Kiki Shepard, a longstanding co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, has passed away at the age of 74. Shepard graced the show from 1987 to 2002, sharing the stage with Steve Harvey and supporting up-and-coming talents at the renowned Harlem venue. Her TV appearances extended to popular shows like A Different World, Baywatch, NYPD Blue, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Showtime at the Apollo was a platform for both established and emerging musical acts. During her tenure, Shepard was affectionately known as the ‘Apollo Queen of Fashion.’ Notably, she was photographed at the 35th Anniversary Gala of DIVAS Simply Singing in Los Angeles in November 2025.
TMZ reported that Kiki Shepard, born Chiquita Renee Shepard, passed away from a sudden heart attack in Los Angeles. Throughout her career, she collaborated with various co-hosts on the show, including Sinbad, Mo’Nique, Mark Curry, Rudy Rush, and Rick Aviles. Shepard ventured into Broadway, featuring in productions such as Bubbling Brown Sugar, Reggae, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, and Porgy and Bess.
Her journey commenced in the early 1970s as a professional dancer, performing worldwide with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company. Shepard’s filmography includes roles in A Rage in Harlem, Miss Evers’ Boys, Dolls of Voodoo, and Blackjack Christmas.
Born in Tyler, Texas, in July 1951, Shepard attended Emmett Scott High School before pursuing studies at Howard University, where she became a founding member of the D. C. Repertory Dance Company. She notably graced the stage at New York’s Delacourt Summer Shakesperian Festival in 1976.
Following her passing, fans took to social media to express their condolences, highlighting Shepard’s impactful legacy on Showtime at the Apollo. Messages poured in, praising her grace and influence on Black entertainment history.
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