One of the most beloved Power Rangers left us. Jason David Frank played the Green Power Ranger from the American version built around the original franchise, Super Sentai. Playing Tommy on the hit show, he was eventually made the team leader and moved on to the White Power Ranger. Sadly, TMZ reported that Frank died of an apparent suicide. How he did it or why is anyone guessing at this point. The WGTC will not speculate until more information is released on this.
Frank was born in 1973 in Covina, Calif., and stepped into the famed role in 1994. Although the kids’ show got some laughs, he was no joke. He had studied mixed martial arts, taekwondo, muay thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, jeet kune do, shotokan and wadō-ryū. In fact, Frank made headlines in 2017 when he had a physical altercation with another famous martial artist turned actor, Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Frank was 49 and leaves behind his children, Jenna, Skye, Jacob and Hunter, and his wife, Tammie Frank.
The world knew Tommy Oliver well on Power Rangers, but sadly, few knew the man behind the character. Frank’s death highlights the importance of mental health. Make sure you know who your friends are and how they are doing. If you or someone you know has considered suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Just dial 988 and they will help you.
