Biography

RHONDA SHEAR is probably best known as the star and host of USA Network's long-running, popular Friday night movie series, "USA: Up All Night." For eight years and 400 shows, RHONDA converted an entire generation into insomniacs as they became addicted to her tongue in cheek humor and self deprecating antics. To quote the Los Angeles Times "She may not look the part, but RHONDA SHEAR is a comedy pioneer." The NY Post remarked, "There's no such thing as a little body language when you're talking about SHEAR, a petite, Barbie-shaped bundle of energy and intelligence which is likely to be overshadowed by other attributes." Even though Playboy named her "One of Television's Sexiest Stars" and Cable Guide heralded her as "one of Cable's Most Beautiful Women," there is more to RHONDA SHEAR than meets the eye.

As an actress, SHEAR has starred in many cult classics herself such as "Basic Training," "Legend of Roller Blade Seven," "Revenge of the Party Nerds II," and her latest, soon to be classic, "Prison A-Go-Go." She has also guest starred on many television series including "Married With Children," "Silk Stalkings," "Full House," and "Cheers." RHONDA has hosted and guest hosted many shows including "Maury Povich," "VH1 Top 21 Countdown," "Good Morning Britain," "Geraldo," and "Vicki Lawrence." She has been the star feature on such shows as "Larry King Live," "Entertainment Tonight," and "48 Hours.” SHEAR has graced the cover of countless magazines and has been profiled in such magazines as PEOPLE and PLAYBOY.

Her Hollywood career came about via her incredible success on the beauty pageant circuit. Winning her first title at age 16, SHEAR won over 40 major pageants, including "Miss Louisiana." RHONDA then went on to major with a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University. She was accepted to Loyola Law School after a brief but impressive attempt at a political career in New Orleans. After losing the office of Register of Conveyances by 135 votes in New Orleans, RHONDA packed her bags and headed to Hollywood. Bob Hope quickly spotted her and put her on in one of his specials. Like so many young actresses before her, Hope's nod of approval jump-started what was to become a solid acting, modeling career for SHEAR.

After trailblazing as the youngest woman to run for office in New Orleans, SHEAR thought she would try another unchartered course; stand-up comedy. A very hard road for most performers and certainly for young women, RHONDA began hosting a string of shows for women vying for stage time. She defied what the stereotype of what a comic is supposed to look like, and forged ahead. Since the early 90's SHEAR has had a solid career as a headlining comedienne. She has opened for such lgreats as Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, The Temptations, and has headlined prestigious venues such as Harrah's, Flamingo Hilton, Suncoast, Riverside Resort, and The Riviera. Some of SHEAR's stand-up comedy television credits include "Girl's Night Out" (Lifetime) "Evening at The Improv," (A@E), "Women Aloud" (Comedy Central), and "Caroline's Comedy Hour" (A&E). SHEAR’S Comedy CD, produced by Uproar Entertainment continues to be a best seller. Her latest comedy venture is touring with the show that she created, "RHONDA SHEAR'S COMEDY PAJAMA PARTY. This all female, slumber party on stage continues to get rave revues with RHONDA as the star.

RHONDA's favorite hobby is doll collecting, which ranges from valuable and much sought after Barbies to the most exquisite Madame Alexander Collectibles.This passion has led RHONDA to be a contributing writer for DOLLS MAGAZINE. Her collection has been profiled countless times in print, and on television.

SHEAR recently married her childhood sweetheart after reuniting on Classmates.com. After seeing each other for the first time in 20 years, RHONDA and VAN FAGAN eloped after just 15 days. Since then they have renewed their wedding vows two more times and have shared their romantic, uplifting story with many others.

RHONDA SHEAR is living proof that comedy can be sexy, and sexy can be smart. "The problem is that I'm this nice girl trapped in this bad girl's body," she says with a wink. This has led RHONDA to her latest venture, creating a line of lingerie that is flattering and slimming for all body types. "RHONDA'S UNDER SLIMMYS" came out of a need that RHONDA had for herself. "Clothes never hang on me like a supermodel. I have curves. I'm from New Orleans, like to cook and eat and I'm not giving that up!" She decided that she could get rid of those extra ten pounds at a moments notice with the right undergarments. Out of this personal desire, SHEAR'S, "Slip into Slim" theory was born. She is proud to announce that she will be appearing on Home Shopping Network with this exclusive line. This is the beginning of another career as a designer for his cult goddess, who has carved out her own niche in the entertainment pantheon, and in the words of the New York Post Is ... Is worth staying up for!"