Famous star of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” franchise Jason David Frank died by suicide in Texas at the age of 49.
Frank is remembered as one of the original Power Rangers. He started out as the Green Ranger in Season 1 and he evolved into the White Ranger not long after. His debut in the role came in 1993 and featured his kung-fu skills as a crime-and monster-fighting superhero, according to TMZ. Frank’s representative, Justine Hunt confirmed his death, and sources with direct knowledge of the situation revealed his death was the result of a suicide, but offered no further details, the outlet reported.
Jason David Frank — who played Tommy Oliver and the White Ranger in the original ‘Power Rangers’ entry — has died. https://t.co/h8elf1GewQ
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 20, 2022
“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,” Hunt said. “He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed,” Hunt said, according to TMZ.
Frank put his on-screen fighting abilities on display during his 3 seasons in a leading role, and was featured in a total of 123 “Power Rangers” episodes. The talented actor reprised his role as Tommy in several different adaptations of Power Rangers franchise including “Wild Force,” “Turbo,” “Zeo,” “Dinoe Thunder,” “Megaforce,” and “HyperForce,” among others, according to TMZ. (RELATED: Man No Longer Considering Medically-Assisted Suicide Over Poverty Issues After Outpour Of Support)
His dedication to the franchise resulted in Frank taking on the role of a Red Ranger, Black Ranger, and Green Ranger as well.
Frank’s skill as a fighter also translated into the real world. He was a professionally trained MMA fighter that displayed incredible skill in a wide range of fighting ranges including Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and others, according to TMZ. Frank fought professionally from 2008-2010.
Frank is survived by his four children.