Long time standing co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, Kiki Shepard, has died aged 74.
She starred on the show between 1987 and 2002, where she worked alongside Steve Harvey and helped to introduce aspiring performers at the iconic Harlem theatre. She went on to make a number of TV appearances on shows including A Different World, Baywatch, NYPD Blue and Grey’s Anatomy.
Shepard became a familiar face to millions of viewers during her long run on “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, where she shared the stage with Steve Harvey and helped introduce aspiring performers at the iconic Harlem theater. The show saw live performances from both professional and emerging musical acts. During her time on the show, Kiki was known as the ‘Apollo Queen of Fashion.’
(
Getty Images)
(
Getty Images)
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
According to TMZ, Kiki – born Chiquita Renee Shepard – died following a heart attack in Los Angeles on Monday. Her rep said her passing was unexpected.
Her long list of co-hosts on the show included Sinbad and Mo’Nique, as well as Mark Curry, Rudy Rush and Rick Aviles. She later starred on Broadway, appearing in productions like Bubbling Brown Sugar, Reggae, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God and Porgy and Bess.
But her career kicked off in the early 1970s, when she started out as a professional dancer and performed around the globe including with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company.
Following news of her death, fans took to social media to pay their respects, with one writing on X: ‘What a legend. May her soul rest in peace.’
Another said: ‘Rest in peace, Kiki Shepard. A true icon of Showtime at the Apollo—she will be deeply missed.’
A third wrote: ‘A piece of Black entertainment history. Showtime at the Apollo wouldn’t have been the same without her. Rest easy.’
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
