Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. is known as the loving son of actress and TV host Sherri Shepherd. His life story is full of strength, growth, and quiet joy. Many people admire him because he faced big challenges early and kept moving forward.
This article shares the real journey of Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. It talks about his early birth, health struggles, and the strong bond he shares with his mother. Everything is explained in simple words so anyone can understand and enjoy reading.
As of 2026, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. is a teenager living a calm and supported life. He stays mostly private, but his story still inspires many families. Let’s begin with the special moment when his life first started.
Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. |
| Date of Birth | April 22, 2005 |
| Age (2026) | 21 years old |
| Birth Facts | Born 15 weeks early, 1 lb 10 oz |
| Mother | Sherri Shepherd |
| Father | Jeff Tarpley |
| Health at Birth | Weak immune system, NICU for 4 months |
| Special Needs | Developmental delays |
| School Life | Graduated middle school (2020), prom (2023) |
| Public Moments | Seen in fun videos with Sherri |
| Siblings | One half-sibling from Sherri’s second marriage |
| Custody | Raised full-time by Sherri Shepherd |
| Current Life | Private, supported life in 2026 |
| Known For | Strong spirit, sweet bond with his mom |
Who is Jeffrey Charles?
Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. was born on April 22, 2005. This date is extra special because it is also Sherri Shepherd’s birthday. His birth day became both joyful and scary for his family at the same time.
He was born very early, at just 25 weeks of pregnancy. He weighed only one pound and ten ounces. Doctors warned that he might face serious health problems and could struggle to walk, talk, or learn.
Even with those worries, Sherri never lost hope. She believed in her son from the first moment. Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. showed strength right away, proving that sometimes life has bigger plans than doctors expect.
Jeffrey Charles’s Early Life
After birth, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. spent four long months in the NICU. He needed machines, care, and constant attention to survive. Those months were very hard, but each day brought small signs of progress.
Sherri Shepherd stayed strong during this time. She visited often, prayed, and believed in her baby. She later shared that watching him fight gave her strength she never knew she had.
When Jeffrey finally came home, it was a huge moment. Life was still careful and slow, but it was filled with love. Those early months shaped the close bond between mother and son.
Jeffrey’s Early Life
As a baby, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. had a weak immune system. He often needed extra care and protection. Simple things like colds could be serious, so his early life required patience and close watch.
He also needed therapy many times each week. These sessions helped with movement, learning, and speech. Sherri made sure he never missed his care, even while managing her busy work life.
These early challenges did not stop his growth. Step by step, Jeffrey learned and improved. His progress showed that steady support and love can make a big difference over time.
Jeffrey’s Growing Up with Special Needs
Sherri Shepherd has shared that Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. has developmental delays. She speaks about this openly and honestly. She often says her son is “perfectly imperfect,” and she means it with pride and love.
Jeffrey learns in his own way and at his own pace. His journey is different, but it is still full of joy, effort, and small wins that matter a lot to his family.
Instead of hiding his challenges, Sherri uses her voice to support other parents. Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr.’s life helps show that every child’s path is unique and valuable.
A Loving Bond with His Mom, Sherri Shepherd
The bond between Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. and Sherri Shepherd is very strong. She has full custody and has raised him with care, humor, and patience since he was a baby.
Sherri often shares light and funny moments with him. One popular video showed Jeffrey joking that moms should not wear leggings. It made many people smile and showed his playful side.
Behind the laughs is deep love and trust. Sherri stands by her son in every moment. Their relationship is built on support, respect, and everyday kindness that keeps them close.
School Life and Learning Milestones
Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. worked hard in school, step by step. He reached a big moment in June 2020 when he graduated from middle school. His mom was so proud and shared happy words on Instagram to celebrate him.
He didn’t stop there. In 2023, he went to his high school prom. He wore a nice black tuxedo with a shiny blue bow tie. Even though he doesn’t like being on camera much, he let his mom take a photo. That made her smile and cry happy tears.
These moments show how far Jeffrey has come. Each goal he reaches is big, and it proves that growing up with love and support really works.
Funny and Heartwarming Moments
Jeffrey has a very fun and honest personality. In one video from 2020, he told his mom that “moms shouldn’t wear leggings.” He was eating at the table and looked serious while giving fashion advice!
Sherri laughed and explained that leggings are fine for moms too. They had a fun back-and-forth, and many people online loved the moment. Some agreed with Jeffrey, and others just enjoyed the sweet talk between mom and son.
These kinds of moments show his humor, honesty, and charm. Even when he’s not trying, Jeffrey makes people smile.
Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr Father and Family Life

Jeffrey Jr.’s father is Jeff Tarpley, Sherri Shepherd’s first husband. The couple got divorced in 2010, when Jeffrey was still very young. After the split, Sherri took full care of their son.
Sherri later married Lamar Sally in 2011. That marriage ended in 2014, and they had a son through a surrogate. There were some court issues and child support matters after that, which made life harder for a while.
Even through all of this, Sherri focused on raising Jeffrey with love and calm. He grew up in a home full of care, even when things around them were stressful.
Sherri’s Strength as a Mom
Sherri Shepherd has always worked hard — not just in her job, but also at home. While working in Hollywood, on talk shows, and doing comedy, she still put Jeffrey first.
She went through public court battles, personal stress, and busy work days. But no matter what, she always showed up for her son. Whether it was doctor visits or school meetings, she was there.
Many moms look up to her because of this. She shows that even with struggles, you can give your child a happy and stable life.
What Jeffrey Jr. Is Like Today
In 2026, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. is now a young adult. He lives a private, quiet life away from the spotlight. He doesn’t like being on video much, but his mom sometimes shares sweet updates.
He still works on his learning, and he keeps getting stronger. His life is full of routine, care, and love. He enjoys funny talks, family time, and peaceful moments at home.
Even though we don’t see him often, his story still touches people. He is a teen who reminds us that every step forward matters.
Final Thoughts
From being born too early to going to prom, Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. has come a long way. His story is not loud, but it is full of small victories and big love.
He has shown that even with delays and health struggles, life can be beautiful. With a strong mom like Sherri and the right support, he continues to grow each year.
His journey is full of hope, strength, smiles, and family. That’s why people love him — not because he’s famous, but because he is real, strong, and sweet.
(FAQs)
When was Jeffrey Charles Tarpley Jr. born?
He was born on April 22, 2005, which is also Sherri Shepherd’s birthday.
Was Jeffrey Jr. born early?
Yes, he was born 15 weeks early at just 25 weeks of pregnancy. He weighed only 1 lb 10 oz at birth.
Did Jeffrey Jr. face health problems after birth?
Yes. He had a weak immune system and developmental delays, but he got stronger over time with love and therapy.
Does Jeffrey Jr. have any special needs?
Yes. He has developmental delays and needed speech and physical therapy in his early years. His mother openly shares his journey.
Who raised Jeffrey Jr. after his parents’ divorce?
Sherri Shepherd has had full custody since her divorce from Jeff Tarpley in 2010 and raised him with full care and support.
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