After uncertainty about her passing, Roland Martin confirmed the death of actress Erica Ash this afternoon from cancer. Ash, 46, excelled in comedic and dramatic roles, including “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and as M-Chuck in “Survivor’s Remorse.”
Her mother, Diann Ash, wrote, “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 life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”
When she appeared as a guest on Jemele Hill’s Unbothered Podcast ep 88, “The Year of No F**Ks,” in 2020, Ash talked candidly about battling breast cancer. “I’ve beaten cancer twice. The first time was 2b, the second time was stage 4, and I was trying to decide if I would talk about this…because I haven’t before. But I feel like I should because Black women don’t talk about it, and we need to share our journeys. It was probably the toughest journey for me, but it made me realize the depth of my power. I don’t even know the depth of my power.”
Ash was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time she was cast on MAD TV and underwent treatment while doing the show. And didn’t tell any of her friends. It returned for the second time a decade later. Ash’s diagnosis at that time was stage 4 cancer. The cancer also ate away 70% of her spine, requiring her to get screws installed. As a result, she decided to live boldly. And she did things like jump off cliffs in Mexico. “I am going to test the limits of my Black girl magic,” she told Hill in the interview. “I told three girlfriends and my parents.” Everyone else found out listening to Hill’s show. She was shooting “In Contempt” during her stage 4 diagnosis and treatment.
Ash believed that one should listen to one’s body and ask questions of medical professionals until one is satisfied with the answers. She told Hill she wasn’t afraid to fire her doctors, and she did so more than once.
Ash was beloved by her colleagues, friends, and all who knew her. May she rest in peace. The family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.
