SHERRI OPENS UP
The actress, TV personality and comedian talks about bouncing back after heartache
Sherri Shepherd talks overcoming heartache, dating and reality TV.
The past few years haven’t always been happy for Sherri Shepherd. In 2014, she and her husband of three years, Lamar Sally, split. Rumors that he’d cheated swirled ( he denied the rumors were true) and a nasty divorce followed, along with a bitter battle over their then-unborn child, who was conceived via surrogate (Lamar is currently raising the boy, 2, while Sherri pays child support). But things are looking up for the former View co-host, 49. “I survived betrayal,” she says, “and learned how to get back up and smile again.” The mom of Jeffrey, 11 (whose dad is her first husband), talks to In Touch’s Jaclyn Roth about getting back in the dating game, her new LUXHAIR Wig Collection and why she’ll never do a reality show.
You’ve been through a lot, but it sounds like you’re in a good place…. SS: Yes. I just said, “Sher, you got to figure out what makes you smile,” and right now that’s my sister friends. I cherish the women in my life.
Are you still in touch with your former co-hosts on The View? SS: I just talked to Whoopi [Goldberg] and Joy [Behar], I texted Candace [Cameron Bure] when she left, I sent Barbara Walters an email two weeks ago. When Lizzy [Elisabeth Hasselbeck] or Jenny [Mccarthy] call, it’s a love fest. Nice. Will you start dating again? SS: If love finds me while I’m busy doing my thing that’s one thing, but I’m not looking like I was before.
What are your dating deal breakers? SS: If you don’t have a good relationship with your mom, the first woman in your life, that’s a deal breaker.
Would you ever get married again? SS: I am not against marriage, and I am not against love. And also, I love prenups, so if I get married again, there will be a prenup.
Tell us about your new wig line. SS: I have always loved wigs. They’re such a great option for women and you can do so many different styles. I’ll do some soft curls for the red carpet, and big curls when I’m doing stand-up, because it’s so fun.
Your son Jeffrey is 11. What’s he up to these days? SS: He thinks he knows everything and doesn’t want to kiss me!
What do you guys like to do together? SS: In the morning, we get up and play Pharrell’s “Happy” and I make him dance. Val Chmerkovskiy, my partner on Dancing With the Stars, taught him how to do the salsa, so he leads me and that sets the mood for the day.
Speaking of DWTS, would you ever do a reality TV show? SS: I was watching Love & Hip Hop the other day and thought, “I don’t have one friend I could sit across from and throw water in her face!” I need my women friends, so if you see me on a reality show you know I hit rock bottom. ◼