Amid conflicting reports on his health, prayers are certainly in order for actor Tommy Ford and his family and friends. TMZ reported today that Ford’s wife, Gina, confirmed the ‘Martin’ sitcom alum is still on life support following a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. Ford is at a hospital in Atlanta.
Friend and comedian Anthony Anderson previously tweeted that Ford had already passed away, but has since deleted the original tweet. Anderson admits that he was “given misinformation” and asks for continued prayers for Ford. “He needs us even more,” Anderson wrote.
Yes I was given misinformation about our friend. That's why the tweet was removed. We are all still praying for Tommy. He needs us even more
— Anthony Anderson (@anthonyanderson) October 12, 2016
Let us keep praying for #TommyFord he needs us more than ever! There is still hope if you have faith! pic.twitter.com/WddfcLZokI
— Anthony Anderson (@anthonyanderson) October 12, 2016
Other industry friends have also confirmed that Ford is still fighting for his life.
https://twitter.com/terrijvaughn/status/786234296637980672
Less than a week ago, Ford shared on his Instagram page that he was doing well in physical therapy following a recent knee replacement surgery. He wrote:
Working really hard in physical therapy! My progress is amazing! Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement! I’m excited about getting back to work!
A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on
Dr. Shanicka Williams, the “Diva MD” based in Chicago, says that an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) “is a bulge in the main artery that leaves the heart that then supplies blood to the rest of the body. If that bulge bursts it can lead to internal bleeding.”
The risks for AAA, according to Dr. Williams, increase if you:
●Are a man
●Are older than 60 (with every year of life after that, your risk goes up even more)
●Smoke
●Are white
●Have family members who have had the condition
●Have heart disease or other conditions that affect the blood vessels
As all things 90’s become new again, Ford solidified his place in history as part of the groundbreaking cast of ‘Martin.’ During the show’s five season run, Ford played the no-job-having character “Tommy” and best friend to Martin. Other acting credits include the films “Harlem Nights” and “Across the Tracks,” along with TV shows “New York Undercover” and “The Parkers.”
He recently celebrated his 52nd birthday on September 5.
As the story develops we continue to extend our prayers.