Tommy Ford

GOSPELCITY.COM stole a few precious moments from Tommy’s exasperating schedule to talk about his life and love for God and entertainment and the interesting tightrope he must walk in his daily life.

Displaying all the eloquence and humor of a seasoned preacher, Tommy provided a light and enlightening one-on-one for this week’s up-close-and-personal interview. So, enjoy our exclusive with one of the special talents who’s holding down the fort for Christ.

Christopher Heron: Did you grow up like so many other entertainers... in the church? If so, how did you and Martin Lawrence manage to cross paths?

Tommy Ford: I was always a church boy; I went to Christian school most of my life so I hadn’t been exposed to much theatre or any things other than church. But my very first experience [with performing] was when I graduated going into ninth grade. The farewell performance (from the graduating class to the rest of the student body and parents) was in the form of a play - a musical at that. But where I’m from that singing and dancing - that’s all sissy stuff. It just so happened I was the biggest in the class so I didn’t have to worry about nobody calling me no sissy. In addition to that, I was the class clown, my teacher kind of bribed me and said either she’d call my mama and tell her how I was cutting up in class or I was going to be the lead in this play. Needless to say, I played the lead; that’s where God was speaking to me. I knew this was going to be my ministry; my platform would not be behind a pulpit but on stage, to be able to perform would be a platform for me. Young people listen to those who they perceive are cool and often these role models are actors, entertainers, rappers and singers. So this is my platform to get the ears of young folks and that’s really how it began.

I have an awesome family who did tons of theatre, there wasn’t a question if they were going to come support me; it’s just how am I going to fit all my family in. My grandmother has 15 children so there are a whole lot of us; I’ve always had an awesome support team and still do. Their love, support and encouragement are a great springboard for me.