Kiki Shepard, the television host best known for her long tenure on Showtime at the Apollo, has died at 74.

According to TMZ, Shepard’s representative, LaShirl Smith, announced she suffered a massive heart attack in Los Angeles on Monday. In a statement, her family confirmed the news and thanked fans for their support, ABC 7 reported.

Shepard’s family issued a statement confirming the host’s ‘unexpected’ death

“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,” Shepard’s family said. “We thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Shepard’s family added, “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.”

Elsewhere in their statement, Shepard’s family highlighted her belief in the life-changing power of “compassion, community, and education,” writing, “Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease.”

Shepard appeared in shows like ‘A Different World’ and ‘Baywatch’

Before becoming a household name on Showtime at the Apollo, Shepard began her entertainment career as a professional dancer in the 1970s, performing around the world with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company, TMZ reported.

Shepard joined Showtime at the Apollo in 1987 and remained on the show until 2002. During her tenure, she shared the iconic Harlem theater stage with several other celebrity cohosts, including Steve Harvey, Sinbad and Mo’Nique, according to ABC 7.

Throughout her career, Shepard also appeared on A Different World, Baywatch, Everybody Hates Chris and Grey’s Anatomy, among other TV series, TMZ reported.

Shepard took her talents to Broadway too, appearing in Bubbling Brown Sugar, Reggae, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, and Porgy and Bess, per the outlet.

Outside of entertainment, Shepard founded The KIS Foundation, an organization that helps raise awareness, provide support and advocate for families affected by sickle cell disease.

In their statement, Shepard’s family confirmed the foundation “will carry forward KiKi’s legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and care for the sickle cell community.”

“She was our guiding light: strong, loving, joyful, and endlessly generous. To the community she served, she was a tireless champion and a source of inspiration,” the family said.

ABC 7 reported that her family will share more information regarding Shepard’s memorial service in the coming days.