On Sunday, July 28, actress Erica Ash passed away at age 46. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Ash’s publicist confirmed that the star had died in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer. “Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life,” her family shared with the publication. “Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.
Family of Erica Ash
The news first broke through a social media post from BET, which was quickly taken down. Roland S. Martin, journalist and personal friend to the late actress, later confirmed that the news was true. “Erica was an amazing talented, funny, and serious actress,” he shared in a social media post. “I adored her.”
The news comes as a shock to fans who supported Ash over her decades-long career. Born in Florida to parents Donald and Diane in 1977, Erica Chantal Ash spent much of her early life on the move; because both of her parents were military members, Ash found herself spending part of her childhood in Germany before eventually returning to the U.S. to attend a performing arts school in Atlanta, Georgia. Though she had early ties to the world of entertainment, Ash attended Emory University on a pre-medicine track. It wasn’t until a trip to Japan when Ash decided to have a “year of yes” – a period dedicated to trying any new experiences that came her way – that she began to seriously explore her talents as a singer, dancer and model.
Ash was multifaceted and multitalented; in the early 2000s, she not only booked several roles on Broadway, including a part in The Lion King, but she also landed several voiceover roles for video games, including in the then-popular Dance Dance Revolution series.
But what Ash might be best remembered for is her innate comedic ability. She captivated viewers with her effortless humor as a cast member on The Big Gay Sketch Show in 2006 and in the 14th season of MADtv. Her wit and charm captured the hearts of any interviewers who sat down with her, her frequent impressions and quick jokes leaving audiences in stitches.
More recently, Ash was known for her roles in Scary Movie V, Survivor’s Remorse, We Have a Ghost, and Outlaw Johnny Black.
Beyond her career, Ash was vocal about the importance of staying politically active, often taking to social media to speak out about current events and social justice issues. In 2022, she shared an image of an “I Voted” sticker with the caption, “Yes I dragged my behind to do my Civic Duty in this monsoon. Hope you did too!”
Yes I dragged my behind to do my Civic Duty in this monsoon. Hope you did too! #wwead #ericaash #naughtytomboy https://t.co/3VHP97lFW4
— Erica Ash (@TheEricaAsh) November 9, 2022
With the news of her passing confirmed, friends of the actress have begun to pay their respects on social media. Comedian Loni Love shared a statement to her Instagram, writing, “I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ashe’s passing…. Erica was talented and hilarious whether it was the show Survivor’s Remorse or Madtv she would put her all into her work. She would always just be there.. now she’s gone.. My sincere condolences to her family and fans.”
Actress Niecy Nash shared her own tribute to Ash, alongside a photo of the two. “You will be missed,” she wrote. “Thank you for all the laughs.”
Further details of Ash’s battle with cancer have not been released. But in the wake of her passing, it is clear that her lively spirit and contributions to the entertainment world will always be remembered.
Donations in Ash’s memory can be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
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