Martin Lawrence and Other Stars Mourn Tommy Ford

R.I.P Tommy Ford from TV Show Martin dies at age 52

Martin Lawrence and other Hollywood stars are mourning the loss of their friend and fellow actor Tommy Ford, who died Wednesday at age 52.

Ford was best known for playing Tommy Strawn alongside Lawrence during all five seasons of "Martin," which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997.

Following reports earlier in the day that Ford was on life support at an Atlanta hospital after suffering a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen, his agent, Joy Pervis, confirmed to ABC News that he died Wednesday.

Ford"s family said in a statement, "It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykal Ford. 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."

Lawrence initially responded to reports that Ford had been hospitalized, tweeting a photo of himself with Ford and writing, "Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family."

Later, he paid tribute to his friend and cast mate on Instagram.

"Tommy was not only a great co star but he was a great man and friend," Lawrence wrote beside a photo of the two of them. "He always brought with him his spirituality a positive attitude and so much joy. I am sad the world lost a great talent and that I lost a wonderful friend. G*d bless him and his family."

Hours later, Lawrence posted another photo of Ford, writing, "My brother...we were friends way b4 the Martin show & I"m glad we were able to show true friendship on-screen. You brought a lot of love to the world and you will be greatly missed. G*d Bless to you and the family. Rest In Peace my brother."

He concluded with the hashtag, "#Brotherforlife."

Lawrence was joined by a chorus of other celebrities mourning Ford on social media, including Bill Bellamy, who worked with Ford for five seasons on TV One"s "Who"s Got Jokes."

"Pray for the Ford family during this sad time," Bellamy wrote on Instagram. "I will always remember Tommy"s laugh!" It always made everyone laugh."

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/martin-lawrence-stars-mourn-tommy-ford/story?id%3D42775389