The Martin Show Cast: Where Are They Now? The Shocking 2024 Reunion And New Projects

The iconic 1990s sitcom Martin remains one of the most influential and beloved television shows in history, but for decades, fans have wondered about the fate of the cast. While a highly anticipated BET+ reunion special aired in 2022, the surviving main cast members stunned audiences again with a surprise appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, confirming that their bond is stronger than ever. This recent visibility has brought new focus to the stars' careers, which are currently booming with major film projects, new television ventures, and a legacy that continues to inspire. As of December 2025, the cast is busier than ever, proving they are far from being "played out."

The show, which ran from 1992 to 1997, centered on the life of Martin Payne, a Detroit radio host, and his girlfriend (later wife) Gina Waters. The dynamic chemistry between the main five actors—Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Carl Anthony Payne II, and the late Thomas Mikal Ford—is what cemented the show’s place in pop culture. Here is a deep dive into the lives and careers of the legendary cast, including their latest projects and personal updates for 2024 and 2025.

The Main Cast of Martin: Biography and Latest Projects (2024–2025)

The core ensemble of the Martin show created characters that are still quoted and celebrated today. Their careers have diversified significantly since the show wrapped, with the actors stepping into new roles in film, television, and production.

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• Martin Lawrence (Martin Payne / Sheneneh Jenkins / Jerome / Edna "Mama" Payne)
  • Born: April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany (military base)
  • Role on Martin: The titular, loudmouthed radio host and his numerous, hilarious alter egos.
  • Post-Martin Career Highlights: Blockbuster film success with the Bad Boys franchise, Big Momma's House franchise, and stand-up comedy specials.
  • Latest News (2024/2025): Lawrence returned to the big screen in 2024 for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, reprising his role as Detective Marcus Burnett alongside Will Smith. He is also slated to lend his voice to the animated feature film Sneaks in 2025.
• Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne)
  • Born: May 27, 1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Role on Martin: Martin's intelligent, professional, and long-suffering girlfriend (later wife).
  • Post-Martin Career Highlights: Starring roles in My Wife and Kids, Everybody Hates Chris, and appearances in Empire and Uncoupled.
  • Latest News (2024/2025): Campbell has been working on a new talk show with Tichina Arnold, tentatively titled Tisha & Tichina Have Issues. In June 2024, she also shared a personal update, revealing she is in remission from a health issue.
• Tichina Arnold (Pamela "Pam" James)
  • Born: June 28, 1969, in Queens, New York
  • Role on Martin: Gina's sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal best friend and Martin's constant nemesis.
  • Post-Martin Career Highlights: Co-starring roles in Everybody Hates Chris (alongside Tisha Campbell) and the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood.
  • Latest News (2024/2025): Arnold continues to star in The Neighborhood and is co-developing the new talk show, Tisha & Tichina Have Issues, with Tisha Campbell. The pair have also co-hosted the Soul Train Awards multiple times.
• Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown)
  • Born: May 24, 1969, in Trenton, New Jersey
  • Role on Martin: Martin and Tommy's dim-witted but lovable best friend, known for his signature "Cole" walk and constant confusion.
  • Post-Martin Career Highlights: Guest roles on various TV shows and his work as a director and producer. Prior to Martin, he was known for The Cosby Show.
  • Latest News (2024/2025): Payne has been active in film and television. He starred in the indie film The Grove, which was set to debut in September 2024. He also attended the premiere of Netflix’s Mea Culpa in February 2024.
• Thomas Mikal Ford (Thomas "Tommy" Strawn)
  • Born: September 5, 1962, in Yonkers, New York
  • Role on Martin: Martin and Cole's level-headed, perpetually unemployed friend, famous for the recurring gag: "What is your job, Tommy?"
  • Legacy: Ford was a director, producer, and motivational speaker focused on youth empowerment.
  • Tragic Passing: Ford sadly passed away on October 12, 2016, at the age of 52, after suffering a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.

The Martin Cast Reunion: From BET+ Special to the 2024 Emmy Awards

For years, rumors of a reboot or reunion were dampened by the passing of Thomas Mikal Ford and the highly publicized strained relationship between Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell following the show's end. However, the cast has repeatedly demonstrated that they have healed old wounds and are committed to celebrating their shared history.

The first major public reconciliation came with the Martin: The Reunion special, which aired on BET+ in 2022. This event marked the first time the surviving four main cast members—Lawrence, Campbell, Arnold, and Payne II—came together to reminisce and pay tribute to their time on the show and to the memory of Thomas Mikal Ford.

In a moment that delighted millions of fans worldwide, the cast reunited again on January 15, 2024, at the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Lawrence, Campbell, Arnold, and Payne II took the stage together to present an award, using their classic on-screen banter to introduce the category. This highly publicized appearance served as a powerful reminder of the show's enduring appeal and the cast's renewed friendship.

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The Enduring Topical Authority of Martin's World

The success of Martin wasn't just in the main characters; it was in the rich, vibrant world of Detroit and the dozens of memorable supporting characters that contributed to its topical authority. Martin Lawrence’s ability to flawlessly transform into multiple alter egos—a rare feat for a sitcom lead—was a key ingredient in the show’s comedic genius.

These recurring entities are crucial to the show's legacy and are frequently referenced in pop culture:

• Sheneneh Jenkins: Martin’s trash-talking, high-maintenance neighbor from the 5th floor, famous for her shop "Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon."
• Jerome: The smooth-talking, gold-toothed, self-proclaimed ladies' man whose catchphrase was "I said, 'Pam!'"
• Edna "Mama" Payne: Martin’s overbearing mother, who often sided with Gina against her own son.
• Otis "Brother Man" Campbell: The eccentric, homeless man who frequently appeared at Martin's radio station.
• Varnell Hill: The rival talk show host, a clear parody of real-life media personalities.

The show's use of real-life settings, like the WZUP radio station and the local hangout "Nipsey's," grounded the fantastical comedy in a relatable urban environment. The constant, hilarious feud between Martin and Pam, and the unwavering friendship between Gina and Pam, established tropes that paved the way for future Black sitcoms.

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What Lies Ahead: A Martin Reboot?

The question of a full-fledged Martin reboot has been a hot topic since the 2022 reunion. While the cast members have expressed openness to the idea, they have maintained that any new project would need to be respectful of Thomas Mikal Ford’s legacy and would require a compelling, updated storyline.

The surviving cast’s commitment to their individual careers—from Martin Lawrence's continued action-comedy dominance in the Bad Boys franchise to Tichina Arnold's success on The Neighborhood—suggests that their schedules are packed. However, the collaborative spirit demonstrated by Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold on their upcoming talk show, Tisha & Tichina Have Issues, shows that they are eager to work together again.

For now, the 2024 Emmy reunion stands as the most recent and powerful testament to the show's impact. The cast of Martin continues to thrive, honoring their past while forging exciting new paths in Hollywood. Whether it’s through new films, talk shows, or surprise appearances, their collective star power ensures that the classic sitcom’s legacy will continue for generations to come. Fans can rest assured that the energy and humor that defined the 90s classic are still very much alive in the careers of the cast today.