The Martin Cast: Where Are The Actors Now? (2025 Updates On Martin, Gina, Pam, & Cole)
The iconic 90s sitcom Martin continues to resonate with fans decades later, making its cast members cultural legends. With the show's 30th anniversary reigniting interest, fans are constantly searching for the latest updates on the beloved actors who brought Martin, Gina, Pam, Cole, and the unforgettable Tommy to life. As of December 23, 2025, the surviving cast members are busier than ever, with major film roles, new TV projects, and even a stand-up comedy tour, all while celebrating their enduring legacy with an emotional reunion.
The cast’s recent appearances together, including a special reunion and a surprise showing at the 2024 Emmy Awards, prove their bond is as strong off-screen as it was on the hit Fox comedy. From box office hits to directorial debuts, here is the complete, current breakdown of what the stars of Martin are doing right now and a tribute to the cast member who is dearly missed.
The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Projects (2025)
The core ensemble of Martin created a dynamic that remains unmatched in television history. Here is a detailed look at the actors, their iconic roles, and their most recent and upcoming projects, solidifying their status as entertainment powerhouses.
- Martin Lawrence (Martin Payne, Sheneneh Jenkins, Edna Payne, et al.)
- Role: Martin Payne, the energetic and often self-centered talk show host, along with numerous hilarious recurring characters.
- Born: April 16, 1965 (Frankfurt, West Germany)
- Career Highlights: Bad Boys franchise, Big Momma's House, Blue Streak, Def Comedy Jam.
- 2025 Update: Lawrence recently starred in the blockbuster action-comedy sequel, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which premiered in June 2024, proving his box office appeal is still massive. Furthermore, a prequel series titled Young Martin, which will explore the character's earlier years, is reportedly in development.
- Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne)
- Role: Gina Waters-Payne, Martin’s intelligent, long-suffering, and successful girlfriend (later wife) and Pam’s best friend.
- Born: October 13, 1968 (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Career Highlights: School Daze, House Party, My Wife and Kids, Outmatched.
- 2025 Update: Campbell is embracing her comedic roots with a new stand-up comedy venture, the "Damn Gina" tour, a nod to her famous catchphrase. She is also set to star in an upcoming film shooting in Atlanta, scheduled to premiere exclusively on ALLBLK in 2025.
- Tichina Arnold (Pamela "Pam" James)
- Role: Pamela "Pam" James, Gina's sharp-tongued, no-nonsense best friend and Martin’s perpetual rival.
- Born: June 28, 1969 (Queens, New York)
- Career Highlights: Everybody Hates Chris, Happily Divorced, The Neighborhood, Little Shop of Horrors.
- 2025 Update: Arnold recently made her directorial debut with the film "Oh Baby Baby" for BET HER Presents: The Waiting Room. She also continues to star on the popular CBS sitcom The Neighborhood and has hinted at working on a new music album.
- Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown)
- Role: Cole Brown, Martin’s loyal, good-natured, but often dim-witted best friend.
- Born: May 24, 1969 (Trenton, New Jersey)
- Career Highlights: The Cosby Show (as Cockroach), Rocko's Modern Life, and numerous directing and producing credits.
- 2025 Update: Payne is expanding his acting range by starring in the upcoming indie horror film The Grove, a significant departure from his comedic roles. He is also actively involved in directing and producing projects, cementing his versatile career in Hollywood.
- Thomas Mikal Ford (Thomas "Tommy" Strawn)
- Role: Thomas "Tommy" Strawn, Martin’s smooth, unemployed friend whose mysterious job became one of the show’s longest-running gags.
- Born: September 5, 1964 (Yonkers, New York)
- Passed Away: October 12, 2016 (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Legacy: Ford's death from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm in 2016 was a massive loss. He was celebrated for his work beyond acting, including his efforts to speak out against gun violence and his role in the drama series New York Undercover.
The Emotional 30th Anniversary Reunion and Enduring Legacy
The bond between the cast of Martin remains unbreakable, a fact highlighted by their recent, highly publicized appearances. The show, which originally ran from 1992 to 1997, celebrated its three-decade milestone with a special reunion event that brought the surviving four main actors back together.
The Martin 30th Anniversary Reunion Special, which aired on BET+, was an emotional and hilarious look back at the sitcom's impact on Black culture and television. The special was particularly poignant as the cast paid a heartfelt tribute to their late co-star, Thomas Mikal Ford, whose character Tommy Strawn remains a fan favorite.
In a surprising and delightful moment for fans, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II reunited once again at the 2024 Emmy Awards. Their appearance together on the red carpet and on stage was a testament to the show's lasting influence and the deep personal connection between the actors. This continued public support for one another’s careers is a major reason why the show’s legacy endures.
From Sitcom Stars to Hollywood Directors and Producers
While the reunion specials are a treat for fans, the individual work of the Martin cast members in the years following the show has been prolific. They have successfully transitioned from beloved sitcom stars to respected figures in various facets of the entertainment industry, including directing, producing, and dramatic acting.
Martin Lawrence's career post-Martin has been defined by his success in the action-comedy genre, particularly with the Bad Boys franchise alongside Will Smith. His recent involvement in the 2024 sequel and the potential development of the Young Martin prequel series shows he is actively shaping his own legacy and the future of his most famous character.
Tichina Arnold, known for her sharp comedic timing as Pam James, has diversified her portfolio significantly. Her recent directorial debut with "Oh Baby Baby" is a major career milestone, demonstrating a move behind the camera. She has also maintained a steady presence on network television with her role in The Neighborhood, ensuring she remains a familiar face to a new generation of viewers.
Tisha Campbell has also been busy, not only with her upcoming ALLBLK film but also by stepping into the world of stand-up comedy. Her "Damn Gina" tour is a brilliant way to connect with the audience by embracing her most famous catchphrase. Her ability to move between acting, singing, and now comedy showcases her versatility as a performer.
Carl Anthony Payne II, who played the endearing Cole Brown, has quietly built a solid career as a director and producer. His choice to star in the indie horror film The Grove is an exciting pivot, illustrating his commitment to challenging himself with diverse roles outside the sitcom realm.
The Undeniable Impact of Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn)
No discussion of the Martin cast is complete without honoring Thomas Mikal Ford. His portrayal of Tommy Strawn, the smooth, cool friend who was always "just chillin'," provided some of the show's most iconic moments. The running gag about his mysterious job is still a topic of fan debate and discussion on social media today.
Ford’s death in 2016 deeply affected the cast and the fan community. His legacy extends beyond comedy; he was a dedicated advocate who used his platform to speak to youth about the dangers of gun violence and the importance of positive choices. The surviving cast members have consistently ensured that Ford’s memory and contributions are a central part of every reunion and special event, cementing his place in the show's history.
The continued success and collaboration of Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II serve as a powerful tribute to the chemistry they all shared. As they continue to take on new and exciting projects in 2025, the Martin cast proves that their collective talent and individual careers are far from over, ensuring their legacy will be celebrated for many more decades to come.
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