Original ‘Power Rangers’ star Jason David Frank dies at 49: ‘My heart is sad’
Jason David Frank #JasonDavidFrank
Former MMA fighter Jason David Frank, who played Tommy on original ‘Power Rangers,’ dies
SHARE
SHARE
TWEET
SHARE
What to watch next
You could snag a Lamborghini or Aston Martin for cheaper than you think
USA TODAY
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell reveal how they decide what to share on social media
USA TODAY
SPOILER ALERT: Former ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ cast member makes special appearance on season 17 premiere
USA TODAY
‘She Said’ tackles Weinstein investigation in journalism drama
USA TODAY
Fraser promotes ‘Trust’ after alleging misconduct
USA TODAY
‘The Menu’ star Anya Taylor-Joy on working with Ralph Fiennes, love for Harry Potter
USA TODAY
Anya Taylor-Joy’s ‘sassy chess’
USA TODAY
How a Chicago-area jail adopted pickleball
USA TODAY
Zoe Kravitz’s ‘High Fidelity’ role gets mom’s approval
USA TODAY
Megan Thee Stallion, Elton John, Carrie Underwood and more Grammy nomination snubs
USA TODAY
Click to expand
UP NEXT
Original “Power Rangers” star Jason David Frank has died. The actor and mixed martial artist was 49.
Frank’s sports agent Brian Butler-Au of Sucker Punch Entertainment confirmed his death to USA TODAY on Sunday.
“Very sad to hear about my friend and client Jason David Frank’s passing,” Butler-Au wrote in a tribute on Instagram. “He was a true martial artist and I had the pleasure of managing him for the fights he competed in.”
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Justine Hunt, Frank’s manager, also confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday.
She did not name the cause of death or say when he died, but asked for “privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.”
George Lois obituary: Former USA TODAY ad designer and famed magazine art director dies at 91
Frank was a “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” original, starring as Tommy Oliver from 1993 to 1995. His role as Green Ranger was only meant to last for 14 episodes, but his popularity contributed to his return as White Ranger for the remainder of the series.
The actor was devoted to the “Power Rangers” franchise reprising his role as Tommy over the years for spinoffs including “Wild Force,” “Turbo,” “Zeo,” “Dino Thunder,” “Megaforce” and more. Throughout the franchise he also starred as Red Zeo Ranger and Black Ranger.
Red Power Ranger actor Austin St. John charged in wire fraud conspiracy indictment
“Power Rangers” star Walter E. Jones posted a tribute to Frank Sunday, writing, “Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”
In addition to starring in “Power Rangers” projects, Frank appeared as a guest on “Sweet Valley High” and “Family Matters.”
Related: Why Millennials are obsessed with ‘Power Rangers’
A practitioner of martial arts, Frank fought in several mixed martial arts bouts in 2009 and 2010.
Frank is survived by four children; one from his marriage with Tammie Frank and three from his first marriage to Shawna Frank.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Original ‘Power Rangers’ star Jason David Frank dies at 49: ‘My heart is sad’