Sherri Shepherd’s Grand Rising

Daytime Emmy award-winning actor, comedian and bestselling author Sherri Shepherd is redefining daytime television with her eponymous talk show, Sherri. Now in its third season, Shepherd’s infectious wit, charm and comedic elements have made her show a hit with audiences, particularly women. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a story of unwavering resilience and determination. Before her rise to fame, Shepherd faced significant challenges, including a year of houselessness after losing her apartment and car following the cancellation of what many considered her big break. (She had just landed her first TV acting job on sitcom Cleghorne! in 1995 when it was canceled soon after).
“It’s never too late”
However, that was merely a page from a difficult chapter in her story. Reflecting on this pivotal time, Shepherd shares the advice she would give her younger self: “Hold on, just hold on. You’re going to make it. ‘Weeping may endure for (a) night, but joy comes in the morning.’”
She continues, “There were so many times I would just cry and go, ‘Is it in the cards for me?’ And little blessings would come my way to let me know it is. That’s been my whole life of little things coming my way to show me I’m on the right path; even when I didn’t (initially) get this talk show, it took 20-something years to come.”
After nearly three decades in Hollywood, Shepherd’s a seasoned veteran, but her best work may still be ahead of her. Embodying the spirit of “It’s never too late,” this theme is central to Sherri, encouraging viewers to break free from limitations and pursue their wildest dreams. “Life is short. It’s not too late to take a chance. It’s not too late to dream bigger. I really want to challenge my audience and inspire them (that) if there were no barriers, what kind of big dream would you have? Let’s go for it,” she says.
Rising star
Staying true to this mantra, Shepherd, 57, defies expectations, further proving that age is just a number. Her star continues to rise in her latest role in Tyler Perry’s upcoming Netflix film, Straw, where she is acting alongside Taraji P. Henson and Teyana Taylor. She also has a new children’s book in the works, and she will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame when she’s inducted in its Class of 2025.
So, what’s her secret to her longevity in Hollywood? “I think always being open to doing more than one thing, and more than one thing you thought you should do,” Shepherd says. “For me, I was a stand-up comic. I got into acting. When acting didn’t work, I went back to stand-up comedy. Open up, and say yes to things that stretch you beyond your imagination and your comfort zone. That’s what develops confidence. That’s what develops the skills of being unique.”
Shepherd exemplifies the philosophy of “Behind every successful woman, there is a community of other successful women who have her back.” This theory has been proved by a research study conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management professor Brian Uzzi, University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business professor Yang Yang and Notre Dame computer science and engineering professor Nitesh Chawla. Shepherd credits her inner circle of women with inspiring her to live a purposeful life while maintaining a strong sense of self and a grounded perspective that keeps her at the top of her game.
“I call (actor and producer) Kym Whitley all the time at 4 in the morning in (Los Angeles) to get her advice on handling things. My Auntie Bonnie is in Chicago. She’s in a wheelchair because she’s had two strokes, (and) I love hanging out with her. She has the best life advice. Those are some of the women in my life that inspire me,” she says.
But behind the veil of fame, Shepherd insists she’s a very private person, describing herself as a “homebody” who loves the presence and peace of her own company. “As much as I’m out and joyful, I love being at home,” she says. “Most people who work closely with me probably don’t get the Sherri you see on TV. I’m much more serious, especially about my business. I’m very private, even though I tell everything when I’m sitting on that chair.”
Fearless advocate
Beyond her role as a television host, Shepherd is a mom and has become a prominent voice in championing inclusivity and representation by using her platform to advocate for underrepresented communities, children with special needs and women in the workplace. Her advocacy work, inspired by her 19-year-old son Jeffrey’s diagnosis on the autism spectrum, ignited her commitment to fighting for the rights of those often overlooked or ignored. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and it is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls.
“(Jeffrey) taught me how to advocate not only for him but for myself,” Shepherd says. “I can’t teach him to be fearless if I don’t act fearless myself. He’s taught me how to speak up because a lot of children on the spectrum, especially as they get older and age out (of school), people don’t see them.”
The power of perseverance
Perhaps following in the footsteps of “Queen of All Media” Oprah Winfrey, Shepherd has embraced her position as being a force for positive change and champion for inclusivity while becoming a media powerhouse. Winfrey herself recognized Shepherd’s staying power, exclaiming she was “passing the baton” to her — a nod Shepherd doesn’t take lightly. “I grew up watching Oprah Winfrey. She looked like me. We had the same kind of hair. And that’s why I believe representation matters so much. Because you never know who you’re planting the seed for,” Shepherd explains.
From a shy young Chicago woman to a multifaceted talent, Shepherd’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. She has overcome countless obstacles and defied societal expectations, proving that with determination and dedication, anything is possible. So when the curtain closes and the spotlight fades, Shepherd hopes to be remembered as someone who “changed (other peoples’ lives) with her joy.” She aspires to leave a lasting impact on audiences, encouraging them to “love harder, live harder, smile harder and take chances.”