The Loadout Blog

Entertainment| TV & Streaming

By Drew Bryant
November 21, 2022, theloadoutblog.com

Jason David Frank, actor and martial artist known for his iconic and recurring role as the Green Ranger in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series has died. Frank was 49.

The actor and mixed martial artist died in Texas, according to his manager Justine Hunt. Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ his death was the result of a suicide. (Read the TMZ article, here)

In a short statement to the public, Frank’s manager Hunt asks for privacy:

“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 truly be missed.”

The passing of Jason David Frank took his family, friends, and Power Rangers fans by surprise. His former co-star Walter E Jones, who played the original Black Ranger, went to Instagram to express his sadness about Frank’s death. In a picture that shows Jones, Frank, St. John (Red Ranger), and Yost (Blue Ranger) together he writes: “Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank🙏🏾. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.” Another member that Jones is referencing to is the death of the Yellow Ranger, Thuy Trang, who died in 2001 in a car accident.

Frank’s role as Tommy Oliver aka the Green Ranger, was originally only meant to be a 14-episode run in the original series. Tommy and his Green Ranger powers was the first true test for the Power Rangers. During the show, his character would do a 180 and become a good guy. Then, his Green Ranger powers began to deteriorate since they were given by Rita. His character of Tommy was so popular that he would later return as the team’s new leader the White Ranger.

Over the next two decades, Frank would return in future installments of the Power Rangers franchise including Turbo, Zeo, Dino Thunder, Ninja Steel, and HyperForce. Frank most recently appeared in 2018’s Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel series. In 2018 Frank also consulted on the graphic novel Soul Of The Dragon from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Giuseppe Cafaro. During his multiple tours as a Power Ranger Frank has been a Green Ranger, White Ranger, Red Ranger, and Black Ranger. Frank’s Tommy character was a fan favorite which is why he returned again and again.

In 2020, Frank announced a Kickstarter for his short film, Legend of the White Dragon. Later the film expanded into a full feature film and features fellow Power Rangers alums such as Jason Faunt (Time Force), and Ciara Hanna (Megaforce), along with Mark Dacascos and Frank’s daughter Jenna. The film is expected to release in 2023 and to be his last role.

Jason David Frank leaves a legacy of kindness, understanding, courage, and growth. His character of Tommy Oliver aka the Green Ranger inspired others to be honorable and courageous young men and women. The loss to his loving family and the Power Rangers community will be deafening for years to come.

Did you grow up with the original Power Rangers? Who was your favorite Ranger? Did Frank’s Tommy teach you any life lessons? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for Reading

Thank you for reading. If you enjoy this article hit that like button and subscribe to the newsletter. Feel free to drop a comment in the comment section below. Be Humble. Train until only savagery remains. Remember to stay deadly ladies and gents.