Where Is the “Martin” Cast Now? Inside Their Lives Nearly 30 Years After the Sitcom Ended

**Where Are They Now? The Cast of *Martin* Nearly Three Decades Later**

Since its conclusion in 1997, the beloved sitcom *Martin* has continued to resonate with audiences. Starring Martin Lawrence as a charismatic Detroit DJ, the show ran for five successful seasons on Fox. The series has endured in popular culture, with its characters remaining prominent in the memories of fans well into the 21st century. As of 2023, many of the cast members have evolved in their careers, pursuing varied paths in film, television, and beyond.

Martin Lawrence, the show’s titular character, has taken on numerous roles since the sitcom ended. After *Martin*, Lawrence transitioned to film, where he found significant success with titles such as *Big Momma’s House*—a comedy that led to two sequels—and the *Bad Boys* franchise. In a conversation with Forbes, he acknowledged that he didn’t fully recognise the impact *Martin* would have until it was celebrated during VH1’s Hip Hop Honors in 2017. Reflecting on the show’s legacy, he expressed surprise at its lasting popularity: “I honestly will tell you, ‘No, I had no idea, I had no clue.’”

As he continues to work in the industry, Lawrence has also embraced new responsibilities in his personal life. He welcomed his first grandchild in April 2026, as his daughter Jasmin gave birth to a daughter named Ari Skye, marking a new chapter for the actor who is also father to three daughters.

Tisha Campbell, who portrayed the sensible Gina Waters-Payne, has had a flourishing career in television since her time on *Martin*. Following her role as Gina, Campbell starred in *My Wife and Kids*, for which she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Her career path continued with appearances in various projects, including *Dr. Ken* and *Uncoupled*. In 2025, she embraced stand-up comedy with her tour, *Dayum Gina!*, describing the experience as rewarding, albeit challenging. Campbell is also a mother of two sons, Xen and Ezekiel, and her experiences as a parent to her son, who has autism, inspired her memoir *The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love*.

Thomas Mikal Ford, who played the character Tommy Strawn, remains fondly remembered despite his untimely passing in 2016 at the age of 52 due to an aneurysm. His character’s ambiguous employment status became a running joke throughout the series, a light-hearted element that fans fondly recall. Following the conclusion of *Martin*, Ford appeared in several other projects, including *New York Undercover* and provided voice work for *The Proud Family*. His legacy lives on, with cast members honouring his memory during a reunion special in 2022.

Carl Anthony Payne II, known for his role as the lovable yet clueless Cole Brown, has continued to work in both television and film. After *Martin*, he participated in various projects, including TV shows like *Rock Me Baby* and *Young Dylan*, where he also took on directing responsibilities. He has expressed enthusiasm for expanding his directing work, seeing it as a natural progression in his career. Payne has been married since 1992 and has largely maintained a low-profile personal life.

Tichina Arnold, who played the quick-witted Pam James, has also enjoyed a successful career post-*Martin*. She further established herself in television with a notable role as Rochelle on *Everybody Hates Chris*, before joining the cast of CBS’ *The Neighborhood* as Tina Butler. Beyond her acting achievements, Arnold made her directorial debut on the series, showcasing her versatility in the industry. Outside of her work, Arnold is a mother to a daughter named Alijah.

The world of *Martin* seems to be ever-evolving with fresh projects rooted in the show’s legacy. The upcoming *The Varnell Hill Show*, a spinoff featuring Tommy Davidson reprising his role, represents just one of the many ways the show’s influence continues. As for Martin Lawrence, serving as an executive producer and making a cameo appearance in the spinoff allows him to revisit his iconic character while contributing to the ongoing narrative.

In summary, the cast of *Martin* has navigated diverse paths since the show’s conclusion nearly three decades ago. From acting and directing to stand-up comedy and raising families, each member of the ensemble has built upon their foundations laid during those five years, all while remaining connected to the beloved sitcom that gave them their start. As fans continue to rediscover *Martin* through reruns and spin-offs, the legacy of the show and its stars remains strong and deeply ingrained in popular culture.