New Delhi: Actor Jason David Frank who had played one of the original Power Rangers passed away at the age of 49. The death was confirmed by his representative, Justine Hunt, to TMZ. The statement read, "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."
The cause of the death was not mentioned. The statement further read, "He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."
Walter Emmanuel Jones, the original Black Power Ranger who co-starred with Frank in 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, condoled his death. He wrote on Instagram, "My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family"
Jason David Frank In The Power Rangers Franchise:
American actor and mixed martial artist Jason David Frank was best known for playing Tommy Oliver, aka the green power ranger in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which premiered in 1993. He was brought back again as the White Ranger and the new team leader due to the popularity of the character.
Jason returned to the franchise numerous times, first in 2002 for the special episode marking the 10th anniversary and then once again in 2004. Additionally, he provided the character's voice for the video games in the series, and he made a brief cameo in the 2017 Power Rangers remake.
The actor was skilled in several martial arts, including Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fought professionally from 2008 to 2010. He was also an Eighth Degree Black Belt in Karate and was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers:
Five teens were recruited to protect Earth from evil in the 1993 Fox television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Frank's Tommy Oliver was first portrayed as a villain in the first season after being brainwashed by the wicked Rita Repulsa. But soon after, he was accepted into the team as the Green Ranger and rose to prominence as one of the show's most loved characters.
Though his role wasn't intended to be permanent, Frank was eventually reinstated as the White Ranger and the team's leader. He also appeared in spinoffs as the Red Zeo Ranger, the Red Turbo Ranger, and the Black Dino Ranger. He also played the character in the films Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie and Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, and made a cameo in the 2017 reboot Power Rangers.
Apart from Power Rangers, Frank was also seen in guest spots on Sweet Valley High and Family Matters, plus voice work in the video game Smite and the miniseries Transformers: Titans Return. Most recently, he filmed “Legend of the White Dragon,” a film that was partially funded with a Kickstarter and included other past “Power Rangers” cast members.
As previously reported by TMZ, Tammie Frank, his second wife, filed for divorce in August. Frank is survived by four children; one from his marriage with Tammie Frank and three from his first marriage to Shawna Frank.