Power Rangers star Jason David Frank has sadly died at the age of 49.
The actor’s rep, Justine Hunt, confirmed the sad news in a statement to TVLine, saying: “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."
His Power Rangers co-star Walter E. Jones also confirmed the news 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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Frank was best known for playing Tommy Oliver in the Power Rangers franchise, having originally played the Green Ranger in the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as an enemy, before later switching to the good side as the White Ranger.
While the character of Tommy was initially only due to appear in 14 episodes, he proved so popular that Frank's role went on to span several seasons, specials and web series, including Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers: The Lost Episode, Power Rangers Wild Force, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, Power Rangers Super Megaforce, Power Rangers Hyperforce and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel.
He also featured in the likes of Sweet Valley High, Family Matters, the pilot for VR Troopers and We Bare Bears.
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In 2020, Frank announced a Kickstarter for a short film called Legend of the White Dragon, which was later expanded into a full-length feature film.
The film, which is expected to be released in 2023, will mark the actor's final role, and also stars fellow Power Rangers stars Jason Faunt (Time Force), Ciara Hanna (Megaforce).
Actor and martial artist Mark Dacascos is also among the cast, as is Frank’s daughter Jenna.
Outside of acting, Frank was also a professionally trained MMA fighter who was skilled in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, among others, having fought professionally between 2008 and 2010.
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Tributes have come pouring in the for the late star after the news of his death, with one person 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."
Someone else said: "RIP we all wanted to be this man Jason David Frank."
A third wrote: "Growing up there was nothing cooler or more iconic than Tommy Oliver pulling up as the White Power Ranger. Rest in peace Jason David Frank they’ll never be another."
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Another added: "Power Rangers was my first major obsession as a child, and some of my earliest memories are watching Mighty Morphin and Dino Thunder starring Jason David Frank. Rest in peace to an absolute legend who made generations of kids dream and aspire to be just as heroic as him."
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity
Jess Hardiman