Actress, comedian and talk-show host Sherri Shepherd officially received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before a crowd of family, friends and fans yesterday. The ceremony marked a milestone in a career spanning more than three decades in television, film and live performance.
A Celebration for Sherri Shepherd
The dedication took place on Hollywood Boulevard, where Shepherd accepted a bronze star in the Television category. At the podium she said, “This is for anyone who ever believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” She added, “To my family, thank you for holding my hand on days I couldn’t lift my own.”
Among the speakers was Shepherd’s friend, Niecy Nash‑Betts, who introduced her by saying, “Sherri lights up every room — now she lights up the Walk of Fame.” The program also featured appearances from longtime collaborators and members of the entertainment community, celebrating her journey from early setbacks to this moment.
Raised in Chicago, Shepherd began her working life doing retail and service jobs before turning to comedy and acting. In earlier interviews she recalled, “My car used to get repossessed, I would be on a bus going by Hollywood Boulevard … I would look at the stars and dream that I would have a star one day.” She credited her father’s sacrifice for instilling a strong work ethic, noting, “My dad moved us … he used his tips so he could get me into photography class.”
Today, Shepherd has amassed credits including her time as co-host of the daytime talk show The View and leading her own syndicated series. Her star on the Walk of Fame underscores a diverse career rooted in resilience and versatility.
During her speech, Shepherd emphasized the broader significance of the honor. “When you look at a star on the Walk of Fame, it says to someone, ‘You belong here, too,’” she said. She also spoke of her ongoing advocacy for children in foster care and families of special-needs children, affirming that the star is not just personal but communal.
As the ceremony concluded, Shepherd delivered a nod to her longtime motto: “Do it scared,” she reminded the audience. “Sometimes fear is just the sign you’re onto something real.” With her star now in place, the message resonates: Regardless of early hardship, the dream is still within reach.