After a protracted fight with cancer, scary movie actress and Mad TV star Erica Ash died at the age of 46
After a protracted fight with illness, Erica Ash, the actress of the Scary Movie franchise, passed away at the age of 46, according to her family.
The American actress was also well-known for her roles in the BET reality satire Real Husbands of Hollywood and the Fox sketch comedy program Mad TV.
In a statement received by The Hollywood Reporter, Erica’s family said, “Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life.” “We shall always carry her memory in our hearts.”
She died in Los Angeles on Sunday, her publicist Elizabeth Much informed the publication.
Her sister Adrienne and mother Diann both survive her.
Ash gained notoriety for her performances in Real Husbands of Hollywood and the Starz comedy drama Survivor’s Remorse.
For five seasons, from 2013 to 2016, she played Bridgette Hart, the love interest and ex-wife of Kevin Hart on the reality satire.
She starred in the spoof series and was in every episode of Survivor’s Remorse for all four seasons.
She also appeared as a guest in three episodes of the first season of NBC’s Shades of Blue, starring Ray Liotta and Jennifer Lopez.
The Florida native gained notoriety for her roles in two seasons of Mad TV and for her appearances on Rosie O’Donnell’s sketch comedy program The Big Gay Sketch Show.
She starred in the supernatural horror comedy film We Have a Ghost on Netflix and made an appearance in Scary Movie V, which debuted in theaters in 2013.
She costarred with Shaquille O’Neal and Kyrie Irving in the 2018 basketball comedy Uncle Drew.
Her impressive résumé includes a recent endeavor, the 2023 Western comedy film The Outlaw Johnny Black.
Kristy (2014), Jean of the Joneses (2016), The Big Bend (2021), Violet (2021), Singleholic and (2022), and Unthinkably Good Things (2022) are just a few of the movies she appeared in.
Ash has made guest appearances on TV shows like NBC’s Extended Family, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Cold Case, and Family Reunion in the past several years.
She provided the voices for Aquaman: King of Atlantis and Bless the Harts.
The musician, who was born in Florida and raised in Atlanta, was studying medicine at Emory University when she “fell into a background singing gig” while traveling to Japan, prior to her big break in show business.
She did some modeling there, and as she told the Los Angeles Times in 2017, “one thing led to another.”
Apart from her several abilities, the multi-hyphenated performer also had a Broadway lead role in the jukebox musical Baby It’s You in 2011!
Jamie Foxx led the tributes in honor of the comedian after it was announced that she had passed away, among many other celebrities.
No way. “It’s unbelievable,” he posted on Instagram. What a remarkable talent. Too soon to be gone. Erica, RIP.
He used a picture from BET’s homage to the diva, recognizing her and her legacy, in his post.
The media titan’s statement said, “Today, #BETRemembers actress and comedienne Erica Ash who has passed away at the age of 46.”
Erica, who played in BET favorites like the courtroom drama “In Contempt” and the reality satire “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” is well-known for her combination of wit and humor. To her parents, siblings, friends, and family, we extend our sincere sympathies and love. Queen, soar high.
Loni Love, a fellow comic, honored Ash as well, complimenting her buddy on her skill and love for her work.
She posted a picture of herself and Erica Ash on the set of The Real, the former talk show that she co-hosted for eight seasons, along with the caption, “I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash’s passing,” on Instagram.
“Erica was hilarious and talented; she would give her all to her work, whether it was for Madtv or the television program Survivor’s Remorse,” the speaker went on.
“She used to just be there; now she’s no longer there.” I send my deepest sympathies to her loved ones.
When they were filming The Outlaw Johnny Black, Michael Jai White posted a picture of them dressed as masked characters. He described Ash as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever known” and recalled seeing her give her all to her work despite having cancer.
In a lengthy homage to his co-star, he said, “We all lost one of the most multitalented and beautiful human beings I’ve ever known.”
“I saw her as the possibility With her masterful performance of humor, charm, beauty, wit, physicality, sexuality, sensitivity, naivety, and wisdom ALL WITHIN THE SAME CHARACTER, Carol Burnett, of her time, absolutely stole our film! “Anyone who watched the film can confirm that,” he stated.
Apart from that, she was among the strongest people I’ve ever seen; she concealed her stage 4 cancer from almost everyone and spent almost every lunch break lying on the floor of her dressing room in agony.
She prioritized others and was a delight! I feel really fortunate to have had her in my life and to have been able to experience her genius, love, and friendship! I’m very sad that she left us and that we won’t get to do the things we had planned! Erica, rest in peace!
In addition, Tisha Campbell-Martin paid poignant homage to Ash by posting a charming photo of the two of them with Ash grinning broadly.
Ash was referred to by the actress as both her “little sister” and the “light” in the lives of numerous other individuals.
My heart hurts so bad that I had to remove my previous post. God, you will be missed. There are a select handful of us who are the LIGHT among all the nastiness that this world and occasionally our industry bring, and you are that for so many. You are gifted, intelligent, humorous, and you are soar on well-earned wings. Oh Erica, this is so tough, dude! RIP, my darling sister. I love you.
In his homage, comedian and actor Mike Epps, who costarred with Ash in Survivor’s Remorse, praised her amazing skills and “full of life” demeanor.
Farewell, Erica. Too soon gone. He captioned a photo of them on the show’s set, saying, “She was such a great person to work with, full of life and funny and talent.” You have a lasting impact on the planet.
The family requests that donations to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or other breast cancer charities be made in Ash’s honor in place of flowers.
