Actress Erica Ash has died after a long battle with cancer (Getty Images)
Erica Ash, known for her roles in one of the Scary Movie films and the Survivor’s Remorse series, has died at the age of 46 from cancer. The news was confirmed through a statement issued by her family.
Her mother, Diann Ash, paid tribute to her daughter with an emotional statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Erica Chantal Ash. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she made her transition peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.”
The actress became an influential figure in comedy, horror and drama series and films (Black Entertainment Television)
“Erica was an incredible woman and a talented artist who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live forever in our hearts,” he added.
Olivia Munn, with whom she co-starred in a film in 2021, shared her condolences on her personal Instagram account: “So sad to hear about the passing of Erica Ash after a long battle with cancer. We worked together on the film Violet, She was a brilliant actress who brought so much to every moment. Rest in love,” she posted alongside a dove and heart emoji.
Olivia Munn, who also suffered from breast cancer, expressed her condolences on the death of Erica Ash (Credits: Instagram/@oliviamunn/ REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)
Erica Ash’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or another breast cancer organization to honor her memory and support the fight against this disease that affects so many people around the world.
Educated at Emory University with a degree in pre-med, Ash shifted his career path to entertainment, beginning his career on Broadway with the tour of The Lion King. He later starred on television as part of the cast of The Big Gay Sketch Show, where he worked alongside figures such as Kate McKinnon and Colman Domingo.
Erica Ash, the actress of “Scary Movie V,” dropped out of pre-med studies before pursuing a career in entertainment (Miramax Films)
“I was studying medicine, but it wasn’t really my dream. I’m smart and I can do it, but does that mean I should? There’s nothing worse than an apathetic doctor,” she said in a recent interview with Elle magazine.
Her role in the sports drama Survivor’s Remorse as Mary Charles Calloway, also known as “M-Chuck,” was pivotal in her career. On the show, she played Cam Calloway’s (Jessie T. Usher) half-sister, appearing throughout all four seasons.
On television, he appeared in “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” “In Contempt” and more (Prime Video)
Her first leading role came in 2018 with the legal drama In Contempt, where she played a public defender who “wants to love and be loved. However, she is not a machine, and she has to be reminded to do human things: rest, eat and take care of herself. She is very much like me in that respect,” she said in conversation with the media outlet Ebony.
On film, her most notable role was as Kendra Brooks in Scary Movie V, the latest installment of the blockbuster franchise. Additionally, the actress and comedian had memorable appearances in comedy series such as HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show and Netflix’s Family Reunion.
In honor of Erica Ash, her family is asking for donations to cancer foundations (Netflix)
She also appeared on season 14 of MADtv, imitating celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Whoopie Goldberg and Michelle Obama.
In the United States, she is best known for her role in Real Husbands of Hollywood, where she played the ex-wife of Kevin Hart’s character. Her image was immortalized in pop culture when one of the excerpts from the series became a viral meme on social media.
The funny, over-the-top character pigeonholed her for a while, as she told the Los Angeles Times in 2017, where she hoped to pursue a more varied career: “I want to make choices based on what I want to read about myself when I’m older. For me, it’s just about growing up and moving forward.”
