The Hip Hop world lost a figure from one of its most beloved television shows, Martin, as actor Tommy Ford died today (October 12) at the age of 52 (or 54, according to some reports) after being hospitalized on Sunday and placed on life support.
The actor, who played Martin Lawrence’s best friend on Martin for five seasons, suffered a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen Sunday (October 9), according to TMZ. He was placed on life support and his family decided to let him pass naturally today.
Ford passed away surrounded by family and friends in an Atlanta hospital, publicist Jay Mathis confirmed on Twitter.
This evening at 4:50PM surrounded by family and close friends @BigTommyFord transitioned from this life to life eternal. #tommyford#RIP
— Jay Mathis PR (@RJMConsults) October 12, 2016
The Hip Hop community sent prayers for Ford as he was fighting for his life. When he passed, many expressed their sadness on social media at losing the man whose character hilariously never seemed to have a job. Ford also appeared in the movie Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.
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Watch a clip of Tommy in Martin and see the social media reactions below.
Prayers up for tommy !
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) October 12, 2016
damn tommy. next to coming to america, i can't think of another single pop culture franchise i've referenced more in my life. thank you bro https://t.co/WORljUqi6A
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 12, 2016
RIP Tommy Ford. Thank you for sharing your gift with us my brother.
— Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) October 12, 2016
RIP Tommy ?? pic.twitter.com/8aj9vaeYhH
— ITSBIZKIT (@itsbizkit) October 12, 2016
52 is so young man. R.I.P to Tommy Ford pic.twitter.com/lj8XhYX1Uf
— Ric (@RicWilson) October 12, 2016
rip tommy ford
— ֆȶɨʟʟ (@illroots) October 12, 2016