'Martin' Star Tommy Ford Dies at 52
Thomas Mykal Ford, best known for his role as Tommy in the '90s hit show Martin died on Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 52 years old.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford," Ford's rep said in a statement to ET. "On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief."
Ford's family also addressed his death on the actor's official Instagram account.
"To all family and friends of Tommy Ford. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family," the caption read. "Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. He was so dearly loved by so many and for that let's all be grateful for a life well served."
A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT
Martin Lawrence, who worked with Ford on all five seasons of Martin from 1992 to 1997, was the first to express his condolences on social media.
"Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family," he wrote, alongside a photo of the two embracing.
Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family. pic.twitter.com/yuh0nJvO1f
— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 12, 2016
We were friends way b4 the Martin show & showed tru friendship on-screen. You brought a lot of love 2 the world & you'll be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/lBpmPFVWOE
— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 13, 2016
"I ask that you take a moment to send a positive thought, prayer or word up for my Friend and his family," Tisha Campbell-Martin, who played Gina on Martin, wrote on Instagram. "I Love you @tichinaarnold@thecarlpayne @martinlawrence."
A photo posted by Tisha Martin (@tishacampbellmartin) on Oct 12, 2016 at 10:50am PDT
Tichina Arnold, who also worked alongside Ford, Lawrence and Martin on the show, shared the following on Instagram: "Prayers are always needed for so many life circumstances. Prayers do change things."
A photo posted by TICHINA ARNOLD (@tichinaarnold) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:16am PDT
Ford's other on-screen credits include Harlem Nights, Across the Tracks, The Parkers and Love Ain't Suppose to Hurt: The Wedding. He is survived by his wife, Gina Sasso.
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