Actor, singer, comedian and model Erica Ash has died at the age of 46 after battling breast cancer. She was best known for the Kevin Hart series Real Husbands of Hollywood, MadTV, the sitcom Survivor’s Remorse, and Rosie O’Donnell’s The Big Gay Sketch Show.
“After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement from her family 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.”
Ash’s mother Diann Ash said that in honor of her daughter’s memory, “the family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice. We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time.”
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One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women, after skin cancer. Black women are also 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
Many Black celebrities are affected by the disease, and they usually use their status to raise awareness and share their stories to inspire others. While some of these celebrities have fought breast cancer and won, the following sadly succumbed to it.
Alaina Reed-Amini
Best known for her roles as Olivia Robinson on the children’s program “Sesame Street” and Rose Lee Holloway on the comedy “227,” Alaina Reed-Amini died after a two-year battle with breast cancer in 2009. She was 63.
Her movie credits include “Death Becomes Her” and “Cruel Intentions”. She also appeared on television shows such as “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “Ally McBeal.”
Diahann Carroll
The Oscar-nominated actress, model, activist and singer earned acclaim for being the first black woman to star in a non-servant role in a TV series as “Julia”. She died in October 2019 after battling breast cancer.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, underwent almost three months of radiation therapy and was cleared for years before her demise at the age of 84. Before her death, she called for more money for free screening for women who couldn’t afford mammograms.
Syreeta Wright
Motown recording artist and Stevie Wonder’s ex-wife Syreeta Wright died of congestive heart failure, a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments she was receiving for breast and bone cancers. The singer and songwriter passed away at age 58 in 2004. She wrote several hits including Signed, Sealed, Delivered and If You Really Love Me with her ex-husband Wonder.
Nina Simone
Simone, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, is now known not only for her mix of jazz, blues and folk music from the 1950s but for her contributions to the civil rights movements.
Simone suffered from breast cancer for several years until she died in her home in France in 2003. She was 70.
Minnie Riperton
She was known for her five-octave vocal range before Mariah Carey became famous for the same thing. Riperton’s hit song in the 70s, “Lovin’ You”, which remains a classic ballad for lovers of all ages, features her very high “whistle register” vocals. But her music career was tragically cut short by breast cancer, which took her life in 1979.
The singer had in 1976 been diagnosed with the disease. She underwent mastectomy but at the time of her diagnosis, her cancer had already spread to other parts of her body. Given six months to live, she went on to live for three more years, becoming a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society while still going on music tours. President Jimmy Carter presented her with a Society Courage Award in 1977.
