“Showtime at the Apollo” fans are in mourning over the loss of former dancer, host, and actress Kiki Shepard, who died at age 74 of a heart attack in Los Angeles on March 16, according to a statement given by her representative, LaShirl Smith.
She was a beloved co-host of the show from the 1980s up to 2002. She had movie roles in the 1978 musical “The Wiz” starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and as Trelawny in “Thunder in Paradise.
Since her passing was announced, Shepard has been publicly remembered by a range of celebrities, including “Living Single” alum T.C. Carson, Angell Conwell from “Family Time,” and “227” star Jackee Harry.
Even the person who might have known her best, worked by her side for seven years at “Showtime at the Apollo.” Mr. Steve Harvey.
On March 18, the comedian posted an Instagram tribute to her that included an image of a poster of the two advertising the show. The photo shows Harvey and Shepard, their backs to each other, crossing their arms and smiling.
The top of the poster reads “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” and the ad closes with “Where dreams are born and legends are made.”
Along with the photo, he left her a touching message in her memory.
“Kiki Shepard was absolutely one of a kind,” he began. “She was one of the first people to help me navigate this TV business. The kindest person I’ve ever met …. Kiki was such a major part of Showtime at the Apollo and was there for the launch of so many great careers in the entertainment industry! Rest in peace my friend.”
Audience members and viewers at home often enjoyed Harvey and Shepherd’s playful banter and jokes as they introduced various talent on stage.
Fans who remember seeing the two of them on television shared some of their memories in Harvey’s Instagram comments.
One person said, “Wow this hits cause Growing up when it came to the Apollo all I can remember is seeing The Two of you together on TV.”
Another person wrote, “Dynamic duo!! RIPARADISE Kiki.”
Someone else said, “Nobody knew how to make an entrance better, a bright light RIP Ms. Kiki.”
Along with Harvey, Shepard co-hosted the show with other notable comedians like Sinbad, Mo’Nique, Mark Curry and more, during her 15-year run.
Born Chiquita Renee Shepard in Texas, she later attended Howard University, where she joined the D.C. Repertory Dance Company and started her career as an ensemble dancer in Broadway shows. She starred in “Comin’ Uptown” and “Reggae” and was on stage with Sheryl Lee Ralph and the late Gregory Hines.
Shepard was also notable for her charity work. As someone who carried a hereditary trait for sickle cell anemia, she became involved with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America in the 1990s and began raising awareness and organizing events about the condition nationwide.
In 2006, she finally started her own nonprofit, The KIS Foundation, Inc., to further raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those who have sickle cell.
“Kiki – my BFF, my road dogg. What will we do without your light?” wrote Jackee Harry on Instagram. “Nobody did it like you. Rest easy, my dear sweet friend. I’ll carry you with me always.”
