‘Showtime at the Apollo’ Co-Host Was 74

Kiki Shepard, the co-host of the long-running variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” died on Monday from a heart attack. She was 74.

Shepard’s death was confirmed via her rep.

From 1987-2002, Shepard co-hosted “Showtime at the Apollo” alongside a revolving cast of emcees, which included Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Mo’Nique, Rudy Rush, Mark Curry and Rick Aviles. Filmed at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater, the show featured live performances from both professional and up-and-coming musical acts. “Showtime at the Apollo” would also platform complete unknowns, who would take the stage for their shot at a big break. During her time as host, Shepard was known as the “Apollo Queen of Fashion.”

Throughout her time on “Showtime at the Apollo,” Shepard also had recurring roles in shows like “A Different World” and “Baywatch.” Her other TV credits include “Lady Boss,” “Thunder in Paradise,” “Baywatch Nights,” “NYPD Blue” and “Family Law.” Her more recent TV roles were on shows like “Highly Favored,” “Mind Your Business” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Her film credits include “A Rage in Harlem,” “Miss Evers’ Boys,” “Dolls of Voodoo” and “Blackjack Christmas.”

Throughout the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Shepard was in the ensemble cast of several Broadway productions, including “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Comin’ Uptown,” “Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Born in Tyler, Texas, in July of 1951, Shepard attended Emmett Scott High School and later attended Howard University. During her time at Howard, she became a charter member of the D. C. Repertory Dance Company. In 1976, she performed at New York’s Delacourt Summer Shakesperian Festival.