Jason David Frank, the actor best known for portraying the Green and White Rangers on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has died. He was 49.
The actor’s rep Justine Hunt confirmed the news in a statement to TVLine writing, “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.”
A cause of death has not been revealed, but reports indicate it was suicide.
Power Rangers’ Walter E. Jones also commemorated his former co-star via Instagram writing, “Can’t believe it… RIP Jason David Frank 🙏🏾. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”
Frank starred as Tommy Oliver in the show’s original run, which lasted from Aug. 28, 1993 until Nov. 27, 1995. It was on the air for three seasons, and amassed a total of 145 episodes. While his role as the Green Ranger was originally only set for 14 episodes, he was so popular with fans of the show that the actor was brought back as the White Ranger and the team’s new leader for the remainder of the series.
The series transitioned to Power Rangers Zeo, where Frank (who was an eighth degree black belt in karate) continued his role for 50 episodes in 1996 as the Red Zeo Ranger. The following year, he reprised the role once again in Power Rangers Turbo before temporarily departing from the franchise. He eventually returned in 2002 for a 10th anniversary episode of Power Rangers Wild Force, and ultimately became the Black Dino Ranger for 38 episodes of Power Rangers Dino Thunder, along with its accompanying video game.
But his time with the Rangers still didn’t end there. He guest-starred in the Season 2 finale of Power Rangers Super Megaforce in 2014, and held a cameo in the 2017 Power Rangers film alongside fellow original Ranger Amy Jo Johnson. His final franchise appearance was in 2018’s Power Rangers Ninja Steel, in celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary.
Frank’s other credits include guest spots on Sweet Valley High and Family Matters, plus voice work in the video game Smite and the miniseries Transformers: Titans Return.
I saw it earlier and was really hoping it was a hoax. I was a ‘90s kid and was a huge MMPR fan. My condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Jason!!!😭🕊
gosh this hurts :(
I was hoping this was a hoax but sadly its botvyo be my brother and I grew up up watching him all ican RIP thoughts srexwith his family and frienfsx
RIP, Jason =(
Ugh this one hits me in the feels! I had all the Green ranger/white ranger/Zeo ranger toys and his dagger, growing up! It’s my birthday today also :(
RIP JDF
My condolences to his family, friends and his Ranger family. I’ve been a huge PR fan since the beginning. Have remained so into my adult life. I follow many of them in social media and always see just how much love they have for one another. Cliche to say. But Tommy really was my favorite ranger. There’s was a reason why he became so popular and in some respect, the face of the franchise as a whole. I know many fans got tired of Tommy and JDF constantly being in the forefront of PR content in terms of legacy characters. But he really was an ambassador for the franchise.
His death and the death of Kevin Conroy in such a short period of time hurts. Especially for those of us who were of the generation of Fox Kids as both were iconic for their shows for an equally iconic Saturday morning lineup.
You’re right. His death, on top of Kevin Conroy is a blow to any of us who spent Saturday mornings in the 90s getting to tune in and watch them. Our childhoods are slipping away, bit by bit.
While I never watched an episode of that series (Power Rangers), I know folks who loved it. In any event, the loss of someone clearly very talented is a loss for the world! He passed way too young (49!!!); who knows what more he could have contributed to the entertainment industry? My thoughts and prayers go out to his fans and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sad!! He was so young!
I thought I was gonna see him as a power ranger for years and years. He loved power rangers so much. RIP
Man this sucks. The Ultimate Ranger. R.I.P JDF
RIP JASON .
SUICIDE!?!? WHAT?
Man, this month has decimated my childhood. First Batman, then Tommy. R.I.P my heroes.
Fr It’s absolutely tragic. We lost two goats
Wait! Batman?!
Kevin Conroy died 2 weeks back.
I don’t believe it something doesn’t feel right I don’t believe he’s gone well now would be a good time to introduce Tommys three children twins a boy and a girl born during forever red behind the scenes with Kimberly and his third child with rebound Kat.
Really sad news great childhood memories RIP 🙏 💔💚
Not sure why He didn’t come out in more movies or tv series? He had good talent! Maybe He should have fired his talent agent! Not gone and not forgotten!
The one Power Ranger actor who actually had the skills to be a real life Power Ranger if he wanted.
The only Power Rangers I ever watched was Mighty Morphin, but ever since the comics I’ve wanted JDF to do a Shattered Grid movie/series.
Tommy Oliver was obviously a role that he was passionate about and he’ll be remembered for it for a long time.
I can’t believe this really happened i was a longtime fan of m.m p.r. when Jason starred on the show he was a martial artist extraordinaire r.i.p. Jason wow this still is shocking news !
Speechless !
So sad rip
Wow… only 49. I remember searching high and low for the White Ranger action figure.
R.I.P. I can’t believe they suspect suicide. So sad.
I kept trying to verify the news for hours, ever since I had first heard the rumors on Twitter. Now, I know that those rumors were true. He’s really dead! ☹️
R.I.P. Jason David Frank
The longest tenured Ranger, and he had so much going for him. I hope he found the peace he was looking for if it was indeed a suicide. My condolences to his family and friends, and may the power protect them.
The greatest Power Ranger of all time. Some great childhood memories you provided. RIP Jason
rest in peace jason/green ranger
First the Batman’s Kevin Conroy, no Power Rangers’ JDF. Man, what is happening? To make things even worse, he was so young. And they’re saying it was suicide too? Well whatever happened, I truly hope his soul finds eternal peace.
Is this a hoax or for real than a big fan of the power Rangers and all the work that he has done he seems like he was at peace and had a great life tour and sign her autographs and his martial arts what committed him to do this this is real I am so sad and at heart broken while I serious condolences to his power Ranger family and his real family this is too much for this year just too much
OMG! He has been part of my life for 30 years. He was so kind to fans, This is devastating.