The comedy world was dealt a blow this morning when fans of the iconic 90’s sitcom ‘Martin’ learned one of its stars, Tommy Ford [‘Tommy’], reportedly passed away due to complications from knee surgery.
Originally reported by ‘black-ish’ star and friend Anthony Anderson, news outlets began sharing the story in droves…until reporter Ryan Parker reached out to Ford’s agent for an official statement. It was then Parker learned Ford was actually still alive…until newly refreshed reports confirmed the worst.
Sad news below:
Via TMZ:
“Tommy Ford — who famously played Tommy on the ’90s sitcom “Martin” — has died following complications from a knee surgery … his friend Anthony Anderson says.
“Thank you all for your prayers but we lost #TommyFord this morning. May GOD rest his soul and comfort his family,” Anderson tweeted.
52-year-old Ford slipped into a state of unconsciousness Wednesday in an Atlanta hospital after going in for a post-op checkup from a recent knee replacement surgery.
He’d been rehabbing as of late … according to his social media.
Tommy starred in all 5 seasons of “Martin” as the title character’s level-headed best friend, who often played a straight man to Martin’s crazy antics. “
Update via reporter Ryan Parker [11:27 A.M. CST]:
New reports have it Ford is alive, but on life support. Anthony Anderson has since deleted his tweet.
The update follows solicitation of well-wishes from many of Ford’s Hollywood friends, including former co-stars Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell:
*****
Update [6pm CST]:
The family of the comedian have opted to take him off of life support. His death is being reported as the result of complications related to an aneurysm.
His family offered the following statement:
Tommy still don’t have a job though…
Prayed that he will pull through
Lol it was a Martin joke damn Gina!
Btw what can go wrong during a knee surgery that can put you on life support. Damn. He will pull through
I got it. I up voted. I don’t know why you got so many downs…
Awww I didn’t believe TMZ or TGJ neither were reliable sources for me. But I checked and it’s actually true. My prayers go out to his family. He and the Martin gang always kept me laughing!
Damn you TMZ! Almost believed that sh*t. Pull through Tommy.
How is it remotely possible that TMZ knows everything before mainstream news ! I’ve asked this question since the deaths of MJ, Amy, Whitney, and most recent this year Prince of all ppl ??? there’s something about TMZ ppl need to start questioning.
Its funny that you mentioned this. I don’t understand that either. Its funny how all there information is always accurate. And it comes on on fox 5. A republican channel. very funny .
Because as messy as tmz can be they are truth tellers. The news isn’t honest. That’s why they’re always late because tmz doesn’t have political agenda.
They’re the devil. I very specifically remember then reporting the death of Michael Jackson before he was even dead. This has happened with other stars too.
RIP ?????
RIP (Rest In Paradise) Tommy you will surely be missed! This is heartbreaking so awful ?
Martin was an instant classic! Everything just WORKED from the beginning…the theme song, characters, quotable dialogue (HILARIOUS)…it was just fun to watch…and the chemistry was amazing…rest in peace, Thomas Mikal Ford…prayers to your family and friends
Rest in peace. Gonna have a Martin marathon with B&J’s in hand this weekend.
I will never be able to watch the Martin show the same way again.
R.I.P Tommy Ford. you made history with the Martin Show. !
Oh no! How devastating! ?
RIP. Martin was a show many of us grew up on.
Daayyyuuum. That’s tough. RIP. It is creepy how TMZ knows every damn thing tho….
damn sorry to hear that RIP, my condolences to friends and family.
He’s in everyone prayer
RIP Mr. Ford. I’m a huge fan of the Martin TV show. It’s one of the shows I watch every time a rerun comes on TV. He was a great actor and will be missed.
Knee surgery?how?