Kiki Shepard, Longtime Co-Host Of “Showtime At The Apollo,” Has Died.

Kiki Shepard died from a heart attack on Monday, a family representative confirmed to WABC-TV. Shepard’s representative LaShirl Smith also confirmed the cause of death to TMZ, saying that it was “completely unexpected.”

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease,” her family said in a statement.

“We thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time,” they added.

Shepard co-hosted the variety show from 1987 to 2002 and was a mainstay while the show cycled through hosts, including Mo’Nique, Sinbad and Steve Harvey.

“For 15 years, KiKi brought grace, warmth, and joy into the homes of millions as the beloved Co-Host of Showtime at the Apollo. She was also renowned as the Apollo Queen of Fashion and Ambassador of the show,” the family said.

Shepard appeared in multiple TV shows throughout her career, including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” “Baywatch Nights,” “Lady Boss,” “Thunder in Paradise,” “NYPD Blue” and “Family Law.”

Also a staunch advocate for raising awareness for sickle cell disease, Shepard founded The Kiss Foundation, Inc., in 2006 after working with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) in 1993, reported KTLA.

“This journey began when I saw the effect on the family of a personal friend whose brother suffered and died as a result of this terrible disease,” Shepard said on the foundation’s website. “The strong desire to combat my shared grief and sense of helplessness led me to offer my services to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. Through this national organization, I was introduced to SCD families across America, and was able to interact with many patients whose bodies and minds are ravaged by this disease.

“On one occasion, while visiting Children’s Hospital L.A., one of the gallant doctors there shared with me the story of how he had administered ‘enough morphine to kill an adult’ to a child having an SCD crisis, and it didn’t even make a dent in the pain this child was experiencing,” her statement continued. “Hearing these life stories of SCD patients fueled my desire to help even more.”