Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Star Jason David Frank Passes Away

Jason David Frank, the actor and MMA star best known for his role on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has passed away. TMZ has confirmed with Frank’s rep Justine Hunt that the actor passed away in Texas. TMZ reports that according to sources with direct knowledge, it was the result of suicide. He was 49.

Born in Covina, California, Frank’s acting career took off when he was cast as Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger in the first season of the live-action series in 1993. The character quickly became popular and he was brought back as the White Ranger for season two, playing the role for a majority of the first three seasons. He would reprise the role as Tommy several times in later seasons such as Power Rangers Zeo (season four), Power Rangers Turbo (season five) and Power Rangers Dino Thunder (season 12), as well as several films and a few video games.

Outside of Power Rangers, Frank’s acting credits include guest appearances on Sweet Valley High and Family Matters in the early 1990s, a voice role as Emissary in Transformers: Titans Return, and Bloodshot in the Valiant Comics web series Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe.

Frank became a favorite on the convention circuit and also had forays into mixed martial arts, where he stacked up a 4-0 amateur record and a 1-0 professional record. His pro win came in August of 2010 over Jose Roberto Vasquez at Texas Cage Fighting – Puro Combate 1. He also flirted with the idea of a pro wrestling career; AEW star Ethan Page noted in 2020 that the two had almost had a match but that it fell through at the “last minute.”

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mr. Frank. He will be missed.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call 988 in the US and 0800 689 5652 in the UK.