Erica Chantal Ash (September 19, 1977 - July 28, 2024) was an American actress, comedian, singer, and model known for her work in sketch comedy and television, particularly on “MADtv,” “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” and the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse.”

Born in Florida to U.S. Army chaplain Donald Ash and math teacher Diann Ash, she spent part of her childhood in Germany and other locations due to her parents’ military service, later attending a performing-arts school in the Atlanta area.

Erica Ash studied pre-medicine at Emory University in Atlanta with plans to become a doctor, but a post-graduation trip to Japan, where she worked as a backup singer and runway model, prompted her to change course and pursue a career in the performing arts.​

Ash began her entertainment career on stage, earning roles in major musical productions including Nala in the Broadway and touring companies of Disney’s “The Lion King,” Lady of the Lake in “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” Nina Simone in “Soul Doctor,” and Addie “Mickie” Harris and Dionne Warwick in the original Broadway cast of “Baby It’s You!”

Her television breakthrough came when she joined Logo’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” in 2006, showcasing a range of original characters and impressions while simultaneously working in theatre. In 2008 she became a featured player on the fourteenth and final season of Fox’s “MADtv,” where she further developed her reputation for sharp character work and celebrity impersonations.​

Beyond sketch comedy, Erica Ash worked steadily in film and scripted television. She played Bridgette Hart on BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway on “Survivor’s Remorse” (2014–2017), and Gwen Sullivan in the legal drama “In Contempt,” in addition to recurring and guest roles on series such as “Family Reunion,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” and “Insecure.”

Her film credits include the horror-comedy “Scary Movie 5” (2013), in which she portrayed Kendra Brooks, the basketball comedy “Uncle Drew” (2018) as Maya, and the supernatural comedy “We Have a Ghost” (2023), among other independent and genre projects.​

Erica Ash was also known for advocacy and outreach, particularly through her involvement with organizations such as Girls for a Change, where she served as a celebrity advocate supporting programs for girls of color and encouraging leadership and creativity.

She maintained an active presence on social media, sharing comedic sketches, commentary, and personal reflections that broadened her audience beyond traditional television and film roles. Colleagues and fans frequently praised her versatility, work ethic, and ability to balance broad physical comedy with emotionally grounded performances.​

Erica Ash died of cancer on July 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 46.