UPDATED:
Erica Ash, the acclaimed actress and comedian, has passed away at the age of 46. Known for her dynamic presence on both stage and screen, Ash’s career spanned various genres and platforms.
BET first reported about her passing but quickly deleted it which created a lot of conflicting reports. However it has now been confirmed through Roland Martin that she has indeed passed away. He originally addressed the conflicting reports through a tweet stating “I have seen the social media posts about @TheEricaAsh. I know her WELL. I am calling to confirm information about her status. I’m on it. I DESPISE bad reporting.”
He followed up “It saddens me to confirm that our beloved sister @TheEricaAsh is now an ancestor. She was 46. Erica was an amazing talented, funny, and serious actress. I adored her. She was serious about politics and would have been one of @KamalaHarris biggest supporters. Pray for her family.”
Ash, born Erica Chantal Ash on September 19, 1977, began her career in comedy and acting with roles on sketch shows like ‘MADtv’ and ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’. Her comedic talent shone through as she took on memorable characters, including LaTanya on ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’. She joined the cast of ‘MADtv’ in 2008, becoming the fifth Black female cast member in the show’s history. Her notable sketches included portrayals of celebrities such as Naomi Campbell and Michelle Obama.
Ash’s television career also featured prominent roles in series such as ‘Survivor’s Remorse’, where she starred as Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway, and ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’, where she played Bridgette Hart, and ‘In Contempt.’ Her recent work included appearances in ‘We Have a Ghost’ (2023) and ‘Outlaw Johnny Black’ (2023), showcasing her versatility and continued relevance in the industry.
Her stage credits were equally impressive, with notable performances in Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ and various international productions. Ash’s talent was not confined to any one medium, as she seamlessly transitioned between film, television, and stage.
Throughout her career, Erica Ash’s ability to bring humor and depth to her roles made her a cherished figure in entertainment.
According to Deadline, her family confirmed that Ash died after a long cancer battle but didn’t not provide other details. “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.”
Ash previously spoke with Jemele Hill on her ‘Jemele Hill is Unbothered’ podcast about her numerous battles with breast cancer.
Rest in peace Erica Ash!