The Martin Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking New Projects And Tragic Losses (2025 Update)

Decades after the iconic Martin sitcom first premiered, the legendary cast continues to dominate Hollywood, proving their comedic genius and dramatic range are timeless. As of December 18, 2025, the stars who brought Martin Payne, Gina Waters, Pam James, and Cole Brown to life are experiencing massive career shifts, including blockbuster film releases, the conclusion of long-running television shows, and exciting new projects that solidify their places as sitcom royalty.

This deep dive explores the current lives, freshest projects, and enduring legacies of the core and supporting actors from the classic 1990s Fox network hit. From major 2025 movie premieres and new network television pilots to honoring a beloved cast member’s tragic passing, here is the essential, up-to-the-minute update on the actors who made Martin a cultural phenomenon.

The Iconic Main Cast: Where Are They Now?

The core five actors of the Martin cast have remained highly visible in the entertainment industry, but 2025 marks a pivotal year for several of them, featuring major conclusions and high-profile streaming debuts.

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Martin Lawrence (Martin Payne)

The show's titular star, Martin Lawrence, remains one of the biggest names in comedy and action cinema. Lawrence, who played multiple beloved characters on the show—including Sheneneh Jenkins, Edna "Mama" Payne, and Jerome—has maintained a successful stand-up comedy career and a major film franchise.

• Latest Project: Lawrence reprised his role as Detective Marcus Burnett alongside Will Smith in the action-comedy sequel, Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
• 2025 Update: Following its 2024 theatrical run, the highly anticipated film is scheduled to arrive on major streaming platforms like Prime Video in late 2025, bringing his work to a massive global streaming audience.
• Legacy: Lawrence’s ability to portray high-energy, multifaceted characters is what made the show a success, and his continued work in film ensures the "You go, girl!" catchphrase remains relevant.

Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne)

Tisha Campbell, who portrayed the ambitious and stylish Gina Waters-Payne, has successfully transitioned between television, film, and music. Her career trajectory since Martin has included another hit sitcom, My Wife and Kids, and numerous dramatic and comedic roles.

• Latest Project: Campbell recently completed filming a new movie for the AMC/AllBlk network titled Operation Aunties, which is set to premiere in 2025.
• Recent TV Roles: She starred in the Netflix series Uncoupled alongside Neil Patrick Harris, showcasing her talent in romantic comedy. She has also appeared in shows like The Ms. Pat Show.
• Reunion: Campbell was instrumental in bringing the cast back together for the 2022 BET+ special, Martin: The Reunion, helping to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary.

Tichina Arnold (Pamela 'Pam' James)

Tichina Arnold, known for her sharp wit and iconic rivalry with Martin as Pamela "Pam" James, has been a fixture on network television for years. Her role as Tina Butler on the CBS comedy The Neighborhood has been one of the most stable and successful post-Martin careers.

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• 2025 Update: The Neighborhood is confirmed to be concluding with its eighth and final season in 2025. The final episodes, which will air through May 2025, mark the end of a long and successful run for Arnold on the show.
• Career Focus: Beyond acting, Arnold continues to engage in philanthropic work and has used her platform to advocate for various causes.

Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown)

Carl Anthony Payne II, who played the lovable, slightly dim-witted Cole Brown, has maintained a steady presence in the industry, particularly in independent films and television.

• Recent Projects: Payne has been active in film, starring in the indie film The Grove, which debuted at film festivals in 2024. He was also seen attending the premiere of Tyler Perry's film Mea Culpa in February 2024.
• Digital Content: Payne has embraced digital media, often sharing behind-the-scenes looks at his life and career, keeping the spirit of the beloved Cole Brown alive for a new generation of fans.

Remembering Tommy Strawn: The Legacy of Thomas Mikal Ford

The Martin family suffered a profound and tragic loss with the passing of Thomas Mikal Ford, who played the perpetually unemployed but endlessly supportive Thomas "Tommy" Strawn. His character was the source of one of the show’s longest-running jokes, constantly being questioned about his job status—a running gag that cemented his place in sitcom history.

Thomas Mikal Ford passed away on October 12, 2016, at the age of 52. The cause of death was a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.

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Ford’s death deeply impacted his co-stars and the millions of fans who grew up watching him. His legacy extends beyond Martin; he was also known for his work on New York Undercover and for dedicating his later years to motivational speaking and working with youth to prevent violence.

While the 2022 reunion special was a joyous occasion, the absence of Ford was deeply felt, with the remaining cast members paying emotional tribute to their friend and colleague. The character of Tommy Strawn remains a symbol of enduring friendship and a vital piece of the show's success.

From Detroit to Hollywood: The Supporting Players’ Current Hustle

While the main five were the heart of the Detroit-set sitcom, the recurring and supporting actors provided essential comedic relief and helped build the rich, vibrant world of Martin. Many of these entities have also enjoyed significant success in the years since the show concluded.

Tracy Morgan (Hustle Man)

Tracy Morgan, who played the eccentric, opportunistic street vendor "Hustle Man," has become a major comedy star in his own right, known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

• 2025 Update: Morgan is set to return to network television in a major way. He is starring and executive producing an untitled comedy pilot for NBC, which is slated for the 2025-2026 TV schedule. The project reunites him with his former 30 Rock collaborator, Tina Fey.
• Other Projects: He is also attached to other upcoming series, including Crutch and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, both set for the 2025 TV schedule.

Garrett Morris (Stan Winters)

Garrett Morris, a true comedy legend and original cast member of Saturday Night Live, played Stan Winters, Martin's boss at the WZUP radio station. Morris has continued to work steadily in both film and television.

• Recent Activity: Morris continues to make appearances at fan conventions, celebrating his extensive career that spans decades of comedy and acting.

Jon Gries (Shawn McDermott)

Jon Gries, who played the quirky cameraman Shawn McDermott, has had a remarkably diverse and prolific career. He is perhaps best known now for his role as Uncle Rico in the cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite and for his recent work on the hit HBO series The White Lotus.

The Enduring Cultural Impact

The success of the Martin sitcom was its ability to blend slapstick comedy with relatable relationship dynamics, making it a staple of 90s television. The show’s influence is continually felt in modern comedy, with many contemporary artists citing Martin Lawrence and his co-stars as key inspirations.

From Martin Lawrence’s global film success and Tichina Arnold’s final season on a hit CBS sitcom, to the exciting return of Tracy Morgan to network comedy, the cast of Martin remains a powerful force. While the loss of Thomas Mikal Ford leaves a permanent hole, the surviving cast members ensure that the legacy of their groundbreaking show—a true masterpiece of Black television—continues to thrive and inspire new generations of fans.

The show's availability on streaming platforms means that the chemistry between Martin, Gina, Pam, Cole, and Tommy continues to generate laughter, proving that the Detroit crew’s hustle truly never stops.