Kiki Shepard, the longtime co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died at age 74, according to USA Today. Shepard passed away March 16, her representative confirmed.
From 1987 to 2002, she was a staple of the iconic Harlem stage, known as the “Apollo Queen of Fashion” for her signature style alongside hosts like Steve Harvey, Sinbad and Mark Curry.
Born Chiquita Renee Shepard in Tyler, Texas, she was raised in a family of dancers and performers.
A graduate of Howard University, Shepard built a career in dance, theater and television, including appearances on Broadway and at the Academy Awards.
Beyond entertainment, she founded The KIS Foundation in 2006 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.
Her representative told TMZ that Kiki Shepard suffered a heart attack. Her passing was unexpected.
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