Sheryl Underwood’s late husband Michael died by suicide in 1990, a tragedy referenced during the Kevin Hart Roast.
Sheryl Underwood is known for her razor-sharp comedy and warm TV presence, but her past carries real, lasting grief—something that resurfaced during Netflix’s May 2026 special The Roast of Kevin Hart.
During the roast. several comedians leaned on the story of Underwood’s late husband. including jokes tied to the circumstances and timing of his death.. Tony Hinchcliffe drew attention with a quip about how long he had been married and how Underwood had to live with the aftermath.. Shane Gillis also referenced the tragedy. mixing it with remarks about race and even a joke involving a basketball team’s logo. as if trying to wrap painful history in punchlines.
Despite the backlash the jokes sparked online, Underwood was shown laughing from her seat during the set. Gillis later acknowledged the discomfort behind the scenes, saying he called her after the show and that she reacted with anger and disbelief at the choice to make fun of her husband’s death.
The roast moment also helped bring renewed attention to what is publicly known about Underwood’s late husband, Michael—details she has shared over the years, including in past interviews.
Underwood is not currently married and, as described in reporting around her personal life, is not in a committed relationship at the moment. She has, however, navigated dating in a low-profile way.
When it comes to her marriage, Underwood has never confirmed her late husband’s full name. What has been reported is that his name was Michael, and that he worked as a chef.
Their relationship began in the late 1980s, with reporting stating they were married from 1987 until his death in August 1990.. Accounts have also noted that the marriage was difficult as her husband battled depression. a fact that helps explain why the day of his death remains so heavy for Underwood to revisit.
In August 1990, Underwood’s husband died by suicide.. She has described the day he died and said she would never forget it.. In a 2016 interview. Underwood recalled making a German chocolate cake that morning and speaking with him with an everyday plan for his return—only for the conversation to become something she says she can’t un-live.
She characterized the moment as among the most painful experiences of her life, emphasizing that her husband was not coming back. Even so, she said that at the time she was “content” with her life, and that the experience ultimately made her stronger.
Underwood explained that remembering the loss shouldn’t just be about grief—it should also be used to improve things for others. She said she wouldn’t change what happened, pointing to how she learned about herself through the ordeal.
For viewers wondering why a roast could steer into such personal territory. the answer is partly about how comedy formats often try to build shock and familiarity through shared. already-public history.. In this case. the material relied on a tragedy that Underwood carried long after the jokes stopped. which is why reactions online reportedly turned so strongly against the comedians’ word choices.
It also highlights a recurring tension in entertainment: public figures may share painful experiences in the interest of honesty or healing. but that doesn’t always mean every platform will treat the subject with the same care.. Underwood’s on-screen reaction—laughing during the set—contrasted with the reported private aftermath Gillis described. underscoring that even when someone appears to go along in the room. the emotional reality can be far more complicated.
And while the special put the story back in the spotlight. the underlying message from Underwood’s own words has remained focused on grief. survival. and meaning-making rather than spectacle.. When she talked about getting stronger and using remembrance to help others. she framed the loss as something that shouldn’t be consumed as content.
For anyone who may be struggling emotionally or worried about someone else, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Sheryl Underwood late husband Michael Underwood death The Roast of Kevin Hart Tony Hinchcliffe jokes Shane Gillis roast backlash depression and suicide