Actor and mixed martial artist Jason David Frank, best known as an original cast member playing both the Green Ranger and later the leading White Ranger on the series Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, has died at the age of 49 in Texas.

His cause of death was not provided, and his representative Justine Hunt requested that fans respect the privacy of his grieving family and friends.

IN MEMORIAM 2022: 100 GREAT CELEBRITIES WHO DIED THIS YEAR!

Frank returned to the character of Tommy Oliver he originated in Power Rangers many times throughout his film and TV career. He was originally supposed to only be on the show for 14 episodes but was extremely popular with fans.

Along with the original series, he appeared in future generations of the show like Power Rangers Wild Force, Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Dino Thunder.

He also had other TV credits like a small appearance in Family Matters, a main voice role in Transformers: Titans Return and a small voice role in the original short version of the hit Cartoon Network series We Bare Bares.

Jason David Frank was born on September 4, 1973, in Covina, California. He was a hybrid martial artist who was extremely well-versed in Karate, Shōtōkan, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and even more styles. He even created his own style of American Karate that he named “Tose Kune Do.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of entertainment news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Frank’s contributions to martial arts were recognized when he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003. He also had a short mixed martial arts career where he was undefeated in a few amateur matches and one professional match.

His final role will be in the crowdfunded feature film Legend of the White Dragon, which is set to release in 2023.

He is survived by four children and was married twice to Shawna and Tammy Frank.

Leave a comment

Read more about: