Erica Ash, known for her roles in BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and the sketch comedy show “MADtv,” has passed away at age 46. Ash died on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, after a long battle with cancer, as confirmed by her mother, Diann Ash. Her mom described her as a remarkable woman and gifted performer who positively impacted many with her quick wit, humor, and vibrant spirit.
Her versatility and talent marked Erica Ash’s career in entertainment. She began her career in the early 2000s with roles on sketch-comedy series like “The Big Gay Sketch Show” in 2006 and “MADtv” in 2008, where she was known for her impersonations of public figures such as Michelle Obama and Condoleezza Rice.
Ash’s breakout role came in 2013 when she starred as Kendra Brooks in the fifth installment of the horror satire “Scary Movie V.” This role paved the way for her to take on significant parts in several films, including “Jean of the Joneses” (2016), the sports comedy “Uncle Drew” (2018), and the indie drama “Violet” (2021), where she acted alongside Olivia Munn and Justin Theroux.
Her television career was equally impressive. Ash appeared in a handful of episodes of the Jennifer Lopez-led police drama “Shades of Blue” and had a recurring role on the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse” between 2014 and 2017. She also starred in the 2018 BET legal drama series “In Contempt” as attorney Gwen Sullivan.
However, Ash’s most notable role was as Bridgette Hart on the BET spoof series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” where she appeared for four seasons. The show, a parody of reality TV shows, allowed Ash to showcase her comedic talents alongside Kevin Hart. BET remembered Ash for “being equal parts witty and funny” in a statement posted to their Instagram page on Monday: “We send our deepest condolences and love to her parents, siblings, friends, and family. Fly high, Queen.”
According to IMDb, her final acting credit was earlier this year in an episode of the NBC sitcom Extended Family. Despite her numerous roles and achievements in Hollywood, acting was not always Ash’s planned career path. She initially studied medicine at Emory University before taking a detour that led her to Japan, where she worked as a backup singer for a Japanese band and began to pursue acting.
“I live my life like I’m writing a book,” Ash told the LA Times in a 2017 interview. “For me, it’s just about growing and moving forward.”
Ash’s impact extended beyond her screen presence. She was also known for her engagement on social media, where she often shared her political views and humorous portrayals of various characters. Her colleagues and fans admired her for her talent and dedication to her craft.
On Monday, comedian Loni Love noted on her “X” page that Erica was both talented and hilarious. She mentioned that Erica always put her all into her work and was consistently present. Love extended her sincere condolences to Erica’s family, lamenting her passing.
Ash’s passing has left a significant void in the entertainment industry, where she was cherished for her ability to bring laughter and joy to her audiences. Her family has asked for donations to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or other breast cancer foundations in her memory, reflecting her battle with the disease.