Tommy Ford, who is best known for his role as Tommy Strawn in the ’90s sitcom Martin, passed away on Wednesday after being on life support at an Atlanta hospital since Sunday due to a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen.”It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford,” his family tells E! News in a statement.
“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.”
His public relations firm also announced the sad news on Twitter. “This evening at 4:50PM surrounded by family and close friends @BigTommyFord transitioned from this life to life eternal. #tommyford #RIP.”
Upon news of his hospitalization, Martin Lawrence took to Twitter to post a photo of the pair with the message, “Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family.”
Actress Tichina Arnold, who played Ford’s girlfriend on the series, reportedly “dropped everything” to be with Ford after hearing of his hospitalization.
“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 at the time.Arnold tells the mag, “My heart is with the family and I just hope everyone respects their privacy at this time.”
Ford starred on all five seasons of Martin from 1992 to 1997, and also appeared in Harlem Nights, Across the Tracks, The Parkers and Love Ain’t Suppose to Hurt: The Wedding.
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