Sheryl Underwood (born December 12, 1963) is an American stand‑up comedian, television actress, and talk‑show host. She is best known as a co‑host on the daytime talk program The Talk, a position she has held since the show's inception in 2010.
Early life and education
Sheryl Marie Underwood was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Sacramento, California. She attended Sierra College in Rocklin, California, where she studied nursing before pursuing a career in entertainment.
Pageantry
In 1987, Underwood entered and won the titles of Miss Black California and Miss Black America. Her success in pageantry provided her with public‑speaking experience and opened doors to early television appearances.
Career
Stand‑up comedy
Underwood began performing stand‑up comedy in the late 1980s, initially appearing at clubs in Sacramento and later in Los Angeles. Her material often draws on personal experiences, including her upbringing and health challenges. She gained national exposure through performances on syndicated comedy programs and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Comedy Central specials.
Television
- Early roles: Underwood made guest appearances on sitcoms such as The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air and The Proud Family. She also provided voice work for animated series, including a recurring role as the character "Grasshopper" on The Boondocks.
- The Talk: In 2010, she was named an original co‑host of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk. On the program, Underwood contributes to discussions on current events, pop culture, and social issues, and participates in the show's cooking segments, demonstrations, and interviews.
Other projects
Underwood has produced and hosted the documentary series Sheryl Underwood and the Black Ladies of History, which highlights notable African‑American women throughout U.S. history. She has also appeared in the comedy series Hollywood Divorce and performed in Las Vegas.
Personal life
Underwood married Mark Brown in 1993; the couple divorced in 1997. She has one son, Michael, born in 1999. In 2006, Underwood was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, later becoming an advocate for breast‑cancer awareness. She has also spoken publicly about surviving cervical cancer. Underwood is a member of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta and actively participates in philanthropic initiatives related to health education and women's empowerment.
Awards and honors
- 2007: Received the NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Talk Series (The Talk).
- 2014: Honored with the Women in Film & Television International award for "Distinguished Service to the Community."
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, television network press releases, and reputable news outlets.