Sheryl Underwood

Sheryl Underwood is a comedian, actress, television host, and entrepreneur whose career spans stand-up comedy, radio, film, and daytime television. Underwood first gained recognition in the comedy industry as the first female finalist in the Miller Lite Comedy Search, establishing a foundation for a career marked by breaking barriers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago and master's degrees in media management and mass communication from Governors State University. After completing her education, Underwood served in the United States Air Force Reserves for two years, reflecting her commitment to public service.

Underwood's success in stand-up comedy led to opportunities in television and film. She began her television career as a frequent performer on the HBO comedy series "Def Comedy Jam." Underwood received the BET Funniest Female Comedian on Comic View award and the BET Comedy Awards' Platinum Mic Viewers Choice Award. She also hosted BET's "Comic View" and served as executive producer and host of the limited-run comedy/variety series "Holla." In 2026, she was performed in Netflix's "Roast of Kevin Hart." In film, Underwood appeared in "Bulworth" and "I Got the Hook-Up" and played Catfish Rita in the comedy "Beauty Shop" opposite Queen Latifah. She has hosted and contributed to several nationally syndicated radio programs, including "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," "Sheryl Underwood and Company," and Jamie Foxx's "The Foxxhole."

Underwood became a co-host on the CBS daytime talk show "The Talk," becoming the show's longest-running co-host. As co-host of the Emmy Award-winning "The Talk," she engaged viewers with her humor, candor, and credibility. Underwood earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host and won the award. She also signed a multi-year development deal with CBS Studios. Executive producers of The Talk have noted her ability to connect with audiences through authenticity and comedic wit.

Underwood is owner and chief executive officer of Pack Rat Productions Inc. and served as the 23rd international president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., the only full-time entertainer to hold the sorority's highest post. She became the first professional performer elected to the highest post of a National Pan-Hellenic Council organization. Underwood founded the African-American Female Comedian Association and is founder and CEO of the Pack Rat Foundation for Education, which raises funds to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and students pursuing higher education. She holds four honorary doctorates, including from Benedict College, South Carolina State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Voorhees College.

Underwood is a public speaker known for candid discussions on overcoming adversity, including mental health and grief. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Underwood has also appeared as a guest on ABC's "The View" and performed at the Loony Bin comedy club as part of her "I Need a Job Tour." Across stand-up, television, radio, and public speaking, Underwood demonstrates the role of comedy in fostering connection, advocacy, and cultural impact.