Original Power Rangers star Jason David Frank, who rose to fame in the ’90s TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has died aged 49.
The actor and mixed martial arts star played Green Power Ranger Tommy Oliver in the iconic children’s program, which ran from 1993 to 1996.
A spokesperson for Frank confirmed the sad news to People.
“Unfortunately, it is true,” the rep told the outlet. “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.”
“He loved his family, friends and fans very much,” the rep added. “He will be truly missed.”
A cause of death has yet to be revealed for the actor, but TMZ reports Frank died in Texas on November 20 after taking his own life.
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The actor is survived by his four children: sons Hunter and Jacob and daughters Skye and Jenna. He shared three of his kids with his first wife, Shawna Frank, who he was married to from 1994 to 2001, and one child with martial arts instructor Tammie Frank. They were married for 19 years before splitting earlier this year.
Frank starred in other specials in the franchise, including Power Rangers Zeo, Turbo and Dino Thunder. At the peak of his fame in the ’90s, he also appeared on hit shows such as Sweet Valley High and Family Matters. He was filming the Legend of the White Dragon before his death.
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News of his passing has shocked former co-stars Walter E. Jones, who paid tribute to Frank on social media.
“Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank🙏🏾. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family,” Jones – who played the Black Power Ranger Zack Taylor – wrote, referring to the tragic lost of their co-star Thuy Trang, who died in 2001 following a car accident.
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“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,” Jones also said in a statement to People. “My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him. May he rest in Power.”
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