The cast of the Power Rangers has paid tribute to Jason David Frank, who has died at the age of 49.
The actor and mixed-martial artist originally shot to fame in the 1990s, in hit children’s series Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, as Tommy Oliver aka The Green Ranger. He later went on to portray the White, Red, and Black Ranger in future iterations of the franchise.
Amy Jo Johnson, who played Kimberly Hart, the Pink Ranger and Frank’s onscreen love interest, was among the first to share a tribute.
Taking to Instagram, Johnson, 52, uploaded a picture of her and Frank together.
She wrote alongside it: “Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique. My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace…”
Walter Jones, who played Zack Taylor, the Black Ranger, also took to social media to share his memories of the late star.
“Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank,” he wrote. “My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”
His death comes 21 years after that of Thuy Trang, who played original Yellow Ranger Trini Kwan. She died in 2001 from injuries sustained in a car accident. She was 27.
“Once a ranger, always a ranger” thoughts and prayers…” penned Austin St John, aka Jason Lee Scott, the Red Ranger, adding the hashtags “RIP” and “prayers”.
Karan Ashley, who played Aisha Campbell, the second Yellow Power Ranger, shared a snap from a convention, penning: “Jay you finally got me to shut up. Can you imagine me, of all people, at a loss for words. LOL… I know it’s unheard of. Calm down and Wipe that mischievous smirk off your face. It won’t last long.
‘All I can muster up is I love you. That just doesn’t seem to be a big enough phrase. I promise when I get my act together, I will have a long and mushy speech that’s all about you. You’ll love it!
“Until then, I love you, I’m so very sad and I’m anxiously awaiting the day we meet again.”
Steve Cardenas, who played Rocky DeSantos, the second Red Power Ranger, meanwhile hailed Frank as his “brother both on screen and off”.
Sharing a montage of photos of himself and Frank, he wrote: “Words simply cannot describe the shock and sadness I’m feeling in this moment.
“Jason David Frank is and forever will be an icon. He dedicated his life to the Power Rangers brand and most importantly his fans. Jason was the first person to welcome me on set in 1994 and later introduced me to social media, comic cons and event promoters all around the world so that I could reconnect with all of you as we did back then. I will be forever grateful.
“Everywhere he went he gave his fans an experience that will last a life time. He elevated the Mighty Morphin franchise to a pop culture phenomenon. JDF was a good soul and my brother both on screen and off. The Ranger Nation lost a real hero. We’re all equally crushed by this devastating news. My heart goes out to Tammie, his family, our family and all of you. I shall forever be grateful to you , J. I hope you finally have the peace you longed for in the end. RIPJDF #legend.”
A representative confirmed Frank’s passing in Texas on Sunday, to TMZ, saying: “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 truly be missed.”
No cause of death has been officially confirmed yet.
Frank was trained in disciplines including taekwondo, muay Thai, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and fought professionally from 2008 to 2010.
He is survived by second wife Tammie Frank and their daughter, Jenna. He also has three children from a previous marriage.
