Overview
- Her representative, LaShirl Smith, said she suffered a massive, unexpected heart attack in Los Angeles on March 16.
- Her family confirmed her death in a statement and said memorial service details will be shared in the coming days.
- Shepard co-hosted Showtime at the Apollo from 1987 to 2002 with a rotating roster of emcees, earning the nickname “Apollo Queen of Fashion.”
- Beyond the Apollo stage, she built a broad résumé in TV, film, and theater and launched the K.I.S. Foundation in 2006 to advance sickle cell awareness.
- TMZ first reported the news and tributes quickly spread on social media, including a remembrance from longtime friend Elgin Charles.