Erica Ash dead at 46: Scary Movie actress and Mad TV star passes away after a long battle with cancer
Erica Ash, who starred in the Scary Movie franchise, has died aged 46 following a long battle with cancer, her family has confirmed.
The American actress was also known for appearing on the Fox sketch comedy show Mad TV and the BET reality spoof Real Husbands of Hollywood.
'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, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. 'Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.'
She passed away on Sunday in Los Angeles, her publicist Elizabeth Much told the outlet.
She is survived by her mother Diann and her sister Adrienne.
Erica Ash dead at 46: Scary Movie actress and Mad TV star passes away after a long battle with cancer
Ash was known for her role in the Starz comedy drama Survivor's Remorse and Real Husbands of Hollywood.
She portrayed Kevin Hart's love interest and ex-wife Bridgette Hart on the reality spoof, which ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2016.
While starring in the parody series, she also appeared in all four seasons of Survivor's Remorse.
She also played a guest role in three episodes of NBC's Shades of Blue's first season, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.
The Florida native was known for appearing on sketch comedy show The Big Gay Sketch Show, which was produced by Rosie O'Donnell, and for her contribution on two seasons of Mad TV.
She starred in Netflix's supernatural horror comedy film We Have a Ghost and also appeared on the big screen for the 2013 release of Scary Movie V.
She also appeared in the 2018 basketball comedy Uncle Drew alongside Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O'Neal.
One of her recent projects in her decorated resume included 2023 Western comedy movie The Outlaw Johnny Black.
The American actress was also known for appearing on the Fox sketch comedy show Mad TV and the BET reality spoof Real Husbands of Hollywood; seen in May 2023
She is known for her big screen role in the 2013 release of Scary Movie V
She also starred in Netflix's supernatural horror comedy film We Have a Ghost
She made appearances in films including Kristy (2014), Jean of the Joneses (2016), The Big Bend (2021), Violet (2021), Singleholic and (2022) and Unthinkably Good Things (2022).
In recent years, Ash guest-starred on series such as Cold Case, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Family Reunion and NBC's Extended Family.
She had voice roles on Bless the Harts and Aquaman: King of Atlantis.
Before her big break in entertainment, the Florida-born and Atlanta-raised artist was studying medicine at Emory University and 'fell into a background singing gig' during a trip she took to Japan.
It was there she did some modeling and 'one thing led to another,' she told the Los Angeles Times in 2017.
In addition to her many talents, the multi-hyphenated artist also starred on Broadway in 2011 for the jukebox musical Baby It's You!
Following the news of her passing, Jamie Foxx was one of many stars leading the tributes in honor of the comedian.
'Noooo way. Cannot believe this one,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Such an incredible talent. Gone way too soon. RIP Erica.'
The Florida native was known for appearing on sketch comedy show The Big Gay Sketch Show, which was produced by Rosie O'Donnell , and for her contribution on two seasons of Mad TV. One of her recent projects in her decorated resume included 2023 Western comedy movie The Outlaw Johnny Black; seen in November 2021
In recent years, Ash guest-starred on series such as Cold Case, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Family Reunion and NBC's Extended Family; seen in February 2020
For his post, he reshared a photo from BET's tribute remembering the star and honoring her legacy.
'Today, #BETRemembers actress and comedienne Erica Ash who has passed away at the age of 46,' the media powerhouse's post 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.'
Fellow comedian Loni Love also paid homage to Ash, praising her friend for her talent and passion for her art.
'I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash's passing,' she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of them on the set of the former talk show The Real, which she co-hosted for eight seasons.
'Erica was talented and hilarious whether it was the show Survivor's Remorse or Madtv she would put her all into her work,' she continued.
'She would always just be there, now she's gone. My sincere condolences to her family and fans.'
Michael Jai White shared a photo of them in costume while filming The Outlaw Johnny Black and called Ash 'one of the strongest people I've known' as he recalled watching her continue to put her all into her art even while battling cancer.
Before her big break in entertainment, the Florida-born and Atlanta-raised artist was studying medicine at Emory University and 'fell into a background singing gig' during a trip she took to Japan. It was there she did some modeling and 'one thing led to another,' she told the Los Angeles Times in 2017; seen in Beverly Hills on January 5
Following the news of her passing, Jamie Foxx was one of many stars leading the tributes in honor of the comedian
'We all lost one of the most multitalented and beautiful human beings I've ever known,' he began in a lengthy tribute honoring his co-star.
'I considered her the potential Carol Burnett of her generation who completely stole our movie with her virtuoso performance of humor, charm, beauty, wit, physicality, sexiness, vulnerability, naivety and wisdom ALL WITHIN THE SAME CHARACTER! Anyone who saw the movie can attest to that,' he wrote.
'Aside from that, she was one of the strongest people I've known, spending nearly every lunch break lying on her dressing room floor in pain from stage 4 cancer during production and keeping it a secret from nearly everyone.
'She was a joy who put others first! I'm tremendously sad she left us and sad we won't get to do the things we had in development, but I feel tremendously blessed to have had her in my life and got to bear witness to her brilliance, love and friendship! Rest in peace Erica!'
Tisha Campbell-Martin also shared a heartfelt tribute as she shared a sweet selfie of them together and Ash flashing her bright smile.
The actress called Ash her 'little sister' as well as the 'light' in her and many other people's lives.
Michael Jai White, who starred alongside Ash in The Outlaw Johnny Black, shared a photo of them in costume while filming the movie. 'We all lost one of the most multitalented and beautiful human beings I've ever known,' he began in a lengthy tribute honoring his 'brilliant' co-star
Tisha Campbell-Martin also shared a heartfelt tribute while mourning her dear friend
'I had to delete my earlier post because my heart aches so much. God I will miss you. With all the ugliness that this world and sometimes our industry brings there are few among us that are the LIGHT and you are that for so many. You are talented, you are funny, you are brilliant and you are flying with much earned wings. My God Erica this is a rough one man!!!! I love you my little sister RIP'
Comedian and actor Mike Epps, who starred alongside Ash in Survivor's Remorse, lauded his former castmate for her 'full of life' personality and inspiring talent in his tribute.
'RIP ERICA. Gone too soon. She was such a great person to work with, full of life and funny and talent,' he wrote in the caption alongside a snap of them on the set of the show. 'You left a great mark on earth.'
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ash's name to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or other breast cancer charities.
