Tommy Ford Dead: ‘Martin’ Star Dies at 52

Entertainment TV Tommy Ford, Star of ’90s Comedy ‘Martin’, Dies at 52 Ford appeared on Martin for all five seasons from 1992 to 1997 By Natalie Stone Updated on October 12, 2016 08:02 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Tommy Ford, known for his role as Tommy Strawn on the ’90s sitcom Martin, has died. He was 52. Born Thomas Mykal Ford on Sept. 15, 1964 in Los Angeles, the actor, who was hospitalized Sunday, died Wednesday, his agent confirmed to PEOPLE. “It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykhal Ford,” Ford’s family said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “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.” He had been hospitalized and on life support after suffering a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen, according to TMZ. Ford played Tommy Strawn on all five seasons of Martin from 1992 to 1997. On Wednesday, a source told PEOPLE that the actor’s costars planned to visit him in the hospital, including Tichina Arnold who “dropped everything” to be with him. “She just dropped everything to fly out there. She was supposed to be on a carpet, but this is way more important. She’s not the only one, the entire Martin cast is getting together to be by his side,” a source told PEOPLE. Martin star Martin Lawrence tweeted about Ford’s health hours before he passed: “Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family.” The actor’s Who’s Got Jokes cast mate Bill Bellamy also shared his condolences on social media after learning about his passing: “Today I received some sad news that I have lost my brother and cast member #tommyford We bonded over 5 seasons of #whosgotjokes a show that highlighted so many of the next generation comedians. I just want the fans to pray for all of our families.” The six-foot-four actor’s other notable on-screen credits include Harlem Nights (1989), Across the Tracks (1990), The Parkers, Love Ain’t Suppose to Hurt: The Wedding, New York Undercover (1998-1999), Who’s Got Jokes (2006-2008) and Let’s Stay Together (2011). Ford is survived by his wife, Gina Sasso.