Please try again later. Cole often tried to get Pams digits, but he and Big Shirley never seemed to get enough of one another. Recently, he branched out as a motivational speaker. Copyright 2023 EBONY. Late Thomas Mikal Ford is the ex-husband of Gina Sasso. [4] The same year, he directed the play Jonin', a comedy about fraternity life at a historically black college in Washington, D.C.[13], Ford co-hosted the Texas Gospel Music Awards in 1993 with singer Yolanda Adams and actor Troy Curvey. R.I.P. Thomas Mykal Ford, who starred on five seasons of Martin Lawrences Martin sitcom, died late Wednesday afternoon, his agent, Joy Pervis, told the The Hollywood Reporter. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Ford along with Martin Lawrence (Martin), Tisha Campbell-Martin (Gina), Tichina Arnold (Pam) and Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole) was a crucial figure in an influential cast. As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. However, in high school, he attended drama classes and began to perform in school plays. Avery wasnt the main character, but he was iconic, necessary and eternal. His breakthrough role was that of 'Thomas "Tommy" Strawn' in the hit 1992 sitcom 'Martin,' which was aired until 1997. One is from the episode where they thought the plumber died and Tommy ended up delivering a fiery sermon in his best impression of a Baptist minister, which was immaculately hilarious. He was 52 years old. Thomas Mikal Fords income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. There was a problem getting your location. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. They had two children together. Updated 5:58 p.m. Actor Thomas Mikal Ford, widely known for his role on "Martin" during the 90s died Wednesday, according to a social media post from his publicist. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your US State Privacy Rights | Children's Online Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | About Nielsen Measurement | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Contact Us | Disney Ad Sales Site. Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) October 12, 2016, Noooooooooo..! After Martin ended, Ford found success in the detective drama New York Undercover. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. ", Martin Lawrence, the star of "Martin," addressed his passing during an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta, labeling it as a "great loss.". Specifically: Cemetery has no record of this burial. In 1998, Ford founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Be Still and Know. GREAT NEWS! Tommy was an extremely funny & talented man. For that, I will always be grateful.. Which somehow didnt translate into a job, but thats beside the point. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. R.I.P. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. The actor's career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. Most well known for his portrayal of Tommy Strawn on the Fox sitcom Martin, he is also notable for his role as Mel Parker on UPN's The Parkers, as well as for his performance as Lieutenant . As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief., After the news broke, Lawrence told THR, Tommy was not only a great costar, but he was a great man and friend. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. The second moment of note is from a Halloween episode where he told a scary story about Old Man Ackerman, and eventually gave us his best impression of a comedian possessed by a ghost. Its either That aint no damn puppy! from the Chilligans Island episode or the New Jack City-inspired Suspicious Minds. Otherwise known as the stolen CD player episode. Failed to remove flower. I ask that you take a moment to send a positive thought, prayer or word up for my Friend and his family, she wrote. Ford got married to Gina Sasso in 1997. [8] He appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers[9] in the recurring role of Nikki's ex-husband and Kim's father, Mel Parker, in seven episodes. In 1998, Ford founded a 501 nonprofit organization called Be Still and Know. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. If for nothing else, a photo opp or sit-down group interview to discuss the shows current impact on pop culture. Laughing through the pain of Thomas Fords death. Tommy never cracked under Thanksgiving pressure. In an interview with Comedy Hype, the actor confessed that he and Thomas were very good friends who would talk to each other regularly. He stayed with the show until 2008. Please reset your password. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 2023 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. Not Tommy. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. After a few weeks, Thomas Mikal Ford's funeral was held and he was buried. He is from CA. Miss you always.". He appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers in the recurring role of Nikki's ex-husband and Kim's father, Mel Parker, in seven episodes. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He always brought with him his spirituality, a positive attitude and so much joy. May he rest in power. Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family. As per his love life, he was married to Gina Sasso between 1997 and 2014. People want to know his cause of death so we want to clear out that he passed away because of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm at a hospital in the Atlanta area. Tommy Ford | Found a Grave Tommy Ford (Thomas Mikal Ford) Tommy Ford was born in Yonkers, New York, and raised in Long Beach, California. motivational speaker and published author, finding out earlier this year he actually wasnt, never cracked under Thanksgiving pressure, caught L after L from the USA Womens Basketball squad, over allegations of sexual harassment and physical abuse. Thomas Mikal Ford Funeral Pictures. In feature films, Ford appeared in the Kid 'n Play movie Class Act as "Mink". Failed to report flower. Drag images here or select from your computer for Thomas Mikal Ford memorial. The "Bad Boys" star also revealed that he and Thomas were friends even before they worked together in "Martin," and that they, fortunately, could take the best aspects of their friendship onto the screen. You start thinking about your own mortality. Lecresia Campbell Thomas Mikal Ford Demeka Jackson. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. His acting resume has credits beyond his 132-episode Martin run. Nowadays, Thomas Mikal Ford's girlfriend is a social media personality with over 10,000 followers. Actually how he managed not to is a testament to that guys professionalism. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. Tommy, who also had a few memorable dates, eventually laid in wait until he was sure about his feelings for Pam and successfully laid his game down. ', Between 2009 and 2011, he appeared in 'Love Ain't Suppose to Hurt 2: The Wedding,' 'Lens on Talent,' 'Baby Mama's Club.' When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. Sorry! He would always vaguely reference his job and people would always reply, You aint got no job, man! One time, Cole was at the DMV with Martin, and when he was asked what his employment was, he replied, I was working with Tommy Strawn for a while, to which the teller replied and wrote down, No job., There was even an episode where Gina begged Pam, who by this point, was actually in a relationship with Tommy, to tell her what Tommy did for a living and Pam still didnt know. Also, his character was often the subject of many jokes regarding his mysterious employment status though Tisha Campbell-Martin revealed he was a counselor and presumably unemployed after Ford complained that his character lacked development. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. When Martin started talking crazy to Tommy, the 64 comedy behemoth wasnt having it. (2004), 'On the Low' (2005), and 'Hitched (2005). Ford spent time traveling to schools to inspire and empower children, and encourage responsibility. There was Coles goofiness, Pams spunk, Ginas feistiness and Martins unpredictability Tommy was the savvy, smooth, yet equally ludicrous glue of the crew. Ford was born Tommy Lamont Ford, on September 5, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. He was also known for his role . In 1993, Ford directed and produced the play South of Where We Live, about six African-American professionals who return to the communities where they were raised and learn about the social issues that now exist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWzJ3zSFH7o. Chrissy Metz's Ex-husband Martyn Eaden Filed for Divorce in 2014 Her Love Life Flourished after They Split, Richard Thomas Said Divorce from Mom of His 4 Kids 'Brought Him to His Knees' Inside His Blended Family, Richard Thomas Wed a Divorcee & His Triplets Were Her Bridesmaids Meet the Actor's Wife, Brother Inherits a Mansion, Sister Inherits Old Key and a Note Story of the Day, Marlo Thomas's Husband of 41 Years Already Had 5 Kids So She Decided Not to Try to Become a Mother, After His Little Brother's Death, Boy Starts Disappearing After School until Mom Follows Him Story if the Day, Thomas Gibsons Split From Wife of 25 Years Was Hard Enough on Kids Who Have Grown Into Beautiful People, Martin Lawrence Is a Proud Father of 3 Beautiful Daughters Who Bear a Striking Resemblance to Him, Tamara Podemski Is Married to Jamie King - They Lost a Child after a Delayed C-Section, Husband Is Not Allowed into Sick Wifes Ward, Few Days Later She Hears His Voice on Radio Story of the Day, Old Man Brings Wife to City Where He Was Raised, She Sees Beggar Who Is His Carbon Copy Story of the Day, Camilla Alves McConaughey & Husband Longed to Be Parents from a Young Age Their Kids Have Hearts 'Full of Kindness', Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Who Is Thomas Jane? The biggest joke about Tommy was that no one knew where he worked even though he insisted that he had a job. He was 52. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Discover Thomas Mikal Ford's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 6. Spoken Word with Hank Stewart The Poet, highlights amazing poets and spoken word artists.He's also filming a documentary entitled: Reverse the Lynch Curse an empowering piece about breaking curses of fear distrust and envy. The media had reported that he had been dating Brazillian model, actor, producer, and owner of the jewelry line Viviane Brazil Collections, Viviane De Sousa Beattie, also known as Viviane Brazille, even when he was married to Sasso. Jacke Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 12, 2016. Say what you want about Tommy always being in between jobs, he kept money pumping in his own community. Analysis: Exhausted by crime, the Windy City decided its mayor couldn't solve its problems. Or that Gina wasnt cheating on him. He was 54.. As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT The actor, best known as Tommy Ford, joined the Fox sitcom in 1992, playing sidekick Tommy Strawn in the comedy . I just did not see evidence of it. Unfortunately, Thomas passed away on October 12, 2016, after spending a few days hospitalized following a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. [14] In 1998, Ford founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Be Still and Know. ', In 2014, he worked as the executive producer of 'Breeze.' Like Uncle Phil and Radio Raheem, well miss the Los Angeles-born Ford forever. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Probably not. It was a rare moment where Tommy wasnt feeling his friend and straight up told him about himself. He was so dearly loved by so many, and for that, let's all be grateful for a life well served. The effort is part of a nonprofit created by the former president and his wife to encourage civic participation. He was 54. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He also had a recurring role as Mel Parker in the UPN sitcom The Parkers from 1999 until 2001. Last year, Ford spoke with JETMag.com about growing up without his biological father in his life and reconciling what that meant for him. He was associated with the series for three seasons, until 2001. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. To use this feature, use a newer browser. It was another popular character of his. Resend Activation Email. Thomas Mikal Ford (September 5, 1964 - October 12, 2016) was an American actor and comedian. On the eve of the show's 30th anniversary, here are the funniest moments that make us miss Thomas Mikal Ford. ", Thomas Mikal Ford had a very good career spanning over three decades. How Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Creed III star Jonathan Majors became Hollywoods most wanted actor. Ford played the role of Lieutenant Malcolm Barker. He grew up in Long Beach, California. [24], Ford was married to Gina Sasso from 1997 to 2014. Another actor of the "Martin" show who talked about Thomas Mikal "Tommy" Ford's death was Carl Anthony Payne II, who portrayed Cole Brown in the sitcom and had a lengthy feud with Martin Lawrence in real life. 'Let's Stay Together,' and 'Templeton Pride.'. Try again later. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time. He would sing to me and there was a piece of calm there. He was 52. All gone. And thats what Tommy did. 7.0. >. It was around the same time the University of Michigans Fab Five commandeered college basketball with their flamboyance and bravado, that the Detroit-set Martin arrived with its own quirky quintet. Animation Mogul. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Buried in Gilmore City, Iowa, USA. Stars: Diandra Lyle, Kimberly Dooley, Akeem Smith, Charles Reese. Fighting back the tears, Carl admitted that seeing his friend on the hospital bed was hard, especially because Thomas was still "so full of life." He directed and produced seven films: Conflict of Interest; Baby Mamas Club (May 28th Lionsgate Release); Beat Street Resurrected (Lionsgate release); The Club; at Momu's Feet; Breezes; and most recently, Switching Lanes. His legacy, Tommy, will bring joy for decades to come. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Maintained by: Find a Grave Rest n Peace Tommy Ford. 14 Jul 1910 - 22 Mar 2001. He can also be seen in the 1997 crime drama Against the Law. His parents worked as a school secretary and a pipe-fitter. Among those productions are Jonin, South of Where We Live, (Drama Logue Award, Image Award nominations), Monsoon Christmas (Drama Logue & Image Award), Living Room (Image Award nomination) and Distant Fires (Drama Logue & Image Award nomination) among a host of others.Tommy is excited to introduce two variety talk shows and a documentary that he is filming in Atlanta: Don't Be Stupid is best described as a Bill Maher "meets" Chelsea Lately on Collar Greens! The ensembles relevance continues to expand nearly 20 years since its 1997 finale. The Bravo couple has been married since 2014. He appeared as the 'Pope of Comedy' in the stand-up comedy competition 'Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes?,' which was aired on 'TV One.' While Martin centered around Martin and Ginas relationship, the rest of the cast wasnt devoid of love at all during the series five seasons on the air. Because without that hilarious episode Season 2, Episode 16: No Justice, No Peace we wouldnt have the most hilarious question in courtroom history. I ask that you take a moment to send a positive thought , prayer or word up for my Friend and his family. After earning Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College in 1985, Ford transferred to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. He directed another play, titled 'Jonin, that year. Actor Thomas Mikal Ford has died after being placed on life support for a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. His film appearances through the years include Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, Night and the City with Robert De Niro and Class Act with Kid n Play. Ford, 52, starred alongside Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne II, on the hit FOX sitcom, which ran from 1992-1997. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. In Harlem Nights, he played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Hall's character. He is an actor and producer, known for Martin (1992), Harlem Nights (1989) and Across the Tracks (1990).He recently completed four seasons on TV One's hit show, Who's Got jokes hosted by Bill Bellamy, as the hilarious Pope of Comedy.In the past few years Tommy has starred in more than fifteen films: First Impression; Hillbilly Highway; Ivy League; Who Did I Marry; Unspoken Words; Douglass U; Dreams (the Movie); No More Games; Switching the Script; Hard Lessons; 4 Play; Mississippi Blues, Back Court And others, in addition to a New TV series called Basketball Wives.Recently, Tommy has been focusing on building a successful career behind the camera. 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