Former 'Showtime at the Apollo' Co-Host Kiki Shepard Dies at 74

The HBCU alumna and beloved TV personality was a trailblazer in Black entertainment.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:49am

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Kiki Shepard, the former co-host of the iconic TV show 'Showtime at the Apollo', passed away earlier this week at the age of 74. Shepard, a Howard University alumna, was a staple of Black entertainment throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, helping bring the energy and authenticity of Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater into living rooms across the country.

Why it matters

Shepard's tenure as co-host of 'Showtime at the Apollo' during its cultural peak represented a bridge between generations of Black talent, as the show became a launching pad for future stars in music and comedy. Her elegance, warmth, and on-screen chemistry helped define the show's identity and solidify its place as a cornerstone of Black culture and entertainment.

The details

Before her TV fame, Shepard's journey was shaped at Howard University, where she earned a business degree while graduating in the top 10% of her class. She also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During her time on campus, Shepard was a charter member of the D.C. Repertory Dance Company, which performed at the World Festival of Black Arts in Lagos, Nigeria. Throughout her career, she appeared in a wide range of productions, showcasing her versatility across stage and screen.

  • Shepard co-hosted 'Showtime at the Apollo' from 1987 to 2002.
  • She passed away earlier this week at the age of 74.

The players

Kiki Shepard

A former co-host of 'Showtime at the Apollo' and a Howard University alumna who had a long and successful career in television, film, theater, and dance.

Howard University

The historically Black university where Shepard earned her business degree and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

D.C. Repertory Dance Company

The dance company Shepard was a charter member of while at Howard University, which performed at the World Festival of Black Arts in Lagos, Nigeria.

Steve Harvey

The longtime host of 'Showtime at the Apollo', who worked alongside Shepard during her tenure as co-host.

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The takeaway

Shepard's legacy stands as a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of creating platforms where Black voices can shine. Her work on 'Showtime at the Apollo' helped elevate a show that became a cornerstone of Black culture and entertainment, introducing countless artists to the world.