Jason David Frank, best known for playing Tommy Oliver as the Green/White Ranger in the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, passed away at 49.
In the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Frank played the Green Ranger. He was an antagonist who aided Rita Repulsa, the evil alien sorceress, in her quest to destroy the heroes. Eventually, he would become a hero in his own right, rising to the position of White Ranger and squad leader.
Frank was originally scheduled to appear in only 14 episodes of the show, but his return was made owing to the character’s overwhelming popularity.
He would go on to star in other sequels and spinoffs, including Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, and more.
He also had various roles in other movies and shows. This includes the 1990s series Sweet Valley High, 1994′s VR Troopers and an episode of We Bare Bears where he played the Silver Bear, a parody of his famous superhero role.
Other than that, he worked full-time as a professional fighter, thanks to his mastery in many forms of martial arts. He also managed to enter the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003 for developing his own American karate style. The name of the karate style is Toso Kune Do.
Before passing, Frank was in the midst of making his own featured film, Legend of the White Dragon. The film stars Mark Dacascos, Frank’s daughter Jenna, and Power Rangers veterans Jason Faunt (Time Force) and Ciara Hanna (Megaforce).
The film will release in 2023.