Jason David Frank, Houston resident and former Power Ranger, dies at 49

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Jason David Frank, owner of several martial gyms in the Houston area and a former actor best known for playing a Power Ranger, has died, according to published reports. He was 49. 

Frank, who was born in California but later moved to Houston, was known internationally for starring as one of the Power Rangers in several television shows and movies from the 1990s into the 2010s. On Sunday, a representative for the former actor confirmed to People that he had died.

“Unfortunately, it is true,” a representative for Frank told People. “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.” 

Frank began practicing karate at the age of 4 and earned his black belt by age 12, according to the website for Rising Sun Karate, the martial arts gyms he operated throughout the Houston area. He founded his own style of martial arts in 1994 called Toso Kune Do, or “Way of the Fighting Fist,” to incorporate all of the different martial arts knowledge he built while practicing and starring in television and film.

Frank was best known for portraying Tommy Oliver, the original Green and White rangers in the Power Rangers series. 

He also found success as an MMA Fighter in the early 2000s, winning his debut professional fight in 2010, according to his bio on the Rising Sun Karate site. It said he also competed in previous amateur fights.

Frank is survived by his four children, according to People.