Sheryl Patrice Underwood, born on October 28, 1963, in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an American comedian, actress, and television host. She grew up in Atwater, California, and faced challenges early in life, including taking care of her sister Frankie, who suffered from polio.

She joined the United States Air Force Reserves after graduating from college, serving for two years before pursuing a career in comedy. She gained national recognition as the first female finalist in the 1989 Miller Lite Comedy Search.

Her television career took off when she became a frequent performer on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" in 1992. She later hosted BET's "Comic View" and won the BET "Funniest Female Comedian on Comic View" award in 1994.

She has also appeared in films such as "Bulworth" (1998), "Beauty Shop" (2005), and "Nikki" (2002). She became a co-host on the CBS daytime talk show "The Talk" in 2011, where she has been a beloved and candid presence, addressing a wide range of current events and social issues.

Sheryl Underwood is a successful entrepreneur, owning Pack Rat Productions, Inc., and founding the Pack Rat Foundation for Education, Inc. She is also the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., making her the only full-time entertainer to hold the sorority's highest post.