by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 2, 2021

Comedian and Actress Erica Watson Dies From COVID-19 Complications

A Chicago comedian has recently fallen victim to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to The Chicago Sun-Times, actress and stand-up comedian Erica Watson died over the weekend in Jamaica from COVID-19 complications, a family member has reported. She was 48.

Eric Watson, Erica’s brother, announced the sad news on his Facebook page.

“Friends and family, my sister Erica Watson passed away last night in Jamaica do [sic] to complications from Covid 19. We are not taking this easy. Please respect our privacy right now(no phone calls please) as we make arrangements to bring my sister home. Keep us in your prayers.”

Watson, whose acting credits and work have included Showtime’s The Chi, NBC’s Chicago Fire, Spike Lee’s feature film Chi-Raq, ABC 7’s Windy City Live and WCIU’s The Jam. She was an actress, stand-up comedian, public relations representative, and activist who attended Kenwood Academy High School and Columbia College.

On Monday, the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) released a statement responding to Watson’s passing. She had just recently performed at their 2020 holiday event.

“Erica Watson was a dear friend of NABJ Chicago. She was a servant leader who, despite her multiple projects and initiatives, always put her community first,” the statement read. “That extended to our mission of media inclusion and diversity. That shared passion, combined with her unbridled talent and joyful spirit, make for an incredible loss for Chicago. She loved her hometown, and we loved her back. Rest in power, sis. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Watson family.”

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx tweeted her condolences:

 


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