Erica Ash dead at 46: Scary Movie actress and Mad TV star dies after long battle with cancer

Erica Ash, who starred in the Scary Movie franchise, has died at the age of 46 after a long battle with cancer, her family has confirmed.

The American actress was also known for her role in the Fox sketch comedy show Mad TV and BET’s reality parody Real Husbands of Hollywood.

“Erica was an incredible woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life,” her family said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter“Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

She died Sunday in Los Angeles, her publicist Elizabeth Much told the newspaper.

She is survived by her mother Diann and her sister Adrienne.

Erica Ash dead at 46: Scary Movie actress and Mad TV star dies after long battle with cancer

Ash was known for her role in the Starz comedy Survivor’s Remorse and Real Husbands of Hollywood.

She played the role of Kevin Hart’s lover and ex-wife Bridgette Hart on the reality series, which ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2016.

In addition to her role in the parody series, she also appeared in all four seasons of Survivor’s Remorse.

She also guest-starred in three episodes of the first season of NBC’s Shades of Blue, starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.

The Florida-born actress was also known for her appearances on the sketch comedy show The Big Gay Sketch Show, produced by Rosie O’Donnell, and for her contribution to two seasons of Mad TV.

She starred in Netflix’s supernatural horror comedy We Have a Ghost and also appeared on the big screen in the 2013 release of Scary Movie V.

She starred alongside Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, and others in the 2018 basketball comedy Uncle Drew.

One of her recent projects on her successful resume is the 2023 western comedy The Outlaw Johnny Black.

She also starred in films such as Kristy (2014), Jean of the Joneses (2016), The Big Bend (2021), Violet (2021), Singleholic and (2022) and Unthinkably Good Things (2022).

In recent years, Ash has guest-starred on series such as Cold Case, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Family Reunion and NBC’s Extended Family.

She provided voice roles for Bless the Harts and Aquaman: King of Atlantis.

Following the news of her passing, Jamie Foxx was one of many stars to lead tributes to the comedian.

The American actress was also known for her appearances on the Fox sketch comedy show Mad TV and the BET reality parody Real Husbands of Hollywood; seen in May 2023

She is known for her big screen role in the 2013 release Scary Movie V

She also starred in Netflix’s supernatural horror comedy film We Have a Ghost

“No way. I can’t believe this,” he wrote on Instagram. “What an incredible talent. Gone way too soon. RIP Erica.”

For his post, he shared a photo from BET’s tribute to the star and her legacy.

“Today, we remember actress and comedian Erica Ash, who passed away at the age of 46, with #BETRemember,” the media group said in a statement.

“Known for her equal parts wit and humor, Erica has starred in BET favorites such as the legal drama “In Contempt” and the reality parody “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” We send our deepest condolences and love to her parents, siblings, friends and family. Fly high, Queen.”

Fellow comedian Loni Love also paid tribute to Ash, praising her friend for her talent and passion for her art.

“I am saddened to confirm that my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash has passed away,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of them on the set of the former talk show The Real, which she co-hosted for eight seasons.

“Erica was talented and hilarious, whether it was on Survivor’s Remorse or Madtv, she gave everything she had to her job,” she continued.

“She was always supposed to be there, now she’s gone. My sincere condolences to her family and fans.”

Following the news of her passing, Jamie Foxx was one of many stars to lead tributes in honor of the comedian

Michael Jai White, who starred alongside Ash in The Outlaw Johnny Black, shared a photo of them in costume while filming the movie. “We have all lost one of the most multi-talented and beautiful people I have ever known,” he began in a lengthy tribute to his “brilliant” co-star

Tisha Campbell-Martin also shared a heartfelt tribute as she mourned her dear friend

Michael Jai White, who co-starred with Ash in The Outlaw Johnny Black, shared a photo of them in costume while filming the movie.

“We have all lost one of the most talented and beautiful people I have ever known,” he began in a lengthy tribute to his co-star.

‘I saw her as the potential Carol Burnett of her generation who completely stole our film with her virtuoso execution of wit, charm, beauty, humor, physique, sexiness, vulnerability, naivety and wisdom ALL IN THE SAME CHARACTER! Anyone who has seen the film can attest to that. Other than that, she was one of the strongest people I have ever known, spending almost every lunch break lying on her dressing room floor in pain from stage 4 cancer during production and keeping it a secret from almost everyone. She was a joy who put others first! I am so sad that she has left us and sad that we cannot do the things we had in development, but I feel so blessed to have had her in my life and to have witnessed her brilliance, love and friendship! Rest in peace Erica!’

Tisha Campbell-Martin also paid a heartfelt tribute, sharing a sweet selfie of the two of them together, featuring Ash flashing a big smile.

The actress called Ash her “little sister” and also the “light” in her and many other people’s lives.

‘I had to delete my previous post because my heart hurts so much. God I will miss you. With all the ugliness that this world and sometimes our industry brings, there are only a few of us who are the LIGHT and you are that to so many. You are talented, you are funny, you are brilliant and you fly with much deserved wings. My God Erica this is one rough man!!!! I love you my little sister RIP’

Comedian and actor Mike Epps, who starred opposite Ash in Survivor’s Remorse, praised his former castmate in his tribute for her “vibrant” personality and inspiring talent.

“RIP ERICA. Gone too soon. She was such an amazing person to work with, full of life, humor and talent,” he wrote in the caption alongside a photo of them on the set of the show. “You left a huge impact on the planet.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ash’s name to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or other breast cancer charities.