The talented and multifaceted Sherri Shepherd, a Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host, has established a remarkable career in Hollywood. Born in April 1967 in Chicago, Sherri began her journey in the entertainment industry while still working as a legal secretary. Her breakthrough came in 1995 when she landed her first acting role in a sitcom, which, although short-lived, set the stage for a series of successful appearances in popular shows, including the iconic 30 Rock. Sherri’s most notable achievement came from her time as a co-host on The View from 2007 to 2014, where she won an Emmy in 2009 for her outstanding contributions. Following her sitcom roles and a successful stand-up comedy tour, she launched her own talk show, Sherri, in 2022, further solidifying her status in the entertainment world.
Sherri’s personal life reflects both triumphs and challenges, marked by two marriages and the joys and complexities of motherhood. She has two sons from her previous marriages but has faced tumultuous custody disputes with her ex-husbands over their well-being. Recently, as her sons grow older, Sherri shared a humorous and heartfelt story about her older son during an interview on The View on September 13, 2023. Continue reading to learn more about Sherri’s family life and the experiences that have shaped her parenting journey.
Meet Jeffrey: Sherri’s Firstborn Son
In 2001, Sherri Shepherd married Jeffrey Tarpley, and together they welcomed their son, Jeffrey, in April 2005. Their first child faced challenges, as he has special needs and developmental delays, which Sherri openly discussed with People in 2018. She expressed her unconditional love for him, stating, “I know that God created this little boy, who’s so yummy and special, and I have to accept him just in his little imperfect perfections. He’s perfectly imperfect in every way.” This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights Sherri’s commitment to embracing her son’s uniqueness and supporting him through his journey.
After their divorce in 2009, Sherri and Jeffrey Tarpley found themselves embroiled in a challenging custody battle in 2014. Tarpley filed for temporary physical custody, alleging that Sherri’s demanding schedule neglected their son. However, the court ruled in Sherri’s favor, allowing her to continue nurturing Jeffrey with love and care. Her affection for him is evident on her Instagram, where she regularly shares heartfelt moments, showcasing their close bond and the joy he brings to her life.
In 2022, Sherri took to social media to discuss her decision to move to New York to launch her talk show, Sherri, while prioritizing her son Jeffrey’s well-being. She recounted how a friend advised her that moving to New York would help Jeffrey find his independence. “I didn’t want to move to NY to do this talk show [sic]. My life was in LA, but my friend @teejmercer said ‘Sherri, God said New York is not for you, but it is for Jeffrey. That is where he will find his independence,’” she shared alongside a touching photo of them together. Despite her protective instincts, Sherri expressed her trust in God to guide her son as he embraces new experiences and challenges.
Sherri concluded her thoughts by reflecting on her faith and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. “This world is cruel, but I know that God knows Jeffrey much better than me, and I am trusting that within the parameters of his ‘special needs,’ he will thrive,” she expressed. “Lord, please give me the strength I need for this next leg of this journey.” Her words encapsulate the love and faith she has in her son’s future, emphasizing the importance of resilience and support in their lives.
During her appearance on The View on September 13, 2023, Sherri shared a humorous anecdote about her son as he transitioned from toddlerhood to adolescence. As the hosts reminisced about how young he was during her previous tenure on the show, Sherri revealed that he no longer wants her to call him “baby.” She humorously noted that he omitted her from his high school graduation speech, instead opting to thank his girlfriend. “Everyone was thanking their mothers, and my boy gets up there and says, ‘I want to thank my bae for being here and we’ve been through thick and thin,’” she recalled, showcasing both her pride and amusement at his growing independence.
Despite the funny moment, Sherri expressed her deep affection for her son, sharing that he gave her a hug afterward, which brought her to tears. “Oh my goodness. I love that boy so much,” she said, highlighting the strong bond they share. She also mentioned that her son has expressed interest in appearing on her talk show annually, indicating a desire to maintain their close relationship as he grows.
Discovering Lamar: Sherri’s Youngest Son
In a second attempt at love, Sherri Shepherd married writer Lamar Sally in 2011. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in May 2014, but the couple welcomed a son, Lamar, via surrogacy in August 2014. The child was conceived using Sally’s sperm and a donor egg, making the situation more complex as Sherri and Lamar have never met. Following their separation, a series of court disputes over finances and child support ensued, highlighting the challenges of co-parenting post-divorce.
Lamar Sally explained in 2014 that he and Sherri had mutually agreed to pursue surrogacy shortly after their wedding, as doctors determined Sherri’s eggs were not viable. However, six months into the surrogacy, Sherri unexpectedly filed for divorce. Sally insisted that throughout their tumultuous relationship, Sherri never indicated she didn’t want the baby, emphasizing the complexities surrounding their agreement and subsequent legal battles for custody and support.
In response to the custody battle, Sherri expressed her fears about the surrogacy agreement, admitting to People that she felt pressure to comply with Lamar’s wishes. “My situation was a sense of, I didn’t state what I needed and what I wanted and what I didn’t want for being scared of somebody leaving the relationship,” she revealed. The candid admission highlighted the emotional turmoil and consequences of her decisions, showing the difficulties faced by many parents navigating similar situations.
By 2017, a judge denied Lamar Sally’s request for additional financial support, prompting Sherri’s lawyer to state that she hopes her ex-husband would cease his attempts for more money and instead seek employment to support their child, just like any responsible parent should. Sherri took to Twitter to clarify her position, stating, “For the record… I always offered to financially care for my ex-husband’s son. What he was demanding was not fair & allowed him to not work.” This statement underscores the often complicated dynamics of post-divorce parenting and financial responsibility.
