Danica Davidson
November 21, 2022 
There is sad news as reports are coming out on the death of Jason David Frank, who was part of many 90s kids’ lives as Tommy Oliver in The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Tommy was the Green Ranger first and later became the White Ranger.
Frank was only 49-years-old when he died. Some news outlets are reporting that the cause of death is strongly believed to be suicide, while other news outlets are outright saying this was the case.
While he’s best known for his work in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, Frank also acted in Power Rangers spinoffs and Power Rangers movies, including the 2017 Power Rangers. In addition to his acting, Frank was known for his skills in mixed martial arts.
The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers was a major franchise, and mixed both Japanese programming with American programming. After the series ended, some of the actors found opportunities going to conventions and meeting with fans. Many of Frank’s fans have been speaking up online about what he meant to them.
He’s also getting homages from people who knew him well, like his former co-star, Walter Emanuel Jones.
“It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family,” said Jones, who starred alongside Frank as Zack Taylor (the Black Ranger). (Jones is referencing the passing of co-star Thuy Trang, who died more than 20 years ago in a car accident.)
Jones went on, “Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show. He had a wild sense of humor. We had our share of ups and downs, but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one. My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him. May he rest in Power.”
Source: Deadline, People, Detroit News
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please know that there is help available. In America, you can call 1-800-273-8255. In Canada, you can call 1-833-456-4566. In Japan, you can call 03-5774-0992. For other countries, numbers and resources are available on this site.
____
Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
Related Posts
