White,” and she or he turned referred to as the African American equal of the favored White co-host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Vanna White.
“For fifteen years, KiKi introduced grace, heat and pleasure into the houses of hundreds of thousands because the beloved Co-Host of Showtime on the Apollo,” Shepard’s household mentioned, in an announcement. “She was additionally famend because the Apollo Queen of Vogue and Ambassador of the present.”
Past her profession in leisure, she was a passionate advocate who raised consciousness for people with sickle cell illness, which led her to ascertain the KIS Basis after watching her shut buddy’s brother take care of the illness.
Within the household assertion, Shepard’s family members additionally talked about that her lifelong dedication to service, significantly by way of her basis over the past twenty years, was her biggest ardour.
“KiKi believed that compassion, neighborhood, and training might change lives,” the household assertion mentioned. “Her voice uplifted numerous people who typically felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, sources, and understanding for these residing with this illness.”
She served as an unflagging advocate and a supply of inspiration for the sickle cell neighborhood. Her enduring legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and devoted care will proceed to be upheld by The KIS Basis.
Sherrie Shepard, an in depth buddy and fellow tv host, expressed her devastation over the loss in a tribute on Instagram.
“I’m devastated that you’re gone,” mentioned Sherrie Shepard, “However I’m rejoicing since you LIVED and also you lived boldly and joyfully.”
