STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF KIKI SHEPARD FROM THE FAMILY

Los Angeles, CA — March 22, 2026….We are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of renowned entertainer and advocate KiKi Shepard. She passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. Shepard is survived by her sister, two nieces and one nephew. She was a friend to many and an unwavering advocate for sickle cell disease through her 501©3 organization, The KIS Foundation.

For 15 years, Shepard graced the stage, as Co-Host of Showtime at the Apollo. Each week, millions tuned in to celebrate her, and she quickly became known as Apollo’s Queen of Fashion and a show favorite.

About KiKi Shepard:

Born in Tyler, Texas, KiKi Shepard excelled academically and attended North Texas State University and later Howard University, where she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated in the top 10% of her class with a degree in Business Administration. During college, Shepard developed a deep love of dance and performed in several Broadway theatre productions throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Bubbling Brown Sugar (1976), Comin’ Uptown (1979), Reggae (1980), and Your Arms Too Short to Box With God (1980, 1982).

In addition to Showtime at the Apollo, Shepard was an actress and voice actor. Her television credits include Mind Your Business, Highly Favored, A Different World, Baywatch, and NYPD Blue.

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

Through The KIS Foundation, Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she founded 20 years ago, KiKi dedicated her life to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for families affected by sickle cell disease—a cause deeply personal to her heart. She believed compassion, community, and education could change lives. Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding.

The family appreciates all of the love and support in which they have received. “We are very thankful for the many prayers, phone calls, texts, and visits everyone has shown during this very difficult time,” says Von Gretchen Shepard, sister of KiKi Shepard. The family asks for your continued prayers and final arrangements are pending.

It is the family’s request that any and all concerns pertaining to KiKi Shepard or the family should be directed ONLY to LaShirl Smith. No outside activities, events or anything pertaining to KiKi Shepard should be made, planned or created without the consent or approval from the Shepard family. The family asks that this request be fully honored and respected.

Family Representative/Media Contact:

LaShirl Smith

L Group PR

213.925.3663

lsmith@lgrouppr.com