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Where Are They Now? The 'Martin' TV Show Cast's Shocking 2025 Updates

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The iconic 90s sitcom *Martin* remains a cornerstone of American television comedy, but what have its beloved stars been doing since the show’s final bow? With a legacy spanning five seasons of hilarious, high-energy television, the core cast—Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II—have all continued to build impressive careers in film, television, and comedy. As of December 2025, the cast is busier than ever, with major comedy tours, new film releases, and hit TV shows solidifying their status as entertainment legends, even as they honor the memory of their late co-star, Thomas Mikal Ford.

From a highly-anticipated reunion special to major film franchises, the actors of the *Martin* TV show have navigated decades in Hollywood with remarkable success. This deep dive provides the most current, fresh updates on the main cast, detailing their recent professional milestones and where you can see them next.

The Core Cast: A Complete Biography and Character Guide

The success of *Martin* was built on the chemistry of its main ensemble, who brought to life some of the most memorable characters in sitcom history. Here is a look at the main actors and the roles that made them famous:

  • Martin Lawrence (Martin Payne):
    • Born: April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany.
    • Role: Martin Payne, the titular, high-energy radio and later TV talk show host in Detroit, known for his over-the-top personality and various recurring characters like Sheneneh Jenkins, Edna "Mama" Payne, and Jerome.
    • Post-Martin Career Highlights: *Bad Boys* franchise, *Big Momma's House* franchise, *Blue Streak*, *Wild Hogs*.
  • Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne):
    • Born: October 13, 1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
    • Role: Gina Waters-Payne, Martin’s intelligent, ambitious, and long-suffering girlfriend and later wife, who worked at a major advertising agency.
    • Post-Martin Career Highlights: *My Wife and Kids*, *Everybody Hates Chris*, *Dr. Ken*, and a successful music career.
  • Tichina Arnold (Pamela "Pam" James):
    • Born: June 28, 1969, in Queens, New York.
    • Role: Pamela "Pam" James, Gina's sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal best friend and co-worker, whose constant comedic rivalry with Martin was a show staple.
    • Post-Martin Career Highlights: *Everybody Hates Chris*, *Happily Divorced*, and the CBS sitcom *The Neighborhood*.
  • Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown):
    • Born: May 24, 1969, in Trenton, New Jersey.
    • Role: Cole Brown, Martin's dim-witted but lovable best friend, often the butt of jokes but always a loyal part of the crew.
    • Post-Martin Career Highlights: *The Cosby Show* (as Cockroach), *Rocko's Modern Life* (voice acting), and numerous stage and film roles.
  • Thomas Mikal Ford (Thomas "Tommy" Strawn):
    • Born: September 5, 1962, in New York City, New York.
    • Role: Tommy Strawn, Martin's other best friend, known for his mysterious job status (the running joke: "Tommy, you ain't got no job!") and his relationship with Pam.
    • Legacy: Ford passed away on October 12, 2016, at the age of 54, after suffering a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. His work in *Martin* and later on *New York Undercover* and *The Parkers* cemented his legacy as a beloved comic actor.

Major 2025 Updates: Current Projects and Career Milestones

While the sitcom ended in 1997, the careers of the main actors are thriving in the current entertainment landscape. Their recent projects demonstrate their enduring appeal and versatility.

Martin Lawrence: Comedy Tour Dominance and Film Franchise Return

The show's leading man, Martin Lawrence, continues to be one of the biggest names in stand-up comedy and film. His 2025 schedule is packed, showcasing his enduring comedic genius.

  • The "Y'all Know What It Is!" Comedy Tour: Lawrence is actively touring across the U.S. with his stand-up show, "Y'all Know What It Is!" The tour has dates scheduled well into April and August 2025, with major stops at venues like the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. This massive tour launched on the heels of one of his biggest film releases, keeping him firmly in the spotlight.
  • The *Bad Boys* Franchise: Lawrence reprised his iconic role as Detective Marcus Burnett alongside Will Smith's Mike Lowrey in the latest installment of the *Bad Boys* film series, *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*. The continued success of this action-comedy franchise highlights his box-office draw decades after the original film.

Lawrence's ability to transition seamlessly between major film franchises and sold-out stand-up venues proves his status as a comedy icon, not just a 90s star.

Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold: New TV Roles and Directorial Debuts

The on-screen rivalry between Gina and Pam has translated into decades of mutual respect and success for Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold. Both actresses are currently dominating the television landscape.

  • Tichina Arnold on *The Neighborhood* (2025): Arnold is in the seventh season of the hit CBS sitcom *The Neighborhood*, where she stars as Tina Butler. Her performance continues to earn critical praise, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. Furthermore, Arnold has begun stepping behind the camera, recently directing her first multi-cam episode of the show, marking a significant career milestone.
  • Tisha Campbell’s Action Film Premiere (2025): Campbell is set to star in the new action-thriller film, *Operation: Aunties*, which is scheduled to premiere in 2025 exclusively on ALLBLK. The film, which also stars Melissa De Sousa and Amiyah Scott, focuses on an attempted human trafficking incident, showcasing Campbell's dramatic range in an action context. Campbell also appeared on *The Jennifer Hudson Show* in April 2025 to discuss a new project, "Dayum Gina," a clear nod to her *Martin* character and a strong example of leveraging her topical authority.

Carl Anthony Payne II: Film and Stage Work

Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole) has maintained a steady career in both film and stage productions. He is known for using his platform to promote positive messaging and entertainment.

  • Upcoming Film Projects (2025-2026): Payne has a list of upcoming movie projects slated for release in 2025 and 2026, continuing his work as a seasoned storyteller in the industry.
  • Stage Appearances: He frequently participates in stage plays and special events, often alongside other sitcom legends, and is associated with projects like *The Color* (likely a stage or film production). His continued presence in independent and mainstream projects highlights his dedication to the craft beyond his iconic sitcom roles.

The Enduring Legacy: The Reunion Special and Tommy Ford's Memory

The most significant recent event for the *Martin* ensemble was the highly anticipated *Martin: The Reunion* special, which aired in June on BET+ and later on HBO Max.

The 90-minute special, hosted by comedian Affion Crockett, brought together Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. The reunion was a massive success, allowing the cast to look back on their favorite moments and share behind-the-scenes stories, proving the show's enduring popularity with fans new and old.

A poignant and central element of the reunion was the collective tribute to Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn), who passed away in 2016. The cast made sure to honor his memory, recognizing his vital role in the show’s success and the emotional impact of his loss. The four surviving main cast members also appeared together at the 2023-2024 Emmy Awards, recreating the classic *Martin* living room set, which was a major highlight of the ceremony and a powerful demonstration of their lasting bond and the show's cultural impact.

The reunion special and the Emmy appearance are clear indicators that the actors of the *Martin* TV show are not just figures of 90s nostalgia; they are active, relevant, and celebrated artists whose professional and personal lives continue to captivate audiences in the 2020s.

actors in martin tv show
actors in martin tv show

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