The Martin cast has evolved remarkably since the American sitcom ended in 1997. The cast included Martin Lawrence, Trisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Chris Rock, who have built successful careers in the entertainment industry. Despite some losses, the Martin ensemble legacy continues inspiring generations.
Tisha Campbell-Martin, Martin Lawrence, Tichina Arnold, Carl Anthony Payne II and Anthony Anderson at the Peacock Theater on in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Christopher Polk (modified by author)Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Martin Lawrence became a celebrated comedian.
- After leaving Martin, Tisha Campbell starred in My Wife and Kids, Dr. Ken, and All of Us, while also pursuing music and advocacy work.
- Four cast members, Thomas Mikal Ford, Charlie Murphy, Jeri Grey, and Sean Lampkin, have passed away.
- Chris Rock became one of the most successful stand up comedians in the world.
Martin cast: where are they now?
The American sitcom Martin aired for 5 seasons between 1992 and 1997. The cast members continued to build successful careers in the entertainment industry, some becoming bigger than others. Below is a list of all the Martin cast members and where they are now.
Martin Lawrence (Martin Payn
Martin Lawrence appears on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” airing November 13, 2024 in Burbank, California. Photo: Chris HastonSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence
- Date of birth: 16 April 1965
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Frankfurt, Germany
Martin Lawrence is an American actor and comedian who gained prominence for his role as Martine Payne on the Martin. The American sitcom showcased his comedic talent as he portrayed several other characters. Martin’s memorable performances on the show earned him multiple NAACP Image Awards in the comedy series category.
After the show wrapped, he continued acting, becoming one of the leading comedians in Hollywood. The American comedian’s breakout film role was in Bad Boys alongside Will Smith in 1995. Laurence also starred in films like Blue Steel, Big Momma’s House, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die. His legacy was cemented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne)
Tisha Campbell visits SiriusXM Studios on July 09, 2025 in New York City. Photo: Dia DipasupilSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Tisha Michelle Campbell
- Date of birth: 13 October 1968
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Trisha Campbell is a renowned actress, comedienne, and singer. She portrayed Gina Walters-Payne on the Martin, whose chemistry with Lawrence was the centre of the show’s success.
After the show ended, Campbell continued with her acting career. She portrayed Jane “Jay” Marie in the popular sitcom My Wife and Kids alongside Damon Wayans. Her role as Jay won her an NAACP Award. The American actress has starred in other roles, including Good Times and Uncouple.
Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown)
Carl Anthony Payne II attends the NAACP Image Awards Nominees Brunch at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Leon BennettSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Carl Anthony Payne II
- Date of birth: 24 May 1969
- Age: 55 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Clinton, South Carolina, USA
Carl Anthony Payne II is an American actor who played Cole Brown on Martin. Before appearing on the sitcom, he played Walter Bradley on The Cosby Show. Beyong the two well-known acting roles, Payne has expanded his career into producing and directing music videos, short films, and web series.
Carl is also a stand-up comedian who tours the country showcasing his talent. Payne’s recent role was Wilson on Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, and he remains a multi-talented figure in Hollywood.
Thomas Mikal Ford (Thomas- Tommy Strawn)
Tommy Ford speaks at The ABFF COMMUNITY DAY Presented by the GMCVB at the LYRIC Theater on June 19, 2016 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Thaddaeus McAdamsSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Thomas Mikal Ford
- Date of birth: 5 September 1964
- Date of death: 12 October 2016
- Age at death: 52 years old
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Thomas Mikel Ford was a celebrated actor and comedian who played Tommy on Martin. His character was a sensible and dependable friend in the sitcom, earning an NAACP Image Award nomination in 1996.
Thomas played other roles after the show ended in 1997. Some of his notable roles included Lieutenant Malcom Barker in New York Undercover and Mel Parker in The Parkers. Beyong acting, Ford founded a non-profit organisation, Be Still and Know Inc., to support the youth. He passed away in 2016 at 52, leaving a memorable legacy in comedy.
Tichina Arnold (Pamela “Pam” James)
Tichina Arnold arrives at the CBS Fest 2025 at Paramount Studios on May 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Steve GranitzSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Tichina Rolanda Arnold
- Date of birth: 28 June 1969
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Queens, New York City, New York, USA
Tichina Arnold is a prominent actress and singer best known for her role as Pamela “Pam” James in Martin. She continued acting after the show concluded, with one of her most famous roles being Rochelle on Everybody Hates Chris. Arnold recently reprised the role in the animated version of the show.
The actress has starred in other films and shows, including Happily Divorced, Survivor’s Remorse, and The Neighbourhood. Tichina also sings. The American singer sang the theme song for Everybody Hates Chris and Grow for Me for the movie Little Shop of Horrors alongside Trisha Campbell.
Jon Gries (Shawn McDermott)
US actor Jon Gries attends Jim Thompson’s soiree celebrating HBO series “The White Lotus” at the Dawnridge Estate in Beverly Hills, California, April 24, 2025. Photo: Michael TranSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Jonathan Francis Gries
- Date of birth: 17 June 1957
- Age: 67 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Glendale, California, USA
John Gries is an American actor who played Shawn McDermott on Martin. His character was Martin Pyne’s quirky and clueless radio producer who added comedic energy to the show.
Gries’ career extended beyond his time on the sitcom, playing various roles on shows like The PreTender, Lost, and The White Lotus. He also starred on Real Genius, The X-Files, and Simple.
Garrett Morris (Stan Winters)
Comedian Garrett Morris performs at The Ice House Comedy Club on June 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Photo: Michael S. SchwartzSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Garrett Isaac Morris
- Date of birth: 1 February 1937
- Age: 88 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Garrett Morris portrayed Stan Winters on the sitcom Martin from 1992 to 1995. His character was the radio station boss where Martin and Shaun worked. He left the show after his character’s long and difficult recovery. After he recovered, he played varied roles on television and film, including Uncle Junior on The Jamie Foxx Show and Earl Washington on 2 Broke Girls.
Charlie Murphy (Bro’ Fo’ Real)
Charlie Murphy during HBO & AEG Live’s “The Comedy Festival” – Maxim Real Men of Comedy at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Photo: Jason MerrittSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Charles Quinton Murphy
- Date of birth: 12 July 1959
- Date of death: 12 April 2017
- Age at death: 57 years old
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
Charlie Murphy was a renowned comedian, actor, and writer from the United States. He played the role of Bro’ Fo’ Read on the popular sitcom. After the show ended, he became a celebrated storyteller and comedic sketch artist on Chapelle’s Show.
Additionally, Murphy starred in the TV series Black Jesus and was a voice actor on The Boondocks. The actor passed away in 2017 at the age of 57 after battling leukaemia.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Lionel HahnSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Christopher Julius Rock III
- Date of birth: 7 February 1965
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Andrews, Southth Carolina, USA
Chris Rock was one of the characters who made a guest appearance on the Martin in 1996. He portrayed the Valentino Watson in one episode. After his guest appearance, Chris created and hosted The Chris Rock Show on HBO.
The American comedian became known for his ground-breaking specials like Bring the Pain. He also created and narrated the American sitcom Everybody Hates Chris and voiced Marty in the Madagascar series.
Reginald Ballard ( Brother Man)
Reginald Ballard attends the Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2025 on April 27, 2025 in Parsippany, New Jersey. Photo: Bobby BankSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Reginald Ballard
- Date of birth: 13 October 1965
- Age: 59 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Galveston, Texas, USA
Reginald Ballard is known for his memorable role as Brother Man on the American sitcom Martin. His character was a laid-back friend of Martin Payne, appearing from Season 2 through 4.
After leaving the show, he continued with his acting career, appearing on popular TV shows including The Bernie Mac Show, The Parkers, and ER.
Tracy Morgan (Hustle Man)
Tracy Morgan attends the 2025 Love Rocks NYC Benefit for God’s Love We Deliver at Beacon Theatre on March 06, 2025 in New York City. Photo: Taylor HillSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Tracy Jamal Morgan
- Date of birth: 10 November 1968
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA
Tracy Morgan is a successful comedian, actor, and film director. He made his screen acting debut with the role of Hustle Man on Martin. His character appeared from Season 3 to 4 and was known for his catch phrase “What’s happenin’, chief?”.
After exiting Martin, Tracy Morgan’s career led him to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1996 to 2003. He later appeared as Tracy Jordan on the sitcom 30 Rock, a role that got him an Emmy nomination. Morgan played Tray Barker from The Last O.G. and Luiz from the Rio franchise.
Jeri Grey (Ms. Geri)
Loretta Jean (L) Will Smith C), Jeri Gray (R) in an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Photo by: Chris HastonSource: Getty Images
- Full name: Jeruth Persson
- Date of birth: 6 April 1925
- Age at death: 72 years old
- Place of birth: Georgia, USA
Jeri Gray was an American actress and dancer best known for portraying Ms. Geri on Martin. Geri was the antagonist, and her strong presence and sharp exchanges made the character formidable.
After leaving the show, she took on guest roles on popular shows including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and A Different World. Jeri Gray passed away on 8 August 1997 in California after suffering a heart attack.
How many characters did Martin play on The Martin show?
Martin Lawrence played many characters on the TV show Martin. Besides Martin Payne, he portrayed seven recurring characters which were SheneenJenkins, Edna “Mamma” Payne, Jerome, Ol’ Otis, Dragonfly Jones, Roscoe, Bob, King Beef, and Elroy Preston.
Why did Martin end the show?
The American sitcom was not cancelled but ended after five seasons after Martin Lawrence decided it was time to move on. This decision came amidst a sexual harassment lawsuit against Martin and the show’s producer filed by Tisha Campbell.
What happened to Shawn from Martin?
Shawn McDermott, played by actor Jon Gries, continued his acting career after leaving the show. He starred in films and TV series including Napoleon Dynamite and Lost
Does the cast of Martin royalties?
The cast of Martin does receive royalties from the show’s reruns and syndication. Although the specific details of how much each cast member’s royalty amount is not in the public domain, it is common for TV actors to earn royalties.
Martin cast members pursued diverse careers in the entertainment world and continued to showcase their talents. From Martin Laurence’s blockbuster film career to Trish Campbell’s television hits, the ensemble’s legacies continue beyond the sitcom.
Legit.ng published an article about Spandau Ballet members. Spandau Ballet is a British pop band formed in 1979 in London. They’re famous for timeless hits like True and Gold, blending pop, rock, and electronic sounds perfectly.
The Spandau Ballet’s lineup included Tony Hadley, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Steve Norman, and John Keeble. These artists have continued making headlines with iconic reunions and unexpected solo ventures.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at TheTalk.NG.
Source: TheTalk.NG
