When Sheryl Underwood, a long-time standup comedian, secured her co-hosting spot on the popular CBS show The Talk in 2011, it was nothing short of a dream realized. For Sheryl, this wasn’t just another career move—it was the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, resilience, and a touch of magic.
“You know, people might not fully grasp how truly happy I am to be where I am,” Sheryl, now 55, exclusively shared with Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, available on newsstands. “I’m a Def Comedy Jam/BET street comic, so the fact that people connect with me and trust me—it brings tears to my eyes. I’m praying that we can keep this show running for 20 years. I’m serious!”
But Sheryl isn’t stopping there. Despite her success on The Talk, she’s still eager to spread her wings and take on new challenges. From guest-starring roles in shows like Jane the Virgin and The Odd Couple to dreaming of her own sitcom, Sheryl’s ambitions are as big as they are heartwarming. “Imagine this: I finish my day at 12:15, rush off to shoot my sitcom, and then, during hiatus, star in a blockbuster action film where Tom Cruise and I fall in love. And then, oh wait, Keanu Reeves shows up, and they both fight over me. Am I asking for too much?” Sheryl jokes, her infectious laughter lighting up the room.
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After overcoming personal tragedies, including an abusive childhood and the devastating loss of her husband to suicide in 1990, Sheryl’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. We sat down with this incredible comedienne to talk about her life, her career, and how she continues to make her dreams come true.
Scroll below to read our exclusive Q&A with Sheryl!
How Would You Describe This Chapter in Your Life?
“Right now, my life feels like it’s on fire in the best possible way. I’ve got so much happening in my career, and I love that people can see the growth and changes in me. Patti LaBelle, who I’ve known for years, came on the show recently and gave me a big hug. She said, ‘Girl, you look good!’ That meant the world to me. It’s those little moments that remind me how far I’ve come.”
Have There Been Any Starstruck Moments While Hosting The Talk?
“Oh, absolutely! When Judith Light came on to promote The Nellie Bly Story, I was a mess. I had to ask the show to forgive me because I’ve been watching her on One Life to Live since I was a kid. And let’s not forget Keanu Reeves—charming, dashing, and oh-so-cool. During a break, I asked him, ‘Where do you find the humanity in your character, John Wick?’ His face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. He started breaking it all down, and I was in awe. It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am.”
What’s It Like Having Carrie Ann Inaba Join the Show? And How About Julie Chen?
“Julie Chen is incredibly busy with Celebrity Big Brother, but we still see each other on the lot. She was such a wonderful mentor to me. I learned so much from her, like how to read the teleprompter and stay focused during a two-minute segment. She’d set me up with a joke, and I’d knock it out of the park. I hope people could see the love and connection we shared. Now, Carrie Ann Inaba brings her own unique energy to the table. She’s a jokester, and I adore her. Plus, she’s teaching me how to walk in heels—something I desperately need!”
