Why the Martin Stars Refused To Attend Tommy Ford’s Memorials
In October 2016, the entertainment world mourned the sudden passing of Tommy Ford, beloved for his role as Tommy Strawn on the iconic sitcom *Martin*. Ford, who died at 52 from an aortic aneurysm, was remembered as a kind, gentle soul who brought laughter to millions.
While fans anticipated a heartfelt reunion of the *Martin* cast at his memorials, many were shocked when key stars—Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II—did not attend the public memorial on November 5, 2016, in Atlanta. This absence sparked speculation, but the reasons behind it are more nuanced than mere drama.
Tommy Ford’s legacy on *Martin* remains indelible. Over five seasons and 132 episodes from 1992 to 1997, his character became the “fifth soul” of the friend group, often the voice of reason amid chaos.
Beyond the screen, Ford touched lives through community work, founding the *Through My Lens ATL* project to mentor Black youth in filmmaking. His funeral and memorial reflected this dual impact—private grief at the funeral and communal celebration at the public event. Yet, the absence of his co-stars at the latter fueled questions.
No official statement from the cast confirmed a refusal to attend. Reports simply noted who was present, leaving room for interpretation. Practical reasons likely played a role. In late 2016, Lawrence was on a stand-up tour, Campbell and Arnold were engaged in TV projects, and the memorial’s timing—less than three weeks after the private funeral—may have clashed with schedules.
The event’s format, prioritizing local community access with limited seating, could have further complicated attendance for out-of-town colleagues.
Historical tensions within the *Martin* cast also colored public perception. In 1997, Campbell filed a lawsuit against Lawrence for sexual harassment, leading to her near-exit in the final season and a media storm. Behind-the-scenes conflicts over scripts, screen time, and pay further strained relations, with some scenes filmed separately to avoid confrontations.
While these issues were real, there’s no evidence they directly caused the memorial absence. The cast did attend the private funeral, and their heartfelt social media tributes—Lawrence calling Ford a “close friend,” Campbell naming him “our light”—showed enduring affection.
Personal grieving styles may also explain the absence. Some mourn publicly, others privately, and Ford, known for sincerity, likely wouldn’t have judged his friends for honoring him quietly.
Years later, during the 2022 *Martin* 30th anniversary special, the cast reunited, tearfully remembering Ford as family, proving past discord hadn’t erased their bond. Tisha Campbell noted, “We’ve grown, and we’re here to honor Tommy.”
Ultimately, the absence at the public memorial reflects a mix of logistics, personal choice, and systemic Hollywood inequities that often undervalue Black-centered shows like *Martin* compared to counterparts like *Friends*. Ford’s memory, however, endures through his co-stars’ tributes and the laughter he gifted fans, transcending any speculation.