Martin Lawrence has paid tribute to his former costar Tommy Ford in a moving Instagram post. Ford died at age 52 on Wednesday, October 12.
“My brother…we were friends way b4 the Martin show & I’m glad we were able to show true friendship on-screen. You brought a lot of love to the world and you will be greatly missed,” Lawrence, 51, captioned a black-and-white photo of Ford. “God Bless to you and the family. Rest In Peace my brother. #TommyFord #Brotherforlife.”
https://twitter.com/realmartymar/status/786394470317039617
Lawrence and Ford costarred on the comedy Martin for five seasons from 1992 to 1997. Lawrence played a radio and TV personality who often got into shenanigans with his best friend, Tommy Strawn, played by Ford.
As previously reported, Ford checked into an Atlanta hospital on Sunday for a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen and was placed on life support. He was surrounded by family when he passed away.
https://twitter.com/realmartymar/status/786281325523116032
Many more of Ford’s famous friends shared their condolences on social media. “This is terrible news, man. #RIP,” Steve Harvey tweeted on Wednesday.
“NOOO! Just hearing about the passing of #TommyFord WOW!” Vivica A. Fox added. “My heart is SOO sad RIP my friend! My deepest sympathies n prayers go 2 his family.”
Read more remembrances below:
The world is going to greatly miss all the joy and laughter that you brought to it. Thinking of Tommy Ford’s family and friends today.
— LLCOOLJ. (@llcoolj) October 12, 2016
RIP Tommy Ford. Always had a smile on his face.
— Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) October 12, 2016
So saddened by this. Feels like I lost a good friend. Thats how much “Martin” influenced my growing up. Rest peacefully #TommyFord. Thank u pic.twitter.com/MHAeBlvKT8
— Susan Kelechi Watson (@skelechiwatson) October 13, 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
My condolences to the family of Thomas Mikel Ford. “Tommy” was an extremely funny & talented man. May he rest in power.
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 12, 2016
Rest n Peace Tommy Ford. Your spirit will be missed.
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) October 12, 2016
There’s not a episode of Martin I don’t know!! I’m saddened to just hear about Tommy?my prayers go out 2 his family & friends..?? wow
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 13, 2016