UB In Memoriam: The Elegant KiKi Shepard
KiKi Shepard Was An "Apollo" Staple.
Legendary KiKi Shepard has passed away. She died yesterday, March 16th of a heart attack.
KiKi Shepard was 74.
The Family of KiKi Shepard and The KIS Foundation, Inc issued an official statement:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease.”
“For 15 years, KiKi brought grace, warmth, and joy into the homes of millions as the beloved Co-Host of Showtime at the Apollo. She was also renowned as the Apollo Queen of Fashion and Ambassador of the show. Beyond the spotlight, however, her greatest passion was service. Through The KIS Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which she founded 20 years ago. KiKi dedicated her life to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for families affected by sickle cell disease — a cause deeply personal to her heart.”
Those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, know like no other how Ms. KiKi Shepard would be the highlight of our Saturday night.
On “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” she would appear after being brought out by the host, and Sashay on to the stage in an elegant gown — with the most beautiful smile.
KiKi Shepard was the heart and elegance of Showtime at the Apollo, serving as its poised and glamorous “show ambassador.”
From the moment she stepped onto the Apollo stage in 1987, she became a fixture of the show’s golden era, providing encouragement to performers and connecting with the audience in a way that elevated the energy of the legendary theater.
More than just a beautiful presence, KiKi played a key role in maintaining the show’s rhythm.
As each act prepared to face the notoriously tough Apollo crowd, she brought calmness and warmth, offering words of support that many performers credited with helping them overcome their nerves.
Her dazzling style and magnetic presence set her apart, making her an unforgettable part of the Showtime at the Apollo experience.
While comedians and entertainers like Sinbad and Steve Harvey took on the role of host, KiKi brought her own form of magic to the stage, balancing the raw energy of the Apollo with grace and professionalism.
Her role was vital in creating the celebratory, yet high-stakes atmosphere the show was known for.
KiKi shared with Percy Crawford the key to her longevity on the show; “That’s right, baby! I went through all of ‘em. That’s right. Sinbad, Mark Curry, Steve Harvey, Rudy Rush — Kiki Shepard was there through all of ‘em. I think the fact that I was able to assimilate what each one needed. I was able to make myself the best partner for each one.
To be honest, Sinbad really established us as host and co-host. Before that, every week we would just have a guest co-host come in, from Bill Cosby on down. You name them. Anybody that was prominent in the late ‘80s and early ’90s.”
Ms. Shepard was also the Host of NBC’s, “Live In Hollywood”; and TV One’s game show, “The Bid Whist Party Throwdown.”
KiKi performed on Broadway for over 10 years.
Ms. Shepard felt especially compassionate to the fight waged by the patients and families living with Sickle Cell Disease.
In 2006, she proudly formed her own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The KIS Foundation, Inc., whose mission is to raise awareness, advocate, and educate the public about SCD.
The KIS Foundation, Inc., supports the SCD community through educational scholarships, student mentorships, its Crisis Care Package Backpack Program/COVID-19 Recovery Care Box, and their amazing “Celebrity Golf Classic.”
KiKi Shepard was born on July 15th, 1951 in Tyler, Texas.
Her dad coached high-school baseball and basketball after having played semi-professional baseball.
Her mom sang, put on plays, and taught American and English literature at a high school.
Both parents were champion competitive dancers.
Shepard’s older sister, Von Gretchen, was the 1974 Miss Black America.
Shepard began dancing worldwide in 1971.
While she was a student at Howard she became a charter member of the D. C. Repertory Dance Company.
The troupe that began as an experimental workshop participated in the World Festival of Black Arts in Lagos, Nigeria in February 1977.
Shepard said of the group, “We were dynamite! We communicated. We created an uproar in Washington. We fulfilled a need in the community.”
In 1976 she performed at the Delacourt Summer Shakespearean Festival in New York and in Owens Song at the Kennedy Center.
She was one of the dancers on the 1977 Academy Awards broadcast.
KiKi Shepard also worked as both an actress and a voice actor.
She performed in several Broadway theatre shows in the 1970s and 1980s.
Including; “Bubbling Brown Sugar” (1976), “Comin’ Uptown” (1979), “Reggae” (1980), “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God” (1980, 1982), and “Porgy and Bess” (1983).
Shepard also appeared in the movie “The Wiz” in 1978.
KiKi also hosted “Live in Hollywood” and played the singer Trelawney in the film “Thunder in Paradise.”
In 2011, KiKi co-starred in a play called “Single Black Female”.
UB Sends Our Condolences to The Family, Friends and Fans of KiKi Shepard!
