Yet another icon of pop culture has died in the TV-viewing community. Jason David Frank is best known for his role on Saturday morning TV as Tommy Oliver. Power Rangersfranchise, has passed away. The details of the case are still not known, although sources suggest that the veteran actor was killed by suicide. Frank was 49 years old at the time.
Jason David Frank’s rep, Justine Hart, confirmed his death to TMZHart also stated that the star was buried in Texas. Hart also shared a statement with the news site in which she delivered the family’s wishes and paid tribute to her client:
As we grieve the loss of such an amazing human being, please respect his privacy and those close to him. He was a great friend to his family and loved his fans. He will be deeply missed.
Jason David Frank was conceived in Corvina (California) on September 4, 1973. The young man would ultimately rise to prominence when he was tapped for the role of Tommy Oliver during production on Season 1 of Fox’s Mighty Morphin Power RangersThe series premiered in 1993. Though the character was initially only meant to appear in 14 episodes, the cool teen – who joined the titular team as the imposing green ranger, became a regular. Tommy, the white ranger who became the leader of the group in Season 2, was replaced by Frank. Frank would reprise the role in the theatre adaptation. MMPRThe show ended in 1995 after three seasons. He appeared in the subsequent shows. Power Rangers Zeo TurboBefore stepping down from the franchise in 1997, he produced the feature film with the same name.
The star would return to the franchise five-years later in a special anniversary episode. Power Rangers Wild ForceSo called “Forever Red.”He was only there as a guest, but he returned to the show in 2004 and played Tommy in full-time. Power Rangers Dino Thunder (a show that’s particularly close to my heart). Then, he appeared on another episode of the Super Megaforce Super Ninja SteelThe long-running series aired for many seasons. He also played the role in an interactive tabletop gaming game. Hyperforce. The legend also appeared in PRMovie that was released alongside Amy Jo Johnson, pink ranger actress. Frank did not cut one of the cameos, but he shared another, which showed him with his magnificent long hair.
Aside from his work on the children’s program, Jason David Frank also became mixed martial arts fighter in 2009. Over the course of a few years, Frank managed to rack up some wins. He also had a few other memorable roles in acting, such as the comics creator Bloodshot, which was later played by Vin Diesel. However, many people are still familiar with him for his stints in the Green, White, Red, and Black Rangers.
The actor and athlete traveled the country for years meeting fans and attending conventions. He was a true icon of pop culture and many still love the green ranger image. As someone who grew up as a fan of the beloved rangers, I’m saddened by the fact that the man who brought Tommy Oliver to life is no longer with us. It is obvious that his contributions to entertainment and TV will not be forgotten.
CinemaBlend sends our deepest condolences and sympathies to Jason David Frank’s family. He is survived by his four kids. You can also seek help if you know someone who is considering suicide. Look to the American Foundation for Suicide PreventionOr call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, 800-273-8255.