By Brian Richards | Miscellaneous | October 13, 2016 |
By Brian Richards | Miscellaneous | October 13, 2016 |
Thomas Mikal Ford, best known for his role as “Tommy” on the FOX television sitcom Martin, died yesterday at a hospital in Atlanta, due to an abdominal aneurysm. He was 52 years old.
Ford was also known for his roles in Harlem Nights, as well as the series New York Undercover (which he joined the cast of in its fourth and final season), The Parkers, and the stand-up comedy competition series Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?
But it was his role as Tommy on Martin that many viewers, especially African-American viewers, will remember as his most memorable, and for so many reasons. From his constant mentions of his never-identified-or-described-in-detail job (which would always result in someone responding with some variation of “You ain’t got no job!”) to his shaved head being the target of many a joke from his best friend Martin (Domer Simpson, Heady Murphy) to his loud and infectious laugh, Ford’s performance as Tommy was something for African-American viewers to look forward to, watch, and enjoy every Thursday night (along with Living Single and New York Undercover) as a welcome alternative to NBC’s Must-See TV lineup. (Because once again, #RepresentationMatters.)
Ford’s castmate and friend Martin Lawrence paid tribute to him on Instagram:
And Roy Wood Jr, correspondent for The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, also paid tribute to Ford on Twitter and spoke highly of their time together when Ford hosted Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?:
I've been treated like shit by a lot of people in this industry. Both higher and lower than me on the comedy totem pole.But Tommy Ford… (1
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
Tommy Ford was kind and courteous to ALL he met. His stardom never went to his head and he never shyid away from convo w/ strangers… (2
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
10 yrs ago he was celebrity judge on TVOne's amateur comedy show 'Who's Got Jokes'. They came to Birmingham. I was audience warm-up… (3
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
Audience warm-up comics are generally ignored by all on set but Tommy Ford pulled up a chair and we talked as if we knew each other…(4
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
Tommy Ford treated every comic on that show with a level of respect & professionalism that you think he'd save only for people he knew.. (5
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
During TV timeouts, he'd interact with the audience as they screamed out various lines from their fav eps of 'Martin'. ..(6
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
Tommy Ford loved and was loved. A lot can be said about a man that never lets anger get the best of him… (7
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
Case in point, After meeting him the first time, I rolled the dice and prank called Tommy Ford. He NEVER lost his cool. seems trivial.. (8
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
the way he handled himself in the face of an angry stranger tells you what kind of character he had https://t.co/xWno0g1xUu … (9
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
I don't really post my prank calls anymore, but I do this in hopes that it shows you just what a calm & cool person Tommy Ford was… (10
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
In an industry full of people reminding you you're worthless, Tommy Ford reminded young comedians they're worth something. Rest in Peace sir
— Roy Wood Jr-Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 12, 2016
May he rest in peace.