Actor Tommy Ford star of 90s show Martin dies at 52

The actor, whose real name is Thomas Mikal Ford, played the role of Tommy in the hit 90s show Martin. He was on life support at an Atlanta hospital since 9 October after he had an abdominal aneurysm.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford," his family said in a statement, according to E! News. "On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief."

Ford's family also mourned the actor's death with a message on his Instagram account, which read: "To all family and friends of Tommy Ford. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family," the caption read. "Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. He was so dearly loved by so many and for that let's all be grateful for a life well served."

His representatives also announced the news on Twitter. "This evening at 4:50PM surrounded by family and close friends @BigTommyFord transitioned from this life to life eternal. #tommyford #RIP."

Martin Lawrence, who starred alongside Ford in all five seasons of Martin from 1992 to 1997, expressed his condolences on social media. "Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family," he wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of the two in embrace.

Actress Tichina Arnold, who played Ford's girlfriend on the show, shared the following message on Instagram: "Prayers are always needed for so many life circumstances. Prayers do change things."

Ford's other on-screen credits include Harlem Nights, Across The Tracks, The Parkers and Love Ain't Suppose To Hurt: The Wedding.