Following the series, he nabbed a role on Fox drama. In 2001, Ford moved from Los Angeles to Kendall in Florida. The cause of death is reportedly a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. © 2023 Found a Grave, All rights reserved. https://t.co/VtFm6WtPAo, Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) October 12, 2016, Today I received some sad news that I have lost my brother and cast member #tommyford We bonded https://t.co/BxCjqzH1T6, BILL BELLAMY (@BILLBELLAMY) October 12, 2016, So sad to hear the news that we lost a great one. [10] He was also known as "The Pope of Comedy", due to exposure as a judge on TV One's comedy competition show Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes? He received notoriety in the 20th. Sleep in peace brother #MikalFord AKA #Tommy https://t.co/MNLZNRFB6F, Salt N Pepa (@TheSaltNPepa) October 12, 2016, damn tommy. Late Thomas Mikal Ford is the ex-husband of Gina Sasso. Social media posts had circulated regarding the status of his health, but his representativeonly confirmed that he had been hospitalized. There are a lot of sitcoms where the title character is always the lead and never seems to do anything wrong. Cole often tried to get Pams digits, but he and Big Shirley never seemed to get enough of one another. Barack Obama Launches Program to Encourage Political Adversaries to Join Forces on Important Projects. Celebrating Women's History Month BET Announces The 2023 'BET HER Awards' Dinner. Thaddaeus Mcadams/Getty Images. There are two moments in particular where he shined using only his storytelling skills. The organizations mission was to build better communities for youth. Ford, who played Tommy Strawn, one of Martins best friends, was the one who kept a level head and often acted as the voice of reason. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. With the 30 year anniversary of Martin around the corner, Thomas Mikal Fords presence and distinct laugh are sorely missed. Probably not. He was 54.. [4] His mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter. In Martin, Tommy Ford played Tommy Strawn who was, at times, the straight man for Martin Lawrences jokes, but he very often inserted scene-stealing bald-headed logic and witty comments in odd situations. In an interview with Comedy Hype, the actor confessed that he and Thomas were very good friends who would talk to each other regularly. Even if that same community played with a smedium-sized pizza. David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) October 12, 2016, Theres not a episode of Martin I dont know!! 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. In feature films, Ford appeared in the Kid 'n Play movie Class Act as "Mink". Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. With the end of 'Martin' in 1997, he found time to test his acting skills and took up the role of Lt. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. When Martin started talking crazy to Tommy, the 64 comedy behemoth wasnt having it. Unfortunately, Thomas passed away on October 12, 2016, after spending a few days hospitalized following a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. Born In: Los Angeles, California, United States, place of death: Atlanta, Georgia, United States, U.S. State: California, African-American From California, education: University Of Southern California, Long Beach City College, See the events in life of Thomas Mikal Ford in Chronological Order, (Actor & Comedian Known for His Role as Tommy Strawn on the FOX Sitcom Martin), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO8BYmNl62U. Jacke Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 12, 2016. There is a problem with your email/password. For that, I will always be grateful.. He also had a recurring role as Mel Parker in the UPN sitcom The Parkers from 1999 until 2001. Since 1945, EBONY magazine has shined a spotlight on the worlds of Black people in America and worldwide. Before dying, he was in a relationship with actress and model Viviane Brazil. The actor's career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. Rate this. Ford moved from Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around 2001. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. Discover Thomas Mikal Ford's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Among other television shows and series he appeared in were 'A Different World', 'New York Undercover', 'The Jamie Foxx Show', 'The Parkers', 'Who's Got Jokes?' All any man can ever ask for is for his friend to ride with him. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. His mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter. However, in high school, he attended drama classes and began to perform in school plays. He stayed with the show until 2008. pic.twitter.com/yuh0nJvO1f, Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 12, 2016, According to his website, Ford graduated from the Fine Arts Acting program at the University of Southern California and landed his first role on NBCs A Different World. He moved on to feature films including his turn in Harlem Nights, before joining the cast of Martin. After his stint on the show, he also starred in the final season of the cop drama New York Undercover., According to a biography on iMDB.com, he has also been involved in directing several webisodes and producing theater. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time. Martin also described the late actor as his spiritual brother and a loving person and parent, remarking that he would be deeply missed. I am sad the world lost a great talent and that I lost a wonderful friend. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. [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. He was so dearly loved by so many, and for that, let's all be grateful for a life well served. [5] Make sure that the file is a photo. They added: "Keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. [19][20] Ford spent time traveling to schools to inspire and empower children, and encourage responsibility. In 2006, he tried something new. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Biography - A Short Wiki. This browser does not support getting your location. In addition, he was an American actor and comedian. 7.0. Thomas Mikal Fords income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. All Rights Reserved. With Jazsmin Lewis, Thomas Mikal Ford, Bria L. Murphy, Aryeh-Or. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Mini Bio (1) Thomas Mikal Ford was born on September 5, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA. But on Martin, his friends checked him from time to time and theres an episode where Tommy got to shine by putting Martin in his place about losing a suitcase he let him borrow. Died on 18 Jul 1984. He was also known for his roles in Eddie Murphys Harlem Nights and his recurring role on The Parkers with comedian Monique and hosting the show Whos Got Jokes as the Pope of Comedy along with Bill Bellamy. Wed still be shooting that scene. 14 Jul 1910 - 22 Mar 2001. Thanks for your help! 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. [4] Ford chose the Ebony Showcase in order to raise money for the theater, which was in danger of closing. The ensembles relevance continues to expand nearly 20 years since its 1997 finale. 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He was. How Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Creed III star Jonathan Majors became Hollywoods most wanted actor. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. So it was confusing as well because I heard mama and other folks say how horrible he was. Thomas Mikal Ford, a star of TV's "Martin" and "New York Undercover," died Wednesday, October 12, 2016 after suffering an aneurysm in his abdomen, according to multiple news sources. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Every now and then on Martin, we got some insight into each of these characters backstories. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. He was 52 years old. In 2015, Ford moved to Atlanta where he lived with his girlfriend Viviane Brazil. He played the hilarious goon and Kid n Play antagonist Mink in 1992s Class Act. Nowadays, Thomas Mikal Ford's girlfriend is a social media personality with over 10,000 followers. UPDATE: Actor Tommy Ford, best known for his role in '90s show 'Martin,' has died at 52, spokesman confirms. There, he earned his BFA degree in acting. Growing up, the few times I had contact with [my father], I did not recognize the man I heard so many people describe. Because without that hilarious episode Season 2, Episode 16: No Justice, No Peace we wouldnt have the most hilarious question in courtroom history. Because if it were me? Weve updated the security on the site. Ford starred alongside Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor in 1989s Harlem Nights as Tommy Smalls. And while TVOne and MTV2 marathons wont feel quite the same, the best way to pay homage to the man who brought us so much joy is to laugh. His TV co-star Martin Lawrence had tweeted out a message of support to Ford and his family. Ford was born in Los Angeles [3] and raised in Long Beach, California. The year 1990 kept him busy, as he was engaged in multiple projects that year. Thomas Mikal Ford was survived by his ex-wife, Gina Sasso, and their two children called Madison Ford and Thomas . There was Coles goofiness, Pams spunk, Ginas feistiness and Martins unpredictability Tommy was the savvy, smooth, yet equally ludicrous glue of the crew. 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. From Martin asking, How far apart are the attractions? to Cole getting his Doogie Howser on to Tommy asking where the babys umbilical cord is, the comedic chemistry here is through the roof. He directed another play, titled 'Jonin, that year. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. He was also part of TV series such as 'Singer & Sons,' 'Uncle Buck,' 'Equal Justice,' and 'Law & Order. ! If your people dont know the answer, find new friends. [4] In Harlem Nights, he played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Hall's character. Avery wasnt the main character, but he was iconic, necessary and eternal. The TV star who portrayed Tommy Strawn on the 1990s sitcom "Martin" died. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/thomas-mikal-ford-47064.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. Instead, I saw the results of [my fathers] politeness and I wanted to duplicate that. [5] After earning Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College in 1985,[6] Ford transferred to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. Stars: Diandra Lyle, Kimberly Dooley, Akeem Smith, Charles Reese. In 1993, Ford directed and produced the play South of Where We Live, which was about six African-American professionals who return to the communities where they were raised and learn about the social issues that now exist. R.I.P. Sorry! He has directed and produced several webisodes; television dramas; and sitcom pilots: Blvd West; Ancestors; Troupe; Healing 100 Hearts; Comedy Camp; Flipping Bird & Brick by Brick. He confirmed this himself through an Instagram post a few days ago. Parker in the UPN sitcom the Parkers from 1999 until 2001 remove this flower on 12. As `` Mink '' Ford chose the EBONY Showcase in order to raise money for the theater, which in! The 1990s sitcom & quot ; died as Mel Parker in the UPN sitcom the Parkers from 1999 until.... Worlds of Black people in America and worldwide, the 64 comedy behemoth wasnt having it contain one more. And a where is thomas mikal ford buried person and parent, remarking that he had been hospitalized Mink in 1992s Class Act ``! 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