Jason David Frank was a beloved figure of 90s kids when he played Tommy Oliver in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series.

Of all the actors in the franchise, Frank was one of, if not the most active alumnus.

However, on November 19, it was confirmed that Jason David Frank had passed away at 49.

The news

Frank died in Texas on November 19.

His manager, Justine Hunt, has confirmed the death of the Green Ranger actor.

At the moment, the details of his death have yet to be confirmed.

However, Hunt asks fans for privacy for his family and friends “during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.”

Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger and Frank’s co-star in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, mourned on Instagram, writing:

“Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”

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Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers

Jason David Frank burst into mainstream success as the Green Ranger in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.

The show debuted on Fox Kids 29 years ago and ran for three years as audiences marveled at the costumed kung-fu superheroes.

Frank’s character initially started as an antagonist with a limited appearance.

However, his charisma earned him the admiration of fans, and he became a regular on the show.

Frank went on to have roles in other Power Rangers shows and movies, including:

• Power Rangers Zeo
• Power Rangers Turbo
• Power Rangers Wild Force
• Power Rangers: DinoThunder
• Power Rangers Ninja Steel

Other ventures

Jason David Frank is known for his martial arts skills outside the Power Rangers franchise.

At the time, he was already inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame and the Black Belt Hall of Fame.

Frank has also performed many of the stunts seen in the Power Rangers franchise.

He was an eighth-degree black belt in karate and studied Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai.

Also, Jason David Frank started karate when he was four and earned his first black belt when he was twelve.

 In 1994 he founded several martial arts schools.

Frank also mastered a self-created fighting system called Toso Kune Do, which translates to “Way of the Fighting Fist.” 

It incorporates various martial arts styles.

At the end of Mighty Morphin’s Power Rangers, the actor Kyoshi met Rick Herbster, his future business partner.

In addition, the two ran the Rising Sun Karate Academy, where Jason David Frank taught until his death.

Frank later made his MMA debut in 2010 at the “Lonestar Beatdown” event in Houston, Texas.

He beat Jonathan “the Mack Truck” Mack in the first round.

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What could have been

Of all the actors in the Power Rangers franchise, Jason David Frank was the most active and appeared in different generations.

He also made a guest appearance alongside original star Amy Jo Johnson in the 2017 Power Rangers reboot film.

Frank was set to appear in an upcoming Aaron Schoenke film.

The Legend of the White Dragon movie would have followed Frank, the white dragon himself.

The Green Ranger actor is survived by his sons Hunter and Jacob and daughters Skye and Jenna.

Reference:

Jason David Frank, ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ star, dies at 49