Jason David Frank dies aged 49

By Kieran Burt.

Jason David Frank, the star of the 1990s show Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, has died. His representatives confirmed this to the Geek Ireland news outlet. Frank’s cause of death is unknown right now, but his representatives have asked for privacy for his family and friends. 

As per IMDb, the synopsis of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers is “A team of teenagers with attitude are recruited to save Angel Grove from the evil witch, Rita Repulsa, and later, Lord Zedd, Emperor of all he sees, and their horde of monsters.” 

Frank started his appearance as Tommy Oliver, aka the Green Ranger, and as a minor antagonist for the other Rangers. But he would go on to become the team’s leader, morphing into the White Ranger

He was initially cast for 14 episodes, but because he became so popular he stayed on to star in more than 120 episodes. 

Frank also made appearances in several Power Rangers titles, including a cameo in the 2017 film, Power Rangers. 

He reprised his role as Tommy Oliver in the animated short Power Rangers Legacy Wars: Street Fighter Showdown and the 2019 first person fighting game Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.

Walter Jones, who played the original Black Power Ranger Zack, posted a message of condolence on his instagram. 

“My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”

Jones also used the hashtag may the power protect you, a quote often said by Zordon in the show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMB26nLBDa/?hl=en

When he wasn’t acting, Frank practised martial arts and was an 8th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan karate. He also fought in several martial arts competitions in 2009 and 2010. 

Outside of the Power Rangers franchise, Frank acted in several other films and TV shows. He had a guest appearance on the ‘90s sitcom Family Matters and a recurring role in the third season of Sweet Valley High, a drama based on Francine Pascal’s book series. 

Frank’s film credits include titles such as the 2007 film Fall Guy: The John Stewart Story and the 2020 film Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia.

His final project is a darker film take on the Power Rangers, called Legend of the White Dragon, an independent film. 

According to the film’s website, Frank stars as Erik Reed, also known as the White Dragon, a hero who has lost his powers and is now on the run from the law. To stop the evil destroying his home, he’ll need to regain his powers and clear his name.  

The project is crowd funded, showing the dedication of his fans to make this film happen. When it does come out, it will be a great reminder of how passionate his fans are. 

There’s so far no release date for the film.