Categories: Audrey Bernard,
The Apollo posthumously inducted Kiki Shepard, the beloved longtime co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, into its Walk of Fame in honor of her enduring role in bringing The Apollo to millions of people around the globe. The original Apollo diva was the Defining Voice of its Stage and a cherished member of The Apollo family and a defining presence in the institution’s history. Shepard, whose presence became synonymous with Showtime at the Apollo, helped bring the institution’s magic to audiences across the country
For more than 15 years, Shepard co-hosted Showtime at the Apollo, working alongside Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Mo’Nique, Mark Curry, Rudy Rush, Rick Aviles, and Christopher Reid, helping transform The Apollo from a legendary Harlem institution into a national cultural treasure. Together, they brought the energy and excitement of The Apollo stage into homes across the nation. Shepard’s charisma and warmth made her a trusted and beloved host, welcoming both emerging talent and world-renowned performers, reaching millions of viewers, and becoming an essential part of the show’s enduring success that resonated far beyond the theater’s walls her influence was instrumental in elevating The Apollo to a national platform. Shepard’s charisma, warmth, and elegance made her a beloved and trusted presence for generations of viewers, welcoming both emerging talent and world-renowned performers to one of entertainment’s most iconic stages. “As we celebrate this milestone, it feels especially fitting to honor Kiki Shepard, whose grace, warmth, and cultural presence helped expand The Apollo’s reach far beyond Harlem,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO, The Apollo. “Kiki helped bring the energy of this iconic stage into homes across the globe ,cementing her place in our institution ’s enduring story. ”
Shepard played a vital role in amplifying Black voices, celebrating culture, and ensuring that The Apollo remained a beacon of artistic achievement and community pride. “Kiki Shepard was more than a host—she was a guiding light of The Apollo. Her warmth, charm, and dedication brought our stage to life and welcomed countless artists into the spotlight,” Ebanks shared. “She leaves behind a legacy of grace and excellence that will forever inspire our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the many artists and admirers whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to live on through The Apollo and in the countless lives she influenced.”
During the moving induction service, guests heard remarks from the Apollo Historian Billy Mitchell, sister Von Gretchen McAlpin, family members, and leaders of her KIS Foundation, as well as artists and longtime friends including Babe Evans, Board Member of the KIS Foundation, Starletta Simmons, President and Founder of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County, Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Founder and Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center, Carol Maillard, George Falson, actress and comedian Luenell, actress Dawnn Lewis, and actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd, extolling the virtues of their dearly departed friend. “She was a doll!”
“Shepard’s induction into The Apollo Walk of Fame is a fitting tribute to someone whose work helped bring the spirit of this institution to audiences far beyond Harlem,” said Pat Zollar, Vice Chairperson of The Apollo Board. “It feels especially fitting that we honored one of the people who helped carry The Apollo’s story to millions while also relighting the marquee, an enduring symbol of The Apollo’s legacy and its future. Together, these moments celebrate the artists, audiences, and cultural contributions that have defined this institution for generations. As we invest in the future of The Apollo, we remain committed to preserving what makes it extraordinary while ensuring it continues to serve artists, audiences, and communities for generations to come.”
In 2006, Kiki Shepard founded The KIS Foundation, Inc., extending her public platform into advocacy and philanthropy. Guided by the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required,” Shepard became a passionate advocate for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, working to increase awareness, improve access to care, and champion critical healthcare resources for the community.
The Apollo Walk of Fame recognizes legendary artists and cultural figures whose work helped shape Black music, American popular culture, and The Apollo’s enduring influence as a global cultural institution. Located in front of The Apollo’s landmark Historic Theater on 125th Street, the Walk of Fame honors iconic figures including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Celia Cruz, Billie Holiday, Mary J. Blige, Richard Pryor, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The latest Walk of Fame induction honored deceased (2026) music mogul Clive Davis in 2025.
# # #
Apollo Mourns the Loss of Kiki Shepard, Beloved Host of Its Stage
It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of Kiki Shepard, a cherished member of The Apollo family and a defining presence in our institution’s history. For more than 15 years, Kiki Shepard co-hosted Showtime at the Apollo, bringing energy and excitement of The Apollo stage into homes across the nation. Kiki’s charisma and warmth made her a trusted and beloved host, welcoming both emerging talent and world-renowned performers, reaching millions of viewers, and becoming an essential part of the show’s enduring success. Kiki embodied the spirit, elegance, and excellence that The Apollo represents. Kiki’s influence was instrumental in elevating The Apollo to a national platform. Through her presence and professionalism, she helped bring the magic of our theater into homes across the country, expanding our reach and deepening our connection with millions. Her warmth, charm, and dedication brought our stage to life and welcomed countless artists into the spotlight. She leaves behind a legacy of grace and excellence that will forever inspire our community. Her legacy will continue to live on through The Apollo and in the countless lives she influenced. Kiki Shepard, a true Apollo legend, will forever hold a place in the heart of this institution,
