Erica Ash, “MadTV” and “Survivor's Remorse” star, dies at 46

The actress' mother memorialized her as "an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life."

Erica Ash, the actress and comedian known for her work on such TV series as MadTV and Survivor's Remorse, died Sunday, after what her family called "a long and courageous battle with cancer." She was 46.

Ash's publicist confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly and provided a statement from her mother, Diann Ash, that said, "Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts."

A Florida native, Ash first broke out on Rosie O'Donnell's The Big Gay Sketch Show and went on to appear on such shows as MadTV, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Survivor's Remorse, and In Contempt. Her big-screen credits included Scary Movie V, The Big Bend, and Violet, and she worked on Broadway productions like Baby It's You! and The Lion King.

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In the wake of Ash's death, numerous friends and colleagues paid tribute to her on social media.

"RIP beautiful Queen!" Viola Davis wrote in an Instagram post. "Prayers of comfort, peace and healing to your loved ones."

Michael Jai White, who worked with Ash on the movie Outlaw Johnny Black, wrote, "We all lost one of the most multitalented and beautiful human beings I’ve ever known, @theericaash. I considered her the potential Carol Burnett of her generation… She was one of the strongest people I've known, spending nearly every lunch break lying on her dressing room floor in pain from stage 4 cancer during production and keeping it a secret from nearly everyone. She was a joy who put others first!"

He added, "I'm tremendously sad she left us and sad we won't get to do the things we had in development, but I feel tremendously blessed to have had her in my life and got to bear witness to her brilliance, love and friendship! Rest in peace Erica!"

Comedian and TV host Loni Love remembered Ash as "talented and hilarious" and added, "whether it was the show Survivor's Remorse or MadTV 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."

Ash's family have asked that in honor of her memory, any donations be made to Susan G. Komen or another breast cancer foundation. "We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time," her mother said.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.