Thomas “Tommy” Ford, the actor who played Martin Lawrence’s best friend “Tommy Strawn” on the hit ’90s sitcom Martin, died Wednesday in Atlanta at the age of 52.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband and friend Tommy Mykal Ford,” the family said in a statement posted on his social media accounts. “On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers.”
Family spokeswoman Joy Pervis confirmed Ford’s death but gave no cause.
TMZ reported that Ford’s family announced over the weekend that he was on life support after an aneurysm burst in his abdomen.
Some of Ford’s other notable projects included New York Undercover, Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy, Class Act with Kid-N-Play and TV One’s Who’s Got Jokes with Bill Bellamy.
Martin Lawrence spoke of his friend and former co-star Tommy Ford in a statement that read:
“Tommy was not only a great co-star but he was a great man and friend. He always brought with him his spirituality a positive attitude and so much joy. I am sad the world lost a great talent and that I lost a wonderful friend. God bless him and his family.”
R.I.P. Thomas “Tommy” Ford. Thanks for the laughs.
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