Entertainment News

Martin TV series 30th anniversary reunion; Will Smith wins NAACP Image Award for his memoir; and more

Getty Martinstill 0222222028229
Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell in 1996; Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Martin Lawrence and his TV series crew are back together again to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his self-titled sitcom. Taping for reunion special began Sunday; it’ll air on BET+ later this year.

“To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing,” Lawrence said in a statement. “I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special.”

Lawrence and Tisha Campbell, who portrayed his girlfriend Gina, both won NAACP Image Awards for their roles in the show. Martin also won Outstanding Comedy Series in 1994 and 1995.  Martin aired from 1992-1997.

In addition to Martin and Tina, the reunion will also feature Tichina Arnold, who starred as Pam, and Carl Anthony Payne II, who played Cole. You can expect some very emotional moments as the fifth regular cast member, the late Thomas Mikal Ford, is remembered. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 52.

In other news, Will Smith was among the winners of the non-televised portion of the NAACP Image Awards on Monday. Smith won Outstanding Literary Work — Autobiography, for his memoir, Will. The late Cicely Tyson was also honored with the Outstanding Literary Work — Debut Author Award, for Just As I Am. The 53rd NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 26 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on BET.

Finally, Netflix announced that Dave Chappelle is executive-producing four specials starring some of his favorite comics. The first show, premiering Monday, February 28, titled Legendary, will feature comedian Earthquake. A date for the second special, starring Donnell Rawlings, will be announced later.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.