Actress, singer, and comedian Erica Ash passed away at 46. Her most well-known roles were Bridgette Hart on Real Husbands of Hollywood and Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway on Survivor’s Remorse.
Ash’s unexpected death has shocked and saddened both coworkers and fans.
Ash’s family confirmed her passing and disclosed that she had been battling cancer. Erica’s mother, Diann Ash, released a statement expressing the family’s profound sadness and praising Erica for being a “bright light” who made everyone around her happy.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024). After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
In a heartfelt ode to Ash, comedian Loni Love confirmed her tragic death on Monday on X, formerly Twitter.
“I’m 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.”
Editor and host Roland S. Martin also verified the news by paying homage to Ash on Instagram.
“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,” he wrote. “I adored her.”
He added that Ash would have played a significant role in assisting VP Kamala Harris in her impending bid for the presidency in 2024.
“She was serious about politics and would have been one of @KamalaHarris’s biggest supporters. Pray for her family,” Martin concluded.
Ash received a degree in pre-medicine and intended to go to medical school before she became an actress. But after traveling to Japan and landing jobs as a runway model and backup vocalist, she decided to go into entertainment.
Ash was cast in two Broadway productions in 2006: The Big Gay Sketch Show, a comedy, and The Lion King. She became the fifth Black female cast member in the history of “MADtv” when she joined the show’s cast two years later.
Ash’s infectious personality, comic skill, and unwavering support of her friends and family will live on in her memory. Her passing is a major blow to the entertainment business, and both fans and coworkers will miss her terribly.
