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: