Jason David Frankthe actor who originated the role of Tommy Oliver aka the Green Ranger in “power RangersHe died on November 19 in Texas. He was 49 years old.
Frank’s death is confirmed to News agency by his manager, Justin Hunt. No other details about the actor’s death could be confirmed, but she did ask for “the privacy of his family and friends during this terrible time while we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.”
Premiered in 1993 on Fox Kids, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” aired for three years to a young audience excited by the dynamic acting of the clever kung fu cast members. The “Power Rangers” franchise has continued through several iterations and adaptations in the years since, with Frank often returning to his role in the series, becoming a beloved character among the fanbase.
The character Frank was initially introduced as an antagonist in the series – placed under a spell by Power Rangers nemesis Rita Repulsa, the Green Ranger is a deadly opponent for the team of heroes. Originally slated to be a limited appearance, he ended up becoming a series regular due to the character’s popularity among fans. After the Green Ranger is freed from Rita’s mind manipulation, he transforms into the White Ranger – a role that Frank played for the next two seasons.
“I can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank.” Walter Jones, one of Frank’s co-stars on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” wrote on Instagram. “My heart is saddened by the loss of another member of our special family.
Frank continued to accept roles in other “Power Rangers” shows and movies, such as that of the Red Zeo Ranger in “Power Rangers Zeo” and the first Red Turbo Ranger in “Power Rangers Turbo”, though he left the latter project mid-season. Other highlights from the franchise include appearances in “Power Rangers Wild Force”, “Power Rangers: DinoThunder”, and “Power Rangers Ninja Steel”.
Born on September 4 in Covina, California, Frank’s legacy remains an integral part of the World Karate Federation Hall of Fame and Black Belt Hall of Fame. Frank’s acrobatic abilities weren’t thanks to movie magic; The famous actor was also an 8th degree black belt in Karate and has experience with various other styles of martial arts, including Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. He first started learning karate at the age of four and got his first black belt at the age of twelve.
In 1994, Frank began opening martial arts schools. At this dojo, Frank taught a new self-created fighting system called Toso Kune Do, which translates to “The Method of Fist Fighting” and includes many different martial arts styles.
When “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” wrapped, Frank met Kiyoshi Rick Herbster, who became his longtime business partner. Together, they began running the Rising Sun Karate Academy, where Frank remained a teacher for the rest of his life.
Frank debuted in 2010 on the mixed martial arts circuit at the USA Amateur Fighting Association’s first “Lonestar Beatdown” in Houston, Texas, where he won against MMA fighter Jonathon “Mack Truck” in the first round. He began taking MMA training from Melvin Guillard lightweight a year prior to the fight.
Recently, Frank was set to star in an upcoming movie by director Aaron Schwenk. Titled “The Legend of the White Dragon,” the film will follow Frank as the eponymous warrior.
Frank is survived by his two sons, Hunter and Jacob, and two daughters, Sky and Jenna.
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