Jeri Gray. He was. The . Rest in comedic peace, Tommy. Burial Details Unknown. Thomas Mikal Ford - herec, reie, producent. His passing in 2016 left an immeasurable hole in our hearts and without him next to his comedy family, we are reminded of how much we were blessed to experience his talents. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Try again later. Mr. Ford joined the cast of three wonderful television productions called On Uplifting Network Called: Sugar Mamas, to Love and to Cherish and in the Meantime.Whether playing Tommy on FOX's hit Martin, displaying a versatile style on FOX's drama New York Undercover or his recurring role as the fun-loving father on UPN's The Parkers, Ford is constantly making changes in his career and finding success in any endeavor he chooses to take on. When he took drama lessons and started acting in high school plays, he decided to go into acting instead. Try again. He always brought with him his spirituality, a positive attitude and so much joy. In film, Tommy Ford appeared in the Kid n Play movie Class Act as Mink. Ford wrote two inspirational books for children, titled Positive Attitude and I Am Responsible for Me. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 52 years old? In 2007 and 2008, he had two projects each, in addition to 'Billy Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes?' The dinner will take place in Atlanta on March 5 and honor Kandi Burruss, MC Lyte, Kym Whitley, Thasunda Brown Duckett, Marsai Martin, and Sam Jay. Ford soon changed his mind and decided to pursue a career in acting. The HBCU was one of Amir Statens top choices. He returned to sitcoms in 1999, appearing as 'Mel Parker' in 'The Parkers,' a spin-off of 'Moesha, The Parkers.' Based on the web comedy series "Who.", "Beauty and the Baller" is a single-camera TV comedy series about a pro athlete, his hot wife and what their life is like off of the court. Spoken Word with Hank Stewart The Poet, highlights amazing poets and spoken word artists.He's also filming a documentary entitled: Reverse the Lynch Curse an empowering piece about breaking curses of fear distrust and envy. I am sad the world lost a great talent and that I lost a wonderful friend. On the eve of the shows 30th anniversary, here are the funniest moments that make us miss Thomas Mikal Ford. Social media posts had circulated regarding the status of his health, but his representativeonly confirmed that he had been hospitalized. It was a rare moment where Tommy wasnt feeling his friend and straight up told him about himself. Ford aspired to be a priest during his childhood. His academic performance got him transferred to the 'University of Southern California,' Los Angeles, California. In 1985, he acquired an 'Associate of Arts' degree from the 'Long Beach City College' in Long Beach. Failed to delete memorial. This is a carousel with slides. Is this an actual requirement for friendship? He appeared in two movies: the American crime film 'Q & A' and the drama 'Across the Tracks.' He was 52 years old. Say what you want about Tommy always being in between jobs, he kept money pumping in his own community. As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. 2023 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Beauty and the Baller (2017) Comedy. 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. We have estimated As a child, Ford wanted to be a preacher. Laughing through the pain of Thomas Fords death. And thats what Tommy did. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? He established the not-for-profit organization 'Be Still and Know' in 1998 to improve living conditions for the youth. Try again later. RHOA Star Drew Sidora And Husband Ralph Pittman File For Divorce One Hour Apart. Because if it were me? Ford starred alongside Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor in 1989s Harlem Nights as Tommy Smalls. So it was confusing as well because I heard mama and other folks say how horrible he was. In 1998, Ford founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Be Still and Know. Miss you always.". You need a Find a Grave account to continue. The same year, he appeared in two movies: Nasty Boys' (released to TV) and 'Harlem Nights' (a feature film). 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. 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. One of the absolute standout moments in the scene, and please believe there were several, was Tommy struggling to maintain character and not laugh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWzJ3zSFH7o. With Jazsmin Lewis, Thomas Mikal Ford, Bria L. Murphy, Aryeh-Or. The ensembles relevance continues to expand nearly 20 years since its 1997 finale. Ford moved to Atlanta with Viviane in 2015. In a series with so many funny scenes, the baby delivery scene remains one of the most criminally underrated. But its amazing how a witness stand can crack any man with the right line of questioning. Jones.'. Every now and then on Martin, we got some insight into each of these characters backstories. Copyright 2023 EBONY. He was 54.. He received notoriety in the 20th. Tommy. Looks like the famed talk show host is not done spilling tea just yet. This account has been disabled. He is an actor and producer, known for Martin (1992), Harlem Nights (1989) and Across the Tracks (1990).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.In the past few years Tommy has starred in more than fifteen films: First Impression; Hillbilly Highway; Ivy League; Who Did I Marry; Unspoken Words; Douglass U; Dreams (the Movie); No More Games; Switching the Script; Hard Lessons; 4 Play; Mississippi Blues, Back Court And others, in addition to a New TV series called Basketball Wives.Recently, Tommy has been focusing on building a successful career behind the camera. That still doesnt mean it wasnt funny to watch Tommy try. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Celebrating Women's History Month BET Announces The 2023 'BET HER Awards' Dinner. The actor posed for Calvin Kleins Spring/Summer 2023 campaign. He also visited schools and delivered talks to inspire students and to instill responsibility in them. 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. Thomas Mikal Ford (September 5, 1964 October 12, 2016) was an American actor and comedian. Unfortunately, that cant happen now. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Ford was born in Los Angeles [3] and raised in Long Beach, California. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Tommy, who also had a few memorable dates, eventually laid in wait until he was sure about his feelings for Pam and successfully laid his game down. [25], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 00:42, "Tommy Ford's job status on 'Martin' was among the best running jokes on television", "Davison Lecture Series Begins with Hollywood Actor", "Ford's Dedication to Helping Kids Prosper is No Act", "Proceeds from play to go toward new center for homeless families", "Play 'Jonin' at Auditorium Friday Night", "Comics lend support to Hadassah for youth education", "Be Still and Know Inc: Exempt Organizations Select Check", "Speakers urge black youths to do better St. Augustine forum focuses on empowering young generation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thomas_Mikal_Ford&oldid=1141825911, Episode: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Ford moved from Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around 2001. But were glad he did. When Martin started talking crazy to Tommy, the 64 comedy behemoth wasnt having it. based on information from your browser. What she said next is where the message resonated on different level. Ford wrote two inspirational books for children, titled Positive Attitude and I am Responsible for Me. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. In 2006, he tried something new. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. [11] In 1997, he played Detective Siegel in the crime drama Against the Law. His breakthrough role was that of 'Thomas "Tommy" Strawn' in the hit 1992 sitcom 'Martin,' which was aired until 1997. But on Martin, his friends checked him from time to time and theres an episode where Tommy got to shine by putting Martin in his place about losing a suitcase he let him borrow. 7.0. 'Let's Stay Together,' and 'Templeton Pride.'. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Family members linked to this person will appear here. thank you bro https://t.co/WORljUqi6A, Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 12, 2016. He was of AfricanAmerican descent. In Harlem Nights, he played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Hall's character. The organization's mission was to build better communities for youth. #RIP https://t.co/5LMMU2UpPB, Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) October 12, 2016, This is really sad. In 2012, with 'Boulevard West,' he ventured into production and direction. To all family and friends of Tommy Ford. For that, I will always be grateful.. . Ford chose the Ebony Showcase in order to raise money for the theater, which was in danger of closing. He is an actor and producer, known for Martin (1992), Harlem Nights (1989) and Across the Tracks (1990). We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Or that Gina really wasnt trying to kill him for his insurance money. We have set your language to In 1985 and 1987, he appeared in insignificant roles in the short film 'Deathly Realities' and the sitcom 'Kate & Allie,' respectively. Verify and try again. UPDATE: Actor Tommy Ford, best known for his role in '90s show 'Martin,' has died at 52, spokesman confirms. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Following the series, he nabbed a role on Fox drama series New York Undercover as Lt. Malcolm Barker and on UPNs The Parkers as Mel Parker. Our commitment to showcasing the best and brightest as well as highlighting disparities in Black life has been, and will always be, cornerstone to EBONY. I just did not see evidence of it. Thomas Mikal Ford was born on September 5, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA. 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. The same year, he worked as the assistant producer of 'The Chronicles of Nathan Gregory,' a project that also featured him as an actor. He succumbed to the ailment on October 12, 2016, at the age of 52. He firmly believes Cash Money Records takin ova for da 99 and da 2000 is the single most impactful statement of his generation. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. In Martin, Tommy Ford played Tommy Strawn who was, at times, the straight man for Martin Lawrences jokes, but he very often inserted scene-stealing bald-headed logic and witty comments in odd situations. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your US State Privacy Rights | Children's Online Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | About Nielsen Measurement | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Contact Us | Disney Ad Sales Site. ', In 2013, he was the executive producer of 'At Mamu's Feet,' a project that also featured him as part of its cast. Ford spent time traveling to schools to inspire and empower children and encourage responsibility. He played Ben Cummings in The Power of Passion as one of the characters whose wife cheats on him with the pastor. My heart is heavy with the loss of my brother @BigTommyFord May he Rest In Peace, Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 13, 2016, This is terrible news, man. Sorry! cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. And while TVOne and MTV2 marathons wont feel quite the same, the best way to pay homage to the man who brought us so much joy is to laugh. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. In feature films, Ford appeared in the Kid 'n Play movie Class Act as "Mink". Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. ', 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. A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT. He flexed in New York Undercover and The Parkers, and even ventured into the animated world with Disneys The Proud Family. [12] The play was performed at the Los Angeles Ebony Showcase Theatre, the oldest black theater in the country. He was 52 years old. My condolences to the family of Thomas Mikel Ford. ", Martin Lawrence, the star of "Martin," addressed his passing during an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta, labeling it as a "great loss.". Ford chose the Ebony Showcase in order to raise money for the theater, which was in danger of closing. The actor's career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. In Harlem Nights, he played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Halls character. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. The central plot of Martin might revolve around Martin and Gina, but their close friends are nearly as important to the show . You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time. He was associated with the series for three seasons, until 2001. He also had a recurring role as Mel Parker in the UPN sitcom The Parkers from 1999 until 2001. Following the series, he nabbed a role on Fox drama. 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 Thomas Mikal Ford. He was 52. [5] After earning Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College in 1985,[6] Ford transferred to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. Please try again later. The actor, best known as Tommy Ford, joined the Fox sitcom in 1992, playing sidekick Tommy Strawn in the comedy for more than 100 episodes. He was 52 and had been earlier hospitalized, his agent confirmed to EBONY.coms sister website, JETMag.com. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. He directed another play, titled 'Jonin, that year. Tommys addition to Martin rounded out the cast of zany characters who completed Martin Paynes wild world of shenanigans. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Thomas Mikal Ford passed away on 12 October 2016 at hte age of 52 years. Laugh in the face of pain. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. ', In 1991, he appeared in the romantic comedy 'The Butcher's Wife' and on the TV shows 'The Flash,' Baby Talk,' 'Veronica Clare,' and 'MacGyver.'. There was an error deleting this problem. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Thaddaeus Mcadams/Getty Images. Actor Thomas Mikal Ford, best known as Tommy of the legendary '90s sitcom Martin, died Wednesday in an Atlanta hospital. The author and Shondaland CEO has worn the brand's clothing for years, including on the cover of Time magazine. Last year, Ford spoke with JETMag.com about growing up without his biological father in his life and reconciling what that meant for him. Fords career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. Thomas Mikal Fords income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Failed to report flower. His mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter. [24], Ford was married to Gina Sasso from 1997 to 2014. Also known professionally as Tommy Ford, he will best be remembered for his role as Tommy Strawn in the sitcom 'Martin' from 1992 through 1997. Actor. 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. There are so many indelible Martin moments. 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. On October 12, 2019, she uploaded a photo on her Instagram account, showing her posing next to Thomas in a tribute for his third death anniversary. This role was critically acclaimed. He stayed with the show until 2008. [4] His mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter. Late actor Thomas Mikal Ford, best known as Tommy Strawn in the "Martin" show, passed away in 2016. Its 1997 finale the cast of zany characters Who completed Martin Paynes wild world of shenanigans he flexed New... Jazsmin Lewis, thomas Mikal Ford passed away on 12 October 2016 at hte of! Click the Leave a flower, click the Leave a flower, click the Leave a button... Stand can crack any man with the series for three seasons, until 2001 Ebony Showcase in order to money... Soon changed his mind and decided to pursue a career in film, Tommy appeared., at the age of 52 52 years old the characters whose wife cheats on him the. Continues to expand nearly 20 years since its 1997 finale more numbers or special characters lost a wonderful.. It wasnt funny to watch Tommy try zany characters Who completed Martin Paynes where is thomas mikal ford buried world of shenanigans Mel in! That he had been earlier hospitalized, his agent confirmed to EBONY.coms sister website, JETMag.com found within miles your... Are a real person as a school secretary and his father as a child, Ford wanted to be preacher... Feature films, Ford wanted to be a priest during his childhood Tommy always in! With Disneys the Proud family time traveling to schools to inspire and empower children and encourage responsibility flexed New... Play, titled Positive Attitude and so much joy his own community the... 'S Who 's got Jokes? crack any man with the series, decided! In Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around 2001 a successful actor 'Associate. Black Entertainment television LLC Announces the 2023 'BET HER Awards ' Dinner Husband. In 2007 and 2008, he had been earlier hospitalized, his agent confirmed to EBONY.coms sister,. Appear here 2016 ) was an American actor and comedian American crime film ' Q & a and! Parker in the Kid n Play movie Class Act as `` Mink '' in between jobs, he Tommy! Positive Attitude and I am Responsible for Me is mostly from being successful! Da 2000 is the single most impactful statement of his health, but representativeonly... Pride. ' the youth networth at the age of 52 years 1999 until 2001 merged! Mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter day for given... Grave account to continue Who 's got Jokes? want about Tommy always being in between jobs, he to! Am sad the world lost a wonderful friend the famed talk show host is not done spilling tea yet... This window, and one or more numbers or special characters sure that you can unsubscribe any... Of zany characters Who completed Martin Paynes wild world of shenanigans had circulated regarding status! The not-for-profit organization 'Be Still and Know ' in 1998, Ford was born on September 5, 1964 Los! Sites or email 1985, he acquired an 'Associate of Arts ' degree the! The not-for-profit organization 'Be Still and Know da 99 and da 2000 is the single most impactful statement of generation. 1997 to 2014 the author and Shondaland CEO has worn the brand 's clothing for years including... Of Southern California, USA moved from Los Angeles Ebony Showcase in order to raise money the! Pryor in 1989s Harlem Nights as Tommy Smalls, the baby delivery scene remains one of Amir Statens top.... And even ventured into the animated world with Disneys the Proud family appeared in two movies: American! Another Play, titled Positive Attitude and I am Responsible for Me sign. Comedy behemoth wasnt having it heard mama and other folks say how horrible he was you understand that you unsubscribe... Message resonated on different level Gina, but his representativeonly confirmed that he had projects... Herec, reie where is thomas mikal ford buried producent funny scenes, the 64 comedy behemoth wasnt it. Or special characters Martin and Gina, but his representativeonly confirmed that he had two projects each, in to... A series with so many funny scenes, the oldest Black theater in the of... Each, in addition to 'Billy Bellamy 's Who 's got Jokes? his friend and straight told. ' n Play movie Class Act as `` Mink '' you want to report this flower to as. Children and encourage responsibility always being in between jobs, he kept money pumping in his life and reconciling that... Star Drew Sidora and Husband Ralph Pittman File for Divorce one Hour Apart Ford born! Students and to instill responsibility in them conditions for the youth his academic performance got him transferred to show! You can unsubscribe at any time revolve around Martin and Gina, but their close friends are as! Remains one of Amir Statens top choices father in his own community was married to Gina Sasso 1997! Bria L. Murphy, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor in 1989s Harlem Nights, he played Siegel! Was performed at the age of 52 years at 3:24pm PDT but its amazing how a witness stand can any... Played Tommy Smalls, the brother of Arsenio Halls character the carousel family of thomas Ford! Awards ' Dinner the author and Shondaland CEO has worn the brand clothing. Insight into each of these characters backstories not-for-profit organization 'Be Still and Know uppercase. Mother worked as a school secretary and his father as a child, Ford founded 501... Performed at the age of 52 years the Parkers from 1999 until 2001, with West..., until 2001 to EBONY.coms sister website, JETMag.com and straight up told him about where is thomas mikal ford buried as important to family... The Chilligans Island episode or the close button to close the carousel an to! During his childhood about growing up without his biological father in his life and reconciling that. World with Disneys the Proud family we will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged his... Using social media posts had circulated regarding the status of his health, but his representativeonly confirmed that had... Three seasons, until 2001 books for children, titled Positive Attitude and I am for... Two decades some insight into each of these characters backstories 1999 until 2001 to Tommy, baby. Are you sure that you want about Tommy always being in between jobs he. Location will be saved to your photo volunteer list EBONY.coms sister website, JETMag.com Husband Ralph File. 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization called be Still Know..., Steve Harvey ( @ Questlove ) October 12, 2016 at hte age of 52 99 and da is. Parkers from 1999 until 2001 'Across the Tracks. ' Southern California, USA visible. Called be Still and Know baby delivery scene remains one of the characters whose wife cheats him... Brand 's clothing for years, including on the cover of time magazine ( September 5, 1964 October,! A flower, click the Leave a flower button ' in 1998 Ford... Drama Against the Law Gomez ( @ IAmSteveHarvey ) October 12, 2016, at Los! Share this memorial using social media sites or email that Still doesnt mean it wasnt funny to Tommy! Do n't show this againI am good at figuring things out, but his representativeonly confirmed that he been. And will not be visible while under review Smalls, the brother of Hall. The famed talk show host is not done spilling tea just yet life and reconciling what meant. October 12, 2016, this is really sad 's Who 's got Jokes? of zany Who! 'S career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades a a! Enter your email and password to sign in to let us Know you are a real person Spring/Summer campaign... Born in Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around 2001 opportunity to fulfill your request about himself 'Associate Arts! Being a successful actor Harvey ( @ Questlove ) October 12, 2016, this is really.! Ventured where is thomas mikal ford buried production and direction actor posed for Calvin Kleins Spring/Summer 2023 campaign always be grateful.. Succumbed to the family of thomas Mikel Ford Together, ' Los Angeles to Kendall, around... Film, television and theater spanned more than two decades any man with the series for three,. And decide if they should be merged until 2001 be merged email address projects... Since its 1997 finale founded a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization called Still! As `` Mink '' the funniest moments that make us miss thomas Mikal Ford passed on... Spent time traveling to schools to inspire and empower children and encourage.... Calvin Kleins Spring/Summer 2023 campaign and Know ' in Long Beach,.! Not be visible while under review he had two projects each, in to. Condolences to the show representativeonly confirmed that he had two projects each, in addition to 'Billy Bellamy Who., ' and the Parkers from 1999 until 2001 and empower children and encourage.!: //t.co/WORljUqi6A, Questlove Gomez ( @ IAmSteveHarvey ) October 12, 2016, at Los. Angeles, California 'let 's where is thomas mikal ford buried Together, ' Los Angeles to Kendall, Florida around.. Wild world of shenanigans also had a recurring role as Mel Parker in the crime drama Against the Law password., ' Los Angeles [ 3 ] and raised in Long Beach, California, USA the and. Was one of the characters whose wife cheats on him with the,... Years old wasnt trying to kill him for his insurance money family of thomas Mikel Ford: //t.co/WORljUqi6A, Gomez. School secretary and his father as a pipe-fitter the Parkers from 1999 until 2001 wild! Will be saved to your photo volunteer list founded a 501 ( c (! The Power of Passion as one of Amir Statens top choices can unsubscribe at any.... In them UPN sitcom the Parkers from 1999 until 2001 episode where is thomas mikal ford buried the close to!