'Martin' Actor Tommy Ford Has Died

— -- Tommy Ford, an actor best known for playing a friend of Martin Lawrence's character on the 1990s sitcom "Martin," has died.

Ford's agent, Joy Pervis, confirmed to ABC News that he passed away today. He was 52.

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."

There had been reports earlier in the day that Ford was on life support at an Atlanta hospital after suffering a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen.

Ford played Tommy Strawn during all five seasons of "Martin," which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997.

Lawrence today tweeted a photo of himself with Ford, writing, "Prayers up for my brother @BigTommyFord and his family."

Following his run on "Martin," Ford appeared in the TV series "New York Undercover" and "The Parkers."

Ford's film credits included the Eddie Murphy-Richard Pryor movie "Harlem Nights" and Robert De Niro's "Night and the City."