Jason David Frank, the actor best known for playing the Green and White Power Rangers as Tommy Oliver in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, has died at the age of 49.
As reported by TMZ, Frank’s representative, Justine Hunt, has confirmed that he died in Texas, United States.
“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,” Hunt said. “He loved his family, his friends and his fans very much. We will miss him very much.”
Frank participated in the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993 and began his career as the Green Ranger, working against the heroes and for the evil alien sorceress Rita Repulsa. He would eventually become a hero, and even become the White Ranger and the new leader of the team.
Frank was only supposed to be in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for 14 episodes, but was brought back due to the character’s popularity. He would become a franchise staple, also appearing in Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers DinoThunder, and more.
Although he participated in other movies and series, he became a professional fighter between 2008 and 2010, as he was an expert in a handful of martial arts styles. He even created his own American style of karate called Toso Kune Do and was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003.
Jason David Frank is survived by his four children.
