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On weekday mornings, Sherri Shepherd gives the nation a piece of her mind. As a co-host on the “The View,” Shepherd’s sidesplitting commentary has led to criticism and award nominations. In May, Shepherd was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Now considered one of the most successful black female comedians in show business, Shepherd often takes the time to thank her father, Lawrence, for inspiring her with love. –amir shaw
Why is it important for every young girl to have a strong male figure in her life?
I’m heartbroken when I see little girls grow up and they don’t have the first man in their [lives] telling them that they are the best. Because I know how it feels to be a daddy’s girl and a lot of girls will never know what that feels like. To have that is such a blessing.
How has your father sacrificed for you?
I did a book that will be published soon and I dedicated the book to my father because he gave up his dreams so that I could live my dream. When people say, ‘You’re so funny,’ I tell them to meet my dad. I appreciate my father. He could’ve been an actor or comic, but he chose to work hard and stay with my mom and provide for my sisters and I.
What values did your father instill in you?
I got the hardworking spirit from my father because he never stopped. He worked at a restaurant called Sambo’s and I didn’t know, at that age, that it was offensive to have black babies with pink lips. But my father was a waiter there and got called the N-word because he wanted to take care of his girls.
What special moment do you remember most about your father?
When my son was born prematurely and weighed only one pound and 10 ounces, the first person I called was my father. I told him that I would never be able to laugh or smile again. All it took was my father saying ‘It will be all right’ [for me to feel better]. When I went through a divorce and I felt betrayed, I called my father and he let me know that he would always be by my side no matter what.
