Martin actor dies

Atlanta — Thomas Ford, the actor who played Martin Lawrence's best friend Tommy Strawn on the hit '90s sitcom Martin, died Wednesday in Atlanta. He was 52.

The actor played the level-headed pal of Lawrence on "Martin" for the show's entire five-year run. One running joke was about his apparent lack of employment, prompting the catch phrase: "You don't got no job, Tommy!"

"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford," the family said in a statement. "On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers."

Family spokeswoman Joy Pervis confirmed Ford's death but gave no cause.

In recent weeks, Ford posted on Instagram about having knee replacement surgery and said that he was being diligent about physical therapy and looked forward to returning to work.

Working really hard in physical therapy! My progress is amazing! Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement! I'm excited about getting back to work!

A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 7, 2016 at 8:21am PDT

Ford had other TV parts, notable as Lt. Malcolm Barker on Fox's New York Undercover and as Mel Parker on UPN's The Parkers as well as playing the Pope of Comedy on TV One's Who's Got Jokes with Bill Bellamy.

Several celebrities paid homage to Ford through social media, including Cedric the Entertainer, Rickey Smiley and his co-star Carl Payne. 

To my brother, like no other, from another mother.. I LOVE YOU AND I THANK GOD FOR SHARING HIS AMAZING GIFT....TOMMY FORD!! I WILL MISS YOU MY TRUE FRIEND.. MAY YOUR LEGACY AND THE MEMORY OF YOUR LIGHT SHINE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. .. #HEGOTAJOBDAWG!!!!

A photo posted by Carl Payne (@thecarlpayne) on Oct 12, 2016 at 5:21pm PDT

Martin Lawrence offered condolences and paid tribute to the actor on Twitter. 

Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family. pic.twitter.com/yuh0nJvO1f

— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 12, 2016

We were friends way b4 the Martin show & showed tru friendship on-screen. You brought a lot of love 2 the world & you'll be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/lBpmPFVWOE

— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 13, 2016

My heart is heavy with the loss of my brother @BigTommyFord May he Rest In Peace ????

— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 13, 2016

Before Martin, Ford landed a spot in the 1989 Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor film Harlem Nights. He would co-produce, co-write or star in such films as Baby Mama's Club, 'Against the Law, Beat Street Resurrection and Love Different.

The towering Ford, whose height was said to be 6-foot-4 (193 cm), was also a motivational speaker and a children's' book author. He appeared in the fourth season of TV One's Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes?

The actor's website said he had been focusing on building a career behind the camera. He had directed and produced several webisodes, and currently filming Reverse the Lynch Curse, a documentary about breaking curses of distrust and envy. Ford was also involved in several theater productions.

The family said funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

"Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief," the statement said.