'Martin' Actor Thomas Ford Dies At 52
ATLANTA (CBS SF/AP) — Thomas Ford, the actor who played Martin Lawrence's best friend Tommy Strawn on the hit '90s sitcom "Martin," has died in Atlanta. He was 52.
Family spokeswoman Joy Pervis says Ford died Wednesday. On Ford's Instagram, the family announced his passing "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. 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 lets all be grateful for a life well served."
The actor played the level-headed pal of Lawrence on "Martin" for the show's entire five-year run.
One running joke was his not having a job, prompting the catch phrase: "You don't got no job, Tommy!"
Co-star Martin Lawrence tweeted "Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family."
Ford had other TV parts, notable as Lt. Malcolm Barker on Fox's "New York Undercover" and as Mel Parker on UPN's "The Parkers" as well as playing The Pope of Comedy on TV One's "Who's Got Jokes" with Bill Bellamy.
Before "Martin," he landed a spot in the 1989 Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor film "Harlem Nights."
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