Whether you were born in the 1990s or simply a fan of that era, the sitcom “Martin” was more than just a show. It was a part of your reality, a nostalgic journey that still resonates today. This unique blend of humor and relatability left an indelible mark on ’90s pop culture that people can still feel and cherish.
For the years 1992-1997, the 30-minute comedy series “Martin” aired over 130 episodes, bringing viewers countless laughs and unforgettable moments. The show’s magic was not just about the individual performances but about the camaraderie and chemistry of the cast. Martin Lawrence played the character Martin Payne with Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne), Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn), Tichina Arnold (Pamela James), and Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown) playing their iconic roles — each one of them was instrumental in the show’s success, creating a bond that was as solid off-screen as it was on-screen.
Week after week, the cast of “Martin” delivered unforgettable moments, transforming the show into a cult classic. From Martin Lawrence’s portrayal of multiple characters to the relatable scenarios of 20-somethings in the city, the TV sitcom has cemented its place as a cultural staple, maintaining its popularity over 30 years since its debut.
Although the show ended some time ago, loyal fans can still catch the Detroit, MI-based series in syndication across several cable networks. In a highly anticipated event, the cast and crew reunited in 2022 for a special airing on Tyler Perry Studios and Paramount streaming service, BET+. The excitement doesn’t end there. The cast also gathered during the 2024 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards for a special segment, presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, as reported by Blavity.
The moment during the award ceremony, considered television’s best night, was a long time coming and bittersweet. Campbell pointed out the irony of being highlighted at the awards but never getting a nomination during the “Martin” show’s five-season run.
“Carl isn’t all the way wrong, you guys. I mean, we should have won an Emmy during our run. We were never even nominated despite our 132 episodes, our huge ratings, and being syndicated so much that it’s a little hard for me to see the ’90s spanks-less version of myself every night. You know what I’m saying, right, Tichina?” Campbell said during the awards ceremony, per Blavity.
The missing link, however, was Thomas Mikal Ford. The actor who portrayed Tommy Strawn passed away in 2016 at age 52, according to Entertainment Tonight. After “Martin,” he would have a recurring role in “The Parkers” alongside Mo’Nique and be cast in several minor television and movie roles. While his physical presence was absent, the “Martin” cast and crew honored Ford’s contribution that night during the Emmys.
“’Martin’ will never be the same without Tommy,” Arnold told Entertainment Tonight ahead of the Emmy ceremonies.
Lawrence added, “What we had, it was like catching lightning in a bottle. And without Tommy, like you [Arnold] said, it wouldn’t be the same.”
Since the show ended, the cast members of “Martin” have all gone on to make their mark in Hollywood. Their appearance during the 2024 Emmys was not only nostalgic but also an insight into their current state.
Martin Lawrence
After the self-titled sitcom, Lawrence starred in several movies, most notably the “Bad Boys” film franchise. A previous report from AFROTECH™ noted the father of three’s impact on the comedy game.
“If nothing else, Martin’s career is a blueprint for young comedians to try and replicate,” SteveHarvey.com wrote about the actor. “…Today, we see Charlie [Telphy] in ‘Black-ish’ (Deon Cole) or Thug Yoda on ‘Insecure’ (Tristen J. Winger) carry on the tradition that Lawrence helped build with ‘Martin.’ Whether young comedians are writing for themselves or writing for others, this basic principle of developing memorable characters is the key to becoming the success that Lawrence has become all these years later.”
His decades of hard work have led him to accumulate a net worth of $110 million.
Tisha Campbell
Campbell became a household name as Gina Waters alongside Lawrence. However, they would interact in earlier productions like the 1990 comedy “House Party” and the 1992 film “Boomerang,” starring Eddie Murphy. After “Martin” ended, Campbell landed her second leading comedic actress role alongside another comedy legend, Damon Wayans, in the 2001 TV series “My Wife and Kids.”
During the time on “My Wife and Kids,” the 55-year-old starred as “Jay” Kyle for five seasons. After the season finale, Campbell had other recurring and guest roles in film and TV while also working on her solo music career.
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Campbell’s net worth is $700,000.
Tichina Arnold
The 54-year-old actress played a supporting role during her time on “Martin” and went on to be in the lead actress spot on the mid-2000s sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris.” Arnold also starred in the Starz dramedy show “Survivor’s Remorse” with actor Jessie T. Usher Jr. and comedian Mike Epps.
Arnold would reunite on screen with Campbell as the co-host of the “Soul Train Music Awards.” Recently, “Abbott Elementary” show creator and star Quinta Brunson gave Campbell and Arnold props for paving the way for Black women creators and actors like her.
“These two were powerhouses — powerhouses on a show that was not named after them. But for people like me, okay? Pam and Gina [Arnold and Campbell], to me, meant more than anybody else growing up,” Brunson said, according to ABC News.
Arnold currently stars in the CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood” with 1/4 of the Kings of Comedy, Cedric The Entertainer.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Arnold boasts a $2 million net worth.
Carl Anthony Payne II
Before his quirky character as Cole Brown on “Martin,” Payne was most known as Cockroach on the TV series “The Cosby Show,” starring Bill Cosby. During his time on “Martin,” Payne gave the audience memorable moments through his comedic timing and bird calls.
Payne would later appear in several roles across television and film, most notably in the Nickelodeon sitcom by Tyler Perry, “Young Dylan.”
Based on data from Celebrity Net Worth, Payne has a $1 million net worth.
