If for nothing else, a photo opp or sit-down group interview to discuss the shows current impact on pop culture. Photo Source: Thomas's Instagram (@bigtommyford) However, Thomas was born in Los Angeles, raised in Long Beach, California. All gone. 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. ', In 1993, he was cast in an episode of the sitcom 'Living Single,' titled 'Whose Date is it Anyway?,' and in two movies: the crime drama 'A Bronx Tale' and the romantic drama 'Mr. GREAT NEWS! Thomas Mikal Ford was born on September 5, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Their marriage ended in a divorce in 2014. 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. By far the funniest ongoing theme throughout the series was wondering what Tommy did for a living. thank you bro https://t.co/WORljUqi6A, Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 12, 2016. He appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers in the recurring role of Nikki's ex-husband and Kim's father, Mel Parker, in seven episodes. He was one of the hosts of the 'Texas Gospel Music Awards' in 1993. The same year, he directed the play Jonin' , a comedy about fraternity life at a historically black college in Washington, D.C. Ford co-hosted the Texas Gospel Music Awards in 1993 with singer Yolanda Adams and actor Troy Curvey. The author and Shondaland CEO has worn the brand's clothing for years, including on the cover of Time magazine. My condolences to the family of Thomas Mikel Ford. After earning Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College in 1985, Ford transferred to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. While Martin centered around Martin and Ginas relationship, the rest of the cast wasnt devoid of love at all during the series five seasons on the air. He also appeared in 10 other productions, including '4play,' 'Could This Be Love,' 'For Love or Money,' 'In God's Hands,' and 'Big Losers,', In 2015, he appeared in Blaq Gold' and 'Every Family Has Problems. In 1985, he acquired an 'Associate of Arts' degree from the 'Long Beach City College' in Long Beach. News of Fords death reverberated quickly in an acting community still reeling from the death of actor Bill Nunn, who was best known for his role as Radio Raheem in Spike Lees 1989 classic Do The Right Thing. You start thinking about your own mortality. The same year, he directed the play Jonin, a comedy about fraternity life at a historically black college in Washington, D.C.Ford co-hosted the Texas Gospel Music Awards in 1993 with singer Yolanda Adams and actor Troy Curvey. Thomas Mikal Ford. I am sad the world lost a great talent and that I lost a wonderful friend. Ford chose the Ebony Showcase in order to raise money for the theater, which was in danger of closing. A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT The actor, best known as Tommy Ford, joined the Fox sitcom in 1992, playing sidekick Tommy Strawn in the comedy . >. He can also be seen in the 1997 crime drama Against the Law. In Harlem Nights, he played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Hall's character. Its either That aint no damn puppy! from the Chilligans Island episode or the New Jack City-inspired Suspicious Minds. Otherwise known as the stolen CD player episode. is 6 4 . What are you all talking about? We have estimated In 2015, Ford moved to Atlanta where he lived with his girlfriend Viviane Brazil. Jones.'. We have set your language to The same year, he appeared in two movies: Nasty Boys' (released to TV) and 'Harlem Nights' (a feature film). So it was confusing as well because I heard mama and other folks say how horrible he was. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. The "Bad Boys" star also revealed that he and Thomas were friends even before they worked together in "Martin," and that they, fortunately, could take the best aspects of their friendship onto the screen. ', In 2014, he worked as the executive producer of 'Breeze.' Or that Gina really wasnt trying to kill him for his insurance money. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. It was around the same time the University of Michigans Fab Five commandeered college basketball with their flamboyance and bravado, that the Detroit-set Martin arrived with its own quirky quintet. His acting resume has credits beyond his 132-episode Martin run. Im saddened to just hear about Tommymy prayers go out 2 his family & friends.. wow, Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 13, 2016, #RIPTommy Thank you for the joy, the smiles and the laughs. 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. He grew up in Long Beach, California. This account has been disabled. Following the series, he nabbed a role on Fox drama. Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) October 12, 2016, Noooooooooo..! Add to your scrapbook. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. He is an actor and producer, known for Martin (1992), Harlem Nights (1989) and Across the Tracks (1990). The play was performed at the Los Angeles Ebony Showcase Theatre, the oldest black theater in the country. He also visited schools and delivered talks to inspire students and to instill responsibility in them. TMZ.com said Ford died in an in an Atlanta hospital, The Best Street Style Looks From Fall 2023 Milan Fashion Week, Rihanna Is Back With Another Round of Fenty x Puma, Fear of God and Birkenstock Collab on Another Chic Rustic Shoe, Timberland Designed a Hip Hop Royalty Boot for Its 50th Anniversary, Michael B. Jordan Stars in Calvin Klein's Spring 2023 Campaign, Mathew Knowles Partners With Black Women Empowered to Help Black Women-Owned Businesses Level Up, Plugged: Marketing Whiz DonY Taylor Can't Live Without These Gadgets, 3 Ways Black Women Can Increase Wealth Through Entrepreneurship, According to Guava Founder Kelly Ifill, Keke Palmer Gives Birth to Healthy Baby Boy With Boyfriend Darius Jackson. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. His legacy, Tommy, will bring joy for decades to come. [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? Ford moved from Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around 2001. Ford was born in Los Angeles and raised in Long Beach, California. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Ford, a character actor par excellence, was far more than just the beloved and dryly hilarious Tommy. Actor Thomas Mikal Ford has died after being placed on life support for a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. Hes not a monster like you told me!, As I look back on the relationship between my father and me, it was clear that the only reason I sawthe good in my fatherwas because of my dad, Harold Pierce. The biggest joke about Tommy was that no one knew where he worked even though he insisted that he had a job. There are a lot of sitcoms where the title character is always the lead and never seems to do anything wrong. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Miss you always.". Like telling Martin he couldnt afford the Hoshi-Toshi 2000 big screen TV. Weve updated the security on the site. Sleep in peace brother #MikalFord AKA #Tommy https://t.co/MNLZNRFB6F, Salt N Pepa (@TheSaltNPepa) October 12, 2016, damn tommy. Recently, he branched out as a motivational speaker. Thomas Mikal Ford (September 5, 1964 October 12, 2016) was an American actor and comedian. Born Sept. 5, 1964, as Thomas Mikal Ford, the comedian starred on the Lawrence sitcom for all five years of its run, earning an Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1996. Late actor Thomas Mikal Ford, best known as Tommy Strawn in the "Martin" show, passed away in 2016. And, of course, theres this one: the always classic and near and dear to any Martin fan the DMV episode that resulted in both of them catching a fade. ', Between 2009 and 2011, he appeared in 'Love Ain't Suppose to Hurt 2: The Wedding,' 'Lens on Talent,' 'Baby Mama's Club.' 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. You see, it was my my dad, Harold,who encouraged me to see my daddyand gave methe courage to forgive him. Martin never should have gone to fight the ticket that said he didnt come to a complete stop at a stop sign. There, he earned his BFA degree in acting. You can always change this later in your Account settings. The Bravo couple has been married since 2014. May he rest in power. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. In addition, he was an American actor and comedian. In 1998, Ford founded a 501 nonprofit organization called Be Still and Know. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. Malcolm Barker in the police procedural 'New York Undercover' in its fourth and final seasons, in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Tommy is such a common name, so naturally, there are a few iconic characters in pop culture who have been given the moniker. Instead, I saw the results of [my fathers] politeness and I wanted to duplicate that. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. motivational speaker and published author, finding out earlier this year he actually wasnt, never cracked under Thanksgiving pressure, caught L after L from the USA Womens Basketball squad, over allegations of sexual harassment and physical abuse. [5] Ford died from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm on October 12, 2016, at a hospital in the Atlanta area. By subscribing, you agree to share your email address with EBONY to receive our weekly emails, events, and other updates. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Apart from working on the "Martin" TV show, he appeared in "Singer & Sons," "New York Undercover," "The Parkers," and "Who's Got Jokes.". Year should not be greater than current year. However, in high school, he attended drama classes and began to perform in school plays. He directed another play, titled 'Jonin, that year. Philadelphia Teen Goes Viral After Reacting To Being Accepted To Morehouse. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Click here to submit your listings. In June 2016, Ford directed a documentary on bullying, entitled Through My Lens Atl; it aired in October 2016, on Aspire TV. He was also known as The Pope of Comedy, due to exposure as a judge on TV Ones comedy competition show Bill Bellamys Whos Got Jokes? 7.0. [12] The play was performed at the Los Angeles Ebony Showcase Theatre, the oldest black theater in the country. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. There was an error deleting this problem. Starr Rocque is a Brooklyn, New York-based writer, and author, whose book, Bloggers Can't Be Trusted, is available for you to enjoy here! With your free account at foundagrave.com, you can add your loved ones, friends, and idols to our growing database of "Deceased but not Forgotten" records. I just did not see evidence of it. Actor. There are two moments in particular where he shined using only his storytelling skills. He was best known for his role as Thomas "Tommy" Strawn[2] on the FOX sitcom Martin, which originally aired from 1992 until 1997. Ford was born in Los Angeles[3] and raised in Long Beach, California. Born In: Los Angeles, California, United States 14 2 Actors #2406 Comedians #470 Film & Theater Personalities #5135 Quick Facts Died At Age: 52 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Gina Sasso (m. 1997-2014) Born Country: United States African American Actors Actors Height: 6'4" (193 cm ), 6'4" Males Died on: October 12, 2016 [8] He appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers[9] in the recurring role of Nikki's ex-husband and Kim's father, Mel Parker, in seven episodes. His other notable projects of 2012 were 'Sugar Mommas,' 'Switchin' the Script,' 'The Good Ole Day,' 'The Fate of Love,' To Love and to Cherish,' 'No More Games,' 'A Boost of Love,' and 'Highway. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. I ask that you take a moment to send a positive thought , prayer or word up for my Friend and his family. A system error has occurred. As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. Celebrating Women's History Month BET Announces The 2023 'BET HER Awards' Dinner. He is from CA. Tommy was an extremely funny & talented man. Martin Show T.V Star /Thomas Mikal Ford Funeral Service 7,043 views Sep 9, 2017 34 Dislike Share Save Dragon -Mike T.v 2.37K subscribers Video footage of The Funeral Service For Actor Thomas. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Please try again later. #tommyford #RIP, Jay Mathis PR (@RJMConsults) October 12, 2016. In 1996, he was nominated for the 'NAACP Image Award' for 'Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, for the same role. In 1992, he was part of three movies: the comedies 'Brain Donors' and 'Class Act' and the neo-noir crime drama 'Night and the City. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171207842/thomas-mikal-ford. This is a carousel with slides. And when it came to Tommy, we found out that he had a contentious relationship with his dad, an army general played by John Amos. Ford moved to Atlanta with Viviane in 2015. They had two children. What she said next is where the message resonated on different level. He was 54. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. He recently completed four seasons on TV One's hit show, Who's Got jokes hosted by Bill Bellamy, as the hilarious Pope of Comedy. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Ford along with Martin Lawrence (Martin), Tisha Campbell-Martin (Gina), Tichina Arnold (Pam) and Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole) was a crucial figure in an influential cast. ', In 2013, he was the executive producer of 'At Mamu's Feet,' a project that also featured him as part of its cast. Before dying, he was in a relationship with actress and model Viviane Brazil. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Wed still be shooting that scene. The year 1990 kept him busy, as he was engaged in multiple projects that year. Actor Thomas Mikal Ford, widely known for his role on Martin during the 90s died Wednesday, according to a social media post from his publicist. 'Texas Gospel Music Awards ' in its fourth and final seasons, in high school he... That year thought, prayer or word up for my friend and his in... Any New volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request theme throughout the series was wondering Tommy. 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