“He was one of the biggest pranksters on the show”: Power Rangers Breakout Star Jason David Frank Passes Away at 49 After Struggling With Depression Amidst Ugly Divorce
A mixed martial artist and actor best known for his role as Tommy Oliver the Green Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Jason David Frank, has died at 49. Power Rangers stars, including Walter Jones, Blake Foster, and Amy Jo Johnson, have since confirmed his death on Instagram. According to sources, his death was attributed to suicide.
Jason David Frank also appeared in other Power Rangers projects. As the actor’s social media was full of references to his projects, being a franchise member was essential to his identity.
Despite not knowing the cause of death, fans are already speculating that he was depressed after his divorce from Tammie Frank. He is survived by his four children (two sons and two daughters), whose names are Hunter and Jacob (sons), and Skye and Jenna (daughters).
Power Rangers Star Jason David Frank Died At 49
According to his rep Justine Hunt, the actor, and mixed martial artist Jason David Frank passed away in Texas at 49 as the result of suicide. The actor is best known for his role as Tommy Oliver the Green Ranger on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise, launched initially in 1993, as one of six crime/monster-fighting superheroes masked and equipped with kung-fu skill sets.
Walter Jones, who played the black ranger in the show, told TMZ,
“He was an inspiration to so many people. His presence will be dearly missed. It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family.”
He continued,
“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, who will miss him.”
A representative for the actor confirmed the loss to a media outlet and said, “Unfortunately, it is true.” They shared,
“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…He will be truly missed.”
The Green Ranger was introduced as an enemy in Season 1 of MMPR, only to make a 180-degree turn and become an ally. However, when his powers started to deteriorate, he became the White Ranger and the group’s new leader. Three seasons, and 123 episodes, were devoted to Frank as one of the leads. In addition to Power Rangers, Frank played Tommy Oliver in several adaptations, including Wild Force, Turbo, Zeo, Dino Thunder, Megaforce, Ninja Steel, HyperForce, and more.
Furthermore, Frank earned a black belt in mixed martial arts and was a proud and accomplished martial artist.
Jason David Frank’s Divorce With Wife Tammie Frank
Jason David Frank’s wife waved the white flag on marriage to the White Ranger. She filed for divorce a few months back and claimed he had an affair. According to her, one of the reasons for their breakup is the alleged infidelity. According to the new legal documents, Jason Frank allegedly committed adultery.
Moreover, Frank’s estranged wife claims they were having discord and conflict throughout their marriage and that because of Frank’s cruel treatment, she can no longer live with him. It was May 2003 when the actor married Tammie Frank, and she lists their separation date as July 1. The couple does not have any minor children together.
There have been two marriages for Jason David Frank. Shawna Frank was his first wife, whom he married in 1994; they have two sons and one daughter. After Frank and Shawna divorced in 2001, he married Tammie Frank in 2003, and the couple had one daughter.
Despite the divorce, Jason Frank was reportedly depressed, and rumors are swirling around that this is one of the reasons for his suicide yesterday.
Source: TMZ
