Actress and comedian Erica Ash has died at age 46.
Her family confirmed to The Poston Monday that her cause of death was cancer.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024). After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones,” her mother Diann Ash told this outlet in a statement.
She added, “Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
Her friend and fellow comedian Loni Love posted about Ash’s death on social media.
“I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash’s passing,” Love wrote on Instagram.
“Erica was talented and hilarious whether it was the show Survivor’s Remorse or Madtv she would put her all into her work,” Love captioned her tribute post.
“She would always just be there.. now she’s gone.. My sincere condolences to her family and fans 🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Born in Florida, Ash graduated from Emory University. She was best known for being a cast member on “MADtv” and the Starz basketball comedy “Survivor’s Remorse,” produced by LeBron James. Ash also appeared in “The Big Gay Sketch Show” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”
Robin Thede, the creator of “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” wrote on Instagram via her production company For Better Or Words Inc., “We are truly devastated to hear of comedian Erica Ash’s passing. She was a force of nature and we had the pleasure of working with her on S2 of A Black Lady Sketch Show, where she was a standout on camera and off. Erica was truly a light and will be dearly missed.”
Thede included an additional comment under the post, saying, “I am so distraught. Love to her family and everyone struggling with this loss.”
Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo commented on Thede’s post, “This one hurts.”
Ash’s career included being featured on the BET parody show “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” which starred Kevin Hart, Duane Martin, Nick Cannon, JB Smoove and Nelly, and a slew of other projects.
Ash played a public defender in the BET show “In Contempt.” She also appeared in the fifth movie in the “Scary Movie” horror comedy franchise and the basketball comedy “Uncle Drew,” which starred Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O’Neal.
Ash also appeared in “The Vampire Diaries” spinoff series, “Legacies,” in 2019.
In 2016, she had a guest arc on NBC’s “Shades of Blue” alongside Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.
BET posted an Instagram tribute following Ash’s passing.
“Today, #BETRemembers actress and comedienne Erica Ash who has passed away at the age of 46,” the caption read.
“Known for being equal parts witty and funny, Erica starred in BET favorites such as legal drama In Contempt and reality spoof Real Husbands of Hollywood. We send our deepest condolences and love to her parents, siblings, friends and family. Fly high Queen.”
“Ms. Erica Ash was a boundlessly talented actress whose range was superlative,” Professor Rel Dowdell, Director of Film Studies at Hampton University, told Deadline.
He added, “Being a graduate of prestigious institution Emory University, she could have had many prosperous career options to choose from in life, but she definitely chose the right one in being a standout and very conscious actress who touched many lives with her work.”
At the end of their statement, Ash’s family said, “In honor of Erica’ memory, the family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice. We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time.”