Where Are They Now? The Martin Show Cast’s Shocking New Projects, Reunion Details, And Spinoff News

The iconic Martin show cast has remained a cornerstone of 90s television comedy, and as of late 2025, the stars are busier than ever. Decades after the beloved sitcom concluded its five-season run, the question "Where are they now?" continues to captivate fans. The answer is a mix of major Hollywood projects, emotional reunions, and even a brand-new spinoff series that promises to bring the universe back to BET+.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the lives and careers of Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Carl Anthony Payne II, and the late Thomas Mikal Ford, providing the most current details on their professional endeavors, their recent public appearances together, and the exciting future of the Martin legacy.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Career Profiles

The core cast of Martin brought to life some of the most memorable characters in sitcom history. Here is a detailed look at the actors who made the show a cultural phenomenon, along with their most recent career updates and biographical highlights.

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1. Martin Lawrence (Martin Payne, Sheneneh Jenkins, Jerome, and more)

• Role on Martin: Martin Payne, the titular, loud, and often misguided radio host. He also famously played multiple recurring characters, including Sheneneh Jenkins, Jerome, Edna "Mama" Payne, Roscoe, and King Beef.
• Born: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence, April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany.
• Career Highlights: Before Martin, he hosted Def Comedy Jam. Post-Martin, he starred in blockbusters like the Bad Boys franchise, Big Momma's House, and Blue Streak.
• Latest News (2025): Lawrence continues his successful run in film. He recently starred in the highly anticipated *Bad Boys: Ride or Die* (2024), proving his enduring box office appeal. He is also actively involved as a producer in the upcoming Varnell Hill spinoff series.

2. Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne)

• Role on Martin: Gina Waters-Payne, Martin’s intelligent, long-suffering, and equally feisty girlfriend (later wife) who worked at a public relations firm.
• Born: Tisha Michelle Campbell, February 13, 1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
• Career Highlights: Starred in Spike Lee’s School Daze and the film House Party before Martin. After the show, she co-starred in the sitcom My Wife and Kids and appeared in numerous television series, including The Bold and the Beautiful and Empire.
• Latest News (2025): Campbell has maintained a busy television career, appearing in recent projects and often co-hosting various talk shows. She has been a prominent figure in the cast reunions, celebrating the show's legacy.

3. Tichina Arnold (Pamela "Pam" James)

• Role on Martin: Pamela "Pam" James, Gina's best friend and co-worker, and Martin's constant nemesis. Their verbal sparring was a hallmark of the series.
• Born: Tichina Rolanda Arnold, June 28, 1969, in Queens, New York.
• Career Highlights: Known for her roles in *Little Shop of Horrors* and *Everybody Hates Chris*, where she played the iconic Rochelle. She also starred in *Survivor's Remorse* and *The Neighborhood*.
• Latest News (2025): Arnold is currently a main cast member on the successful CBS sitcom The Neighborhood, which has been renewed for multiple seasons. She remains one of the most visible members of the original cast on network television.

4. Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown)

• Role on Martin: Cole Brown, Martin’s lovable, dim-witted, and loyal best friend.
• Born: Carl Anthony Payne II, May 24, 1969, in Trenton, New Jersey.
• Career Highlights: Before Martin, he was known for his role as Theo Huxtable's friend Cockroach on The Cosby Show. Post-Martin, he has worked extensively in theater, film, and television, including the series For Richer or Poorer.
• Latest News (2025): Payne II has been actively involved in independent film and television projects. He is a key participant in the recent cast reunions and continues to tour as a stand-up comedian.

5. Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn) - Deceased

• Role on Martin: Tommy Strawn, Martin’s other best friend, known for his smooth demeanor and the running gag about whether or not he actually had a job.
• Born: September 5, 1964.
• Died: October 12, 2016, at the age of 52.
• Legacy: Ford’s passing in 2016 was a massive loss for the cast and fans. He was celebrated for his work on Martin and later for his recurring role on New York Undercover. The surviving cast members have consistently paid tribute to his memory in all subsequent reunions.

The Emotional 30th Anniversary Reunion and Emmy Appearance

The enduring popularity of the series led to two major public appearances that delighted long-time fans and introduced the show to a new generation. These events solidified the cast's bond and their commitment to the show's legacy.

The BET+ 30th Anniversary Special (2022)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show's premiere, the surviving main cast—Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II—reunited for a 90-minute special on BET+.

The special, hosted by Affion Crockett, took place on a recreated version of the iconic Martin living room set.

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It was a deeply emotional and candid event, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, bloopers, and, most importantly, a heartfelt tribute to the late Thomas Mikal Ford, who played Tommy Strawn.

The reunion allowed the stars to reflect on the cultural impact of Martin and share where they believe their characters, like Martin and Gina or Pam and Cole, would be in the modern era.

The 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2023)

In a surprise and highly celebrated moment, the four surviving main cast members reunited again to present an award at the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

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The appearance was a major highlight of the ceremony, showcasing the cast's lasting chemistry and their continued relevance in the television landscape.

Their presence on such a prestigious stage confirmed that the show is not just a piece of nostalgia but a recognized classic of television history. This appearance fueled further speculation about a potential reboot or continuation.

The Future of the Martin Universe: The 'Varnell Hill' Spinoff

Perhaps the most exciting and current piece of news for fans is the confirmation of an upcoming spinoff series. This development proves that the world of Martin is far from over.

The 'Varnell Hill' Series on BET+

Nearly three decades after the original show ended, BET+ is developing a spinoff series centered on the character Varnell Hill.

Varnell Hill, played by Tommy Davidson, was a recurring character on the original show—a high-energy, over-the-top host of the entertainment news show "Varnell Hill's Hot Scoop."

The new series will follow Varnell Hill as he continues his career in the entertainment world. This move allows the Martin universe to expand without attempting a direct reboot of the original cast's dynamic.

Crucially, Martin Lawrence is involved in the spinoff as an executive producer, lending his creative input and stamp of approval to the project.

While the main cast is not expected to be series regulars, the involvement of Martin Lawrence and the focus on a beloved recurring character like Varnell Hill suggests that guest appearances from Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II are highly likely. This new series is the freshest development, carrying the show’s legacy into the late 2020s.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Martin

The sitcom Martin, which aired from 1992 to 1997 on Fox, didn't just provide laughs; it established a topical authority on urban culture, relationships, and comedy that few shows have matched. The series was a pivotal part of the 90s sitcom boom, sitting alongside other classics like Seinfeld and Living Single.

The show's success was largely due to Martin Lawrence’s ability to create a diverse range of characters (Sheneneh Jenkins, Jerome, Mama Payne) that became cultural touchstones. These characters are prime examples of the LSI keywords and entities that define the show's lasting impact.

The show’s focus on the dynamic between Martin and Gina, a young, professional Black couple navigating life in Detroit, resonated deeply with audiences. The constant, hilarious conflict between Martin and Pam James provided a secondary, equally beloved comedic engine.

The continued interest in the cast, the success of the reunion special, and the green light for the Varnell Hill spinoff all confirm that the Martin show is more than just a nostalgic memory—it is a living, evolving piece of television history that continues to influence comedy today. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the lives of the Martin cast and the expansion of its universe.