Thomas Mikal Ford, a talented actor best known for his portrayal of Tommy Strawn, Martin’s level-headed friend on the popular sitcom “Martin,” was a prominent figure in the show’s all 132 episodes, spanning five seasons from 1992 to 1997. This role became synonymous with Ford throughout his career.
Despite his strong association with “Martin,” Ford’s career extended beyond the sitcom. Graduating from the University of Southern California, Ford amassed an impressive resume with over 80 acting credits across more than three decades in the industry. His early career showcased appearances in various television shows such as “MacGyver,” “Law & Order,” “A Different World,” and the 1990 version of “The Flash.”
At the age of 28, Ford secured the role of Tommy Strawn on “Martin,” which became a defining moment in his career. Following this, he had recurring roles on the short-lived Dick Wolf police procedural series “New York Undercover” in 1998 and 1999. For the subsequent two decades, Ford took on a multitude of smaller roles, including voice acting on “The Proud Family,” appearing in episodes of “The Parkers,” guest-starring on “House,” and participating in numerous faith-based direct-to-DVD projects.
In his later years, Ford encountered health challenges. In late September 2016, he underwent knee replacement surgery, expressing gratitude for the support of his fans during his recovery and anticipating a return to work.
However, tragically, Ford faced unforeseen complications shortly after the surgery. Experiencing a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, he was placed on life support. Regrettably, on October 12, 2016, Ford’s family announced his passing via Instagram at the age of 52, marking the end of a career marked by dedication, talent, and a significant impact on television through his memorable performances.
