As one of the original "Power Rangers" he made a name for himself in the 90s: Jason David Frank. The avid martial arts athlete was found dead at his home in Texas at the age of 49. He leaves four children.
Actor Jason David Frank, best known from the original '90s series 'Power Ranger', has died aged just 49. The martial artist was found lifeless at his home in Texas, his manager told TMZ. Accordingly, he is said to have been found dead on Saturday. The cause of death is said to have been suicide. The "New York Times" also confirmed his death.
In a statement released, Jason David Frank's family and friends want their privacy to be respected at this "horrific time". There will be no further comments. Frank leaves four children.
The actor rose to stardom largely thanks to his role as Tommy Oliver in the hit early '90s teen television series 'The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.' With his extraordinary kung fu skills, he was even introduced in the first season as the Green Ranger as an opponent of the Power Rangers. But he changed and became one of the heroic characters. As his powers waned, he transformed into the White Ranger and became the leader of the group. Frank starred in three seasons. However, he was also an integral part of the "Power Rangers" franchise in the associated movies. The actor slipped into the role of the Red and Black Ranger.
His old collaborator Walter Jones, who played Black Ranger in The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, told TMZ, "He was an inspiration to so many people. His presence will be sorely missed. It's so sad, another member losing our ranger family."
According to Jones, Frank was one of the show's biggest pranksters: "He had a wild sense of humor." They stayed in touch after filming and his prayers go out to his family and all those who missed him, Jones said.
In his later years, Frank was less known as an actor and more active as a professional mixed martial artist.
