Actress and comedian Erica Ash (Florida, USA, 1977), known for her roles in Scary Movie 5 and the series Survivor's Remorse, has passed away at the age of 46 after a "long and courageous battle with cancer," as confirmed by her family in a statement to the US news channel TMZ.
"She transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones," details the note quoted by the media, signed by her mother, Diann Ash. "Erica was an incredible woman and a talented artist who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine enthusiasm for life. Her memory will live on forever in our hearts," it adds.
"We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time," the artist's mother notes in the letter, who has requested, in honor of her daughter's memory, donations to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or any other similar breast cancer foundation.
Presenter Loni Love, one of her closest friends in the profession, was the first to speak out on social media after the news broke. "She put her all into her work, was always there, and now she's gone. My deepest condolences to her family," she wrote on her Instagram account.
Erica, who was born in Florida, lived in various places during her childhood, including Germany, as her parents were part of the military, as detailed by TMZ.
Initially, Ash wanted to be a doctor. In fact, she graduated in pre-medicine from Emory University. However, she ultimately chose the path of acting.
Ash began her acting career at a performing arts school in Atlanta. After touring on Broadway with The Lion King, her first major opportunity came on The Big Gay Sketch Show, the program created by Rosie O'Donnell, where she appeared alongside actors like Colman Domingo, Kate McKinnon, or Stephen Guarino.
Later, Erica Ash joined MadTV in its fourteenth and final season in 2008, where she made an impact with her impersonations of celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Whoopi Goldberg, Mo'Nique, or Michelle Obama.
In film and television, she also stood out in Real Husbands of Hollywood, In Contempt, Uncle Drew, and We Have a Ghost.