UPDATE 7:00 p.m. ET
Ford's family has confirmed his passing releasing a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford. 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."
See original story below.
TMZ is reporting that Thomas Mikal Ford, who is most fondly remembered for playing Tommy Strawn on Martin, has passed away. He was 52.
While details are currently scarce, Ford's wife Gloria told TMZ that he was on life support. The report said that Ford had been in an Atlanta hospital since Sunday after a recent check-up from knee replacement surgery; it's said that Ford fell into a state of unconsciousness due to a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen after a post-op check-up. His family reportedly made the decision to turn off support Wednesday afternoon.
Fans will remember Ford's Tommy for famously not having a job on Martin, although Tisha Campbell-Martin had finally confirmed what Tommy's job was back in March. Throughout the series, he was a friend and confidant to Martin Lawrence's character Martin, and had an on-again, off-again relationship with Pam.
He also played Lt. Malcolm Barker on New York Undercover, and was featured on The Jamie Foxx Show, The Parkers, and Who's Got Jokes?. He was also seen in the classic Eddie Murphy film Harlem Nights, as well as in Kid 'n' Play's 1992 film Class Act.
Ford's family shared a message on his personal Instagram confirming his passing and asking to "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." You can read the full message below.
Our condolences go out to Thomas' family, friends, and fans. We'll keep you updated as this situation develops.
