Erica Ash, known for playing M-Chuck in comedy-drama 'Survivor's Remorse', dies of cancer at 46

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Erica Ash, known for her vibrant presence on screen and stage, has died at the age of 46.

Ash's family revealed she died after a prolonged battle with cancer. Ash's family added that the talented entertainer touched countless lives.

Erica Ash’s early life and career beginnings

Erica Ash's publicist told The Hollywood Reporter that she died on Sunday, July 28, in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer.

“Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life,” her family said in a statement.

“Her memory will live eternally in our hearts," the statement added. 

Born on September 19, 1977, in Florida, and raised in Atlanta, Erica Ash attended Emory University with an interest in the field of medicine.

However, her path took a different turn when she traveled to Japan. There, she unexpectedly began a career in entertainment, starting as a background singer and model.

"Then my modeling team was doing a show for the royal family of Japan at this hotel and the ringside announcer thought I should ringside announce. Literally, one thing led to another," Ash told the Los Angeles Times in 2017.

Ash’s early career included a notable stint on the sketch comedy show 'The Big Gay Sketch Show' produced by Rosie O'Donnell and two seasons on 'Mad TV.'

Erica Ash's prominent roles in film and television

Erica Ash gained widespread recognition for her role as Mary Charles ('M-Chuck') Calloway in the Starz comedy-drama 'Survivor’s Remorse.'

The show, produced by LeBron James, featured Ash as the half-sister of Jessie T Usher’s character, pro basketball player Cam Calloway.

Ash was also known for her role as 'Bridgette Hart,' Kevin Hart's love interest and ex-wife, on the BET series 'Real Husbands of Hollywood' which ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2016.

She starred in the BET drama 'In Contempt' as Gwen Sullivan, a fierce public defender and appeared in numerous films including Netflix's 'We Have a Ghost,' 'Scary Movie V,' 'Uncle Drew,' 'The Big Bend,' and 'Violet.'

In addition to her screen roles, Erica Ash made her mark on Broadway. She starred in the 2011 jukebox musical 'Baby It’s You!' which featured music from 'The Shirelles' and other acts signed to Scepter Records.

Ash performed voice roles for 'Bless the Harts' and 'Aquaman: King of Atlantis.' She also appeared in films like 'Singleholic', 'Unthin kably Good Things,' and 'Outlaw Johnny Black,' according to Deadline

Erica Ash's friend describes her as 'talented, hilarious and truly limitess'

Erica Ash's friend and fellow comedian Loni Love paid tribute to her on Instagram.

"I am sad to confirm my friend and fellow actress Erica Ash’s passing…. Erica was talented and hilarious whether it was the show Survivor’s Remorse or Mad TV she would put her all into her work. She would always just be there... now she’s gone... My sincere condolences to her family and fans," she wrote.

Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, noted, "Ash was an actress whose range and talent were truly limitless."

"Her canvas of work admirably and notably covered all genres, and with every performance, she left a first-class impression on the viewer," Dowdell added.

"Being a graduate of prestigious institution Emory University, she could have had many prosperous career options to choose from in life, but she definitely chose the right one in being a standout and very conscious actress who touched many lives with her work," he further told Deadline.