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Martin wasn’t just another ‘90s sitcom, but rather, if you observe closely, it was a cultural moment. The show followed Martin Payne, a talk radio host and a character with a loud personality. He's also quite funny, and the friends he hung out with made every episode truly iconic.
From funny quips to his chemistry with the other characters, the sitcom portrayed themes of life, love, and friendship in the most entertaining and endearing ways possible.
If you wonder who brought these hysterical characters to life, then we have a list to have you all covered. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at the talented cast who made the sitcom one of the funniest shows ever to have a run on Fox.
Martin cast and character guide
Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne
The one who starts it all is, of course, Martin Payne, and the character is played by the one and only Martin Lawrence. Now, Payne was a radio DJ who later became a talk show host.
He is mostly known for his quick jokes, high energy, and his never-ending confidence. Payne’s personality often leads the comedy and the funny fiascos on the show.
You might recognize Martin Lawrence from other projects like Bad Boys and Big Momma’s House.
Tisha Campbell as Gina Waters-Payne
Gina Waters, played by Tisha Campbell, is Martin’s girlfriend, and later on in the show, the two of them also end up getting married. Gina is smart, very career-driven, and you could think of her as the calm in Martin’s storm.
Their chemistry made fans root for them even through every argument. Gina’s work life as a PR often butted heads with Martin’s behavior, but their fights made their relationship feel almost too real and relatable.
You might recognize Tisha Campbell from other projects like My Wife and Kids and Uncoupled.
Thomas Mikal Ford as Tommy Strawn
Tommy Strawn, played by Thomas Mikal Ford, was the voice of reason in the gang. He was probably the most mature of them all, and the guy always had the best advice (even if no one listened).
Fans also loved the mysterious job situation/bit he had going on, and to this day, nobody actually knows what Tommy did for work. The fandom loved his relationship with Pam later on in the series as well.
You might recognize Thomas Mikal Ford from other projects like Harlem Nights and Class Act.
Ford sadly passed away in 2016.
Carl Anthony Payne II as Cole Brown
Cole Brown, played by Carl Anthony Payne II, was the nutty but lovable friend who could make anybody around him laugh. Known for his standout and quirky fashion choices, and well, his questionable dating life, Cole was the comic relief character who balanced out the rest of the cast and their energy.
He worked at the airport and lived with his mom, which is something the group never let him forget.
You might recognize Carl Anthony Payne II from other projects like The Cosby Show and Young Dylan.
Tichina Arnold as Pamela “Pam” James
Pam, played by Tichina Arnold, was Gina’s best friend and Martin’s favorite person to have arguments and bicker with.
Their constant disagreement was perhaps one of the most iconic parts of the show, which is why Pam’s sarcastic tongue and audacious attitude made her an instant fan favorite.
You might recognize Tichina Arnold from other projects like Everybody Hates Chris and The Neighborhood.
Garrett Morris as Stan Winters
Before Payne became a TV host, he worked for Stan Winters, his comical and stingy boss at WZUP. Garrett Morris played Stan perfectly as the cheap, dramatic, and stuck in the ‘70s with his loud suits type of guy.
Morris was the first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live. You might also recognize Garrett Morris from other projects like This Is Us and A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Jon Gries as Shawn McDermott
Shawn McDermott, played by Jon Gries. He was the quirky co-worker at WZUP during the earlier seasons of the show. He was fun and was slightly awkward, but he was also a well-meaning engineer.
Even though his character wasn’t on the show for long, fans still remember him even today as an important part of the sitcom.
You might also recognize Jon Gries from other projects like Napoleon Dynamite and The White Lotus.
Tracy Morgan as Hustle Man
Tracy Morgan was Hustle Man. He was the street vendor who sold everything from unofficial CDs to "questionable" sandwiches. Every time Hustle Man showed up, there was mayhem that followed. His over-the-top hustle gave the sitcom some of its funniest moments.
You might also recognize Tracy Morgan from other projects like Cop Out and 30 Rock.
Even after all these years, Martin is a cornerstone of ‘90s television. Its cast, which was filled with the utmost chemistry, turned everyday life into pure entertainment.
Every actor contributed a unique quality of their own, which only made the 90's sitcom a show that makes it a timeless classic. Whether you’re going back at it for the feeling of nostalgia or finding out about it for the very first time, one thing’s clear: The sitcom will always be legendary.
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