Erica Ash, Actor and Comedian, Dies at 46 After Courageous Battle with Cancer
Erica Ash, the talented actor and comedian known for her roles in Survivor’s Remorse, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and MadTV, has passed away at the age of 46. Ash died on Sunday in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed.
She gained fame on the Fox sketch comedy show MadTV and Logo’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” produced by Rosie O’Donnell. She later stood out in the BET reality spoof “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and the Starz comedy-drama “Survivor’s Remorse.”
Born on September 19, 1977, in Florida and raised in Atlanta, Ash graduated from Emory University with a premed degree before pursuing her passion for performance. Her early career took off in Japan as a model and singer, which eventually led to acting roles.
On Broadway, Ash starred in “Baby It’s You” and performed in a Disney touring production of “The Lion King.” Her television career included a standout role as Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway on “Survivor’s Remorse,” earning her an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2017.
Ash’s film credits include “Scary Movie V,” “Uncle Drew,” and “The Outlaw Johnny Black.” She also voiced characters in animated series such as “Bless the Harts” and “Aquaman: King of Atlantis.” Her role as Gwen Sullivan, a fierce public defender in BET’s “In Contempt,” further showcased her dramatic range.
Tributes poured in from her colleagues and friends, who remembered Ash for her sharp wit, humor, and generosity.
“Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life,” her family said in a statement.
“Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
Christopher Landon, who directed her in “We Have A Ghost,” shared his sentiments on social media:
“Erica Ash was a light. Beautiful, funny, beyond talented. I was blessed to work with her and call her my friend. My heart goes out to her family and friends right now.”
Siedah Garrett, a fellow performer, wrote, “Moved to tears at the passing of beautiful, talented & funny actor from Survivor’s Remorse… Erica generously worked with me on an original jailhouse skit I submitted to Netflix.”
Showrunner Mike O’Malley reflected on her impact on the set of “Survivor’s Remorse”:
“Erica Ash had a booming laugh that filled the set every day. It was a loud and generous laugh. The kind of loud and genuine laugh that made you turn your head to see what you were missing. The kind of laugh that signified life being lived to the fullest. Erica did. She was fearless, hilarious, compelling. But most of all – she was a good person. A team player. A woman you loved being around.”
Ash’s impact extended beyond her professional achievements. Her family described her as an amazing woman who touched countless lives with her genuine zest for life.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Loni Love, a close friend and fellow comedian, took to Instagram to express her grief: “Erica Ash would put her all into her work. She was dedicated, passionate, and always brought her unique spark to everything she did. Rest in peace, my friend.”