Kiki Shepard, actress and ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ co-host, dead at 74

“Showtime astatine nan Apollo” co-host Kiki Shepard has died. She was 74.

The beloved co-host of nan iconic euphony show passed distant aft suffering a “massive” and “completely unexpected” bosom onslaught in Los Angeles on Monday, her rep confirmed successful a connection to nan Daily Mail.

Born Chiquita Renee Shepard successful Tyler, Texas, successful 1951, she started arsenic a master dancer successful nan 1970s earlier becoming a fixture successful households crossed America during her 15-year tally connected nan legendary Fox assortment show.

Shepard worked pinch Steve Harvey from 1987 to 2002 and helped kickstart nan careers of respective celebrated artists astatine nan historical Harlem theater.

Beyond Harvey, Shepard besides co-hosted pinch different celebrated names for illustration Sinbad and Mo’Nique.

Dubbed nan “Apollo Queen of Fashion,” Shepard starred successful scripted shows for illustration “NYPD Blue,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Baywatch” arsenic well.

As for film, she appeared successful “Dolls of Voodoo,” “A Rage successful Harlem,” Miss Evers’ Boys” and “Blackjack Christmas.”

Shepard’s credits besides extended to Broadway pinch performances successful “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Fans rushed to societal media pursuing nan news of Shepard’s decease to salary tribute.

“Kiki Shepard leaves down a bequest that is some timeless and profoundly felt,” BET wrote connected X.

“OMG…RIP Mrs Shepard,” added another. “I enjoyed your ray and beauty.”

“Kiki Shepard – a imagination of loveliness,” commented a 3rd pinch a bosom emoji.