Jason David Frank, known for his role as the green Power Ranger, has passed away at the age of 49. The news was confirmed by the actor’s representative, but he did not reveal the cause of his death. Multiple sources now claim that Frank died by suicide in Texas.
The actor shot to fame with his portrayal of Tommy Oliver in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise, which went on from 1993 to 1995. Continue reading to know more about his life and career.
Jason David Frank Dies at 49
Frank’s rep confirmed the news of his death and said, “Unfortunately, it is true. Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will be truly missed.”
Frank was born on September 4, 1973, in Covina, California. In 1993, he got the role of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger in the Power Rangers franchise. Frank was set to appear in only 14 episodes of the show, but he became so popular that he had to be brought back into the franchise as the White Ranger, the new leader of the team.
Frank was also a Martial Artist
Jason David Frank became a fan-favorite after his stint in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He then reprised his role in Power Rangers Zeo for 50 episodes in 1996 and then again in Power Rangers Turbo in 1997.
After a break from the franchise, he returned for the 10th-anniversary episode of Power Rangers Wild Force in 2002 and eventually starred in Power Rangers Dino Thunder as the Black Dino Ranger.
Frank then continued to have cameos in the franchise. In 2014, he guest-starred in the season finale of Power Rangers Super Megaforce and went on to have a special appearance in the Power Rangers film in 2017.
Apart from being a successful actor, Frank was also a trained martial artist who learned Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He had a brief stint as a professional MMA fighter between 2008 and 2010.
Co-Stars Pay Tributes
After the news of Frank’s death broke, his Power Rangers co-stars and fans started paying tributes to the actor. Walter E. Jones, who played the Black Ranger, said, “He was an inspiration to so many people. His presence will be dearly missed. It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family.”
“Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show. He had a wild sense of humor. We had our share of ups and downs, but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one. My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him. May he rest in Power,” he added.
Fans also mourned the actor’s death, with one tweeting, “RIP Jason David Frank aka the OG Green & White Ranger. Recess in the 90s was spent pretending to morph into Power Rangers…till this day I still read the comics w/ the original cast’s face & voices… man this one hurts, Another reminder to protect your mental health.”
Jason David Frank is survived by his four children. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
