Early Life and Family Background

Sherri Shepherd is the eldest of three sisters. During her childhood, her family moved to Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago. Raised in a modest household, her mother worked as a maid while her father was employed as a restaurant service manager at Sambo's. Despite financial constraints, Shepherd creditably pursued her ambitions in the entertainment industry.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Shepherd began her professional life as a legal secretary in Beverly Hills in 1990. While dedicated to her job, her passion was in comedy. In 1995, she made the bold decision to leave her legal career to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. Her breakthrough came quickly when she was cast in the short-lived WB sitcom "Cleghorne!" just 12 days after quitting her job. However, after the show was canceled after one season, she returned to her secretarial position for three more years before her entertainment career gained momentum once again.

Acting and Hosting Roles

Shepherd’s television and comedy career advanced significantly in the 2000s. She created and starred in the Lifetime sitcom "Sherri" in 2009, a show loosely based on events from her own life. She also made several guest appearances on the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Her talent was further displayed in her recurring role as Angie Jordan, wife of Tracy Morgan's character, on the hit NBC series "30 Rock."

In 2006, she began guest co-hosting “The View” on ABC and was promoted to a full-time co-host in 2007. Shepherd remained a major fixture on the show until 2014, earning praise and multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. She also served as a co-host during the 2008 Emmy Awards.

Television Personality and Business Ventures

Beyond acting and hosting, Shepherd has demonstrated strong entrepreneurial skills. By 2015, she successfully launched a business catering to wigs and hair extensions. She also hosted the comedy showcase "NickMom Night Out" on the Nickelodeon channel, targeting a parenting audience with relatable humor.

Authorial Work and Health Advocacy

Shepherd has published two books. Her debut, "Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Herself a Break," released in 2009, was well-received for its candid and motivating content. In 2013, she co-authored "Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes" with nutrition and medical experts, sharing her personal journey with type 2 diabetes and promoting wellness awareness.