Erica Ash, an actress and comedian known for her roles on Real Husbands of Hollywood, Survivor’s Remorse, and MADtv, died on July 28 in Los Angeles. She was 46.
“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 to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. “Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
Ash passed away after a long battle with cancer, according to published reports.
Ash’s mother, Diann Ash, told Today.com her daughter “transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.”
Born on Sept. 19, 1977, in Florida, Ash initially aimed to be a doctor and earned a pre-med degree from Emory University. A trip to Japan, where she worked as a backup singer and runway model, shifted her focus to a career in entertainment.
Ash moved to New York, where she performed in Broadway’s The Lion King and Baby It’s You! She also starred in Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s Off-Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
During an interview on The Steve Harvey Show, Ash recounted her first stand-up performance at the J Spot Comedy Club, marking the beginning of her comedy career.
She found her calling in comedy, later starring in The Big Gay Sketch Show and MADtv, before landing roles in Real Husbands of Hollywood and Survivor’s Remorse.
On Instagram, fellow comedian and friend Loni Love paid tribute, sharing a picture from when Ash guest co-hosted The Real daytime talk show.
“I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash has passed… Erica was talented and hilarious, whether it was on Survivor’s Remorse or MADtv. She would always just be there… now she’s gone. My sincere condolences to her family and fans,” she shared.
Mike Epps, who starred in Survivor’s Remorse with Ash, also honored her on Instagram, writing: “RIP ERICA gone too soon. She was such a great person to work with, full of life and funny and talented. You left a great mark on earth.”
Comedian and actress Niecy Nash wrote on Instagram, “Rest well pretty girl. Your last text to me was ‘I’m gonna make you my #wcw.’ Then we had a good keke. You will be missed! Thank you for all the laughs! Sending my deepest condolences to your family & loved ones.”
Ash also appeared on the big screen in films including Scary Movie V (2013), Uncle Drew (2018), The Big Bend (2021) and Violet (2021).
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.