| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sherri Evonne Shepherd |
| Occupation | Actress, Comedian, Author, Talk Show Host |
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1967 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Country | United States |
| Net Worth (2024) | $10 million |
| Source of Income | Comedy, Television, Acting, Writing |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) |
| Parents | Lawrence A. Shepherd (Father), LaVerne Shepherd (Mother) |
| Siblings | Two sisters |
| Spouse | Jeff Tarpley (m. 2001–2010), Lamar Sally (m. 2011–2014) |
| Children | Jeffrey Charles Tarpley |
| Education | Hoffman Estates High School |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Health Challenges | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Notable Works | "The View," "Less Than Perfect," "30 Rock," "Precious" |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host (2009) |
| Social Profiles | Twitter, Instagram |
Early Life and Background
Sherri Evonne Shepherd was born on April 22, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lawrence A. Shepherd, a church deacon, and LaVerne Shepherd, a housewife. Growing up in the suburb of Hoffman Estates, Sherri was the eldest of three sisters. Her early life was marked by a deep connection to faith and community, which would later influence her career choices and public persona.
Breakthrough in Comedy
Shepherd's journey into entertainment began in the late 1990s. After working as a legal secretary, she decided to pursue her passion for comedy. Sherri moved to Los Angeles and started performing stand-up comedy, which led to her first significant role on the WB sitcom "Cleghorne!" in 1995. Although the show was short-lived, it opened doors for her in the industry.
Television Success and "The View"
Sherri's most notable role came when she joined ABC's "The View" as a co-host in 2007. Her tenure on the show spanned seven years, during which she became known for her candid and humorous take on current events. In 2009, she won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, an accolade that highlighted her influence and popularity.
Acting Career Highlights
Beyond talk shows, Sherri has had a successful acting career. She starred in "Less Than Perfect" (2002-2006) and had recurring roles in "30 Rock" and "How I Met Your Mother". Her versatility as an actress was evident when she appeared in the critically acclaimed film "Precious" in 2009, which grossed over $63 million worldwide.
Author and Advocate
In addition to her on-screen work, Sherri is a published author. Her book, "Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break," released in 2009, became a New York Times bestseller. The book combines humor and personal anecdotes to offer life advice, resonating with many readers.
Financial Ventures and Investments
Sherri's financial acumen extends beyond her earnings from television and acting. She has made strategic investments in real estate, owning properties in Los Angeles and New York City. In 2017, she sold her Tarzana, California, home for $1.725 million, demonstrating her savvy in the real estate market.
Health and Personal Challenges
Shepherd has been open about her health struggles, particularly her battle with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed in 2007. Her journey to manage the condition has included lifestyle changes and public advocacy for diabetes awareness, partnering with organizations like the American Diabetes Association.
Hosting "Sherri" and "Dish Nation"
In 2019, Sherri began hosting "Dish Nation," a daily entertainment news show, where she brought her comedic flair and engaging personality. She continued until December 2022. In 2023, she launched her own syndicated daytime talk show, "Sherri," which has been well-received for its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and inspirational stories.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sherri's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She married Jeff Tarpley in 2001, with whom she has a son, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley, born in 2005. The couple divorced in 2010. Sherri later married Lamar Sally in 2011, but the marriage ended in a contentious divorce in 2014, involving legal disputes over the custody of their surrogate-born son.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Shepherd's commitment to giving back is evident through her philanthropic efforts. She actively supports causes related to health, education, and women's empowerment. Sherri has worked with organizations such as March of Dimes and Dress for Success, using her platform to raise awareness and funds.
Stand-Up Comedy Tours
Despite her busy schedule, Sherri continues to perform stand-up comedy. Her tours, including the "Laff Mobb's We Got Next" tour, have been successful, drawing large audiences and showcasing her talent for observational humor and storytelling.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sherri Shepherd shows no signs of slowing down. She has expressed interest in producing and directing, aiming to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. Her resilience and adaptability ensure that she will remain a prominent figure in showbiz.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What inspired Sherri Shepherd to pursue a career in comedy?
Sherri Shepherd's passion for making people laugh and her natural comedic talent inspired her to pursue a career in comedy. She transitioned from working as a legal secretary to performing stand-up comedy in Los Angeles, leading to her first major role on the WB sitcom "Cleghorne!".
2. How did Sherri Shepherd manage her type 2 diabetes diagnosis?
Sherri Shepherd managed her type 2 diabetes diagnosis through lifestyle changes, including a healthier diet and regular exercise. She became an advocate for diabetes awareness, partnering with the American Diabetes Association to promote education and support for those affected by the condition.
3. What are some of Sherri Shepherd's notable achievements as an author?
Sherri Shepherd's notable achievement as an author is her book "Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break," which became a New York Times bestseller. The book combines humor and personal anecdotes to offer life advice, resonating with many readers.
4. What philanthropic causes does Sherri Shepherd support?
Sherri Shepherd supports various philanthropic causes, particularly those related to health, education, and women's empowerment. She has worked with organizations such as March of Dimes and Dress for Success, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for these causes.
5. How has Sherri Shepherd contributed to the entertainment industry beyond acting?
Beyond acting, Sherri Shepherd has contributed to the entertainment industry as a talk show host, author, and stand-up comedian. She has hosted "The View," "Dish Nation," and her own show "Sherri," and continues to perform stand-up comedy tours, showcasing her versatility and talent.
6. What future projects does Sherri Shepherd have in mind?
Sherri Shepherd has expressed interest in producing and directing, aiming to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. She continues to explore new avenues in showbiz, ensuring her continued influence and presence in the industry.
7. How did Sherri Shepherd's role on "The View" impact her career?
Sherri Shepherd's role on "The View" significantly impacted her career by increasing her visibility and influence. Her candid and humorous take on current events garnered her a loyal audience and earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 2009.
8. What are some challenges Sherri Shepherd has faced in her personal life?
Sherri Shepherd has faced several personal challenges, including managing her type 2 diabetes diagnosis and navigating through two divorces. Despite these challenges, she has remained resilient, continuing to pursue her career and advocate for health and wellness.
Conclusion
Sherri Shepherd's career is a testament to her versatility, resilience, and talent. From her early days in stand-up comedy to her influential role on "The View" and beyond, she has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. With her ongoing projects and dedication to advocacy, Sherri continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
