Jason David Frank, Power Rangers Star, Dies at 49
Jason David Frank, who played the role of Green and White Ranger on the Power Rangers franchise, died at 49.
Many of us millennial parents grew up watching Power Rangers in the 90s. And Jason David Frank, who played the role of the Green and White Ranger, was undoubtedly a favorite. Sadly, his representatives confirmed in several US media outlets that he died at the age of 49.
“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,” his representative told People.
“He loved his family, friends, and fans very much. He will be truly missed,” the representative added.
Jason is survived by four children.
Jason’s Power Rangers family remembers him
One of the first to mourn Jason’s death was his former co-star Walter E. Jones, who played Zach in the show. In an Instagram post, Walter wrote of his friend, “Can’t believe it….RIP Jason David Frank. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.” Perhaps Walter E. Jones pertains to Thuy Trang, who played Trini (or the Yellow Ranger), and who died in a car accident at the age of 27.
Another co-star, Karan Ashley, who played Aisha on the show, and starred in the first Power Rangers movie posted her tribute to Jason as well.
“All I can muster up is I love you. That just doesn’t seem to be a big enough phrase. I promise when I get my act together, I will have a long and mushy speech that’s all about you. You’ll love it!” she wrote.
“Until then, I love you, I’m so very sad and I’m anxiously awaiting the day we meet again.”
Amy Jo Johnson, who played Kimberly on the show, mourned the death of her longtime friend, too.
“Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique. My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven, and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace…”
Austin St. John remembered his friend by saying: “Once a ranger, always a ranger. Thoughts and prayers….”
Jason’s co-star Rachel Brooke Smith, who was working with him on the Legend of the White Dragon, also mourned his death.
“My heart is [broken]. Having a really hard time accepting this… can’t stop crying… So in shock… And denial… I’m at such a loss for words… Jason, you are so loved, and will be so missed.”
“Thank you for your love, your light, your passion, your generosity, your kindness, your incredible courage, and talent.”
Lasting Legacy
Aside from his role in the Power Rangers franchise, Jason was a mixed martial artist. Before his death, Jason was finishing the film Legend of White Dragon.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly during the Power Rangers anniversary, Jason shared how his role as Tommy Oliver, who went on to become the Green and White Ranger respectively inspired a lot of people.
“I’ve heard everything: ‘You were my father figure.’ ‘My parents used to fight all the time, and the only thing that calmed my anxiety down was watching Power Rangers.’ ‘Hey, I named my baby after you,'” he said.
“The show was campy, it was fun, it was colors, it was karate, but at the end of the day it had a ton of heart and was teaching teamwork.”
We remember those who departed before us:
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