Jason David Frank’s representative, Justine Hunt, has confirmed the tragic news. Speaking to TMZ, she said that the star will “truly be missed”.
She said: “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 actor originated the role of the Green Power Ranger, also known as Tommy Oliver, in 1993 in the internationally successful children’s franchise following the crime-fighting, martial art superheroes.
Originally, Jason was only set to appear in 14 episodes of the show but the actor and his character was so incredibly popular among the young fanbase that his tenure was extended.
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One wrote on Twitter: “30 year old me crying learning about the passing of Jason David Frank.
“This is f**king devastating, he was my childhood.
“I carried my Green Ranger toy wherever I went, I had the Dragon Blade and would tear through it’s batteries playing it all the time.
“Tommy Oliver was my hero.”
Another fan reached out on Instagram, sharing a touching recollection of when he met Jason, writing: “He gave me and my three little cousins free autographs, we talked about MMA, life and so many things.
DONT MISS:
“The (second) time I met him he remembered us immediately and gave us more free stuff, he hugged me and said keep going in everything I did, to never stop or give up and that he loved how I’m in my little cousins lives the way I am.”
Jason’s co-star, Walter E. Jones, who played the original Black Power Ranger, wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.
He shared: “Can’t believe it… RIP Jason David Frank.
“My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”
Jason departed from the franchise in the late 1990s before returning for a 10th-anniversary episode in 2002.
He went on to guest star in the Power Rangers Super Megaforce series in 2014 and had a cameo in the 2017 film.
The actor is now the second of the original Power Ranger squad to pass away.
His co-star Thuy Trang, who originated the Yellow Ranger, died in a tragic car accident when she was just 27 in 2001.
While he rose to fame through his acting roles, Jason was also an acclaimed martial artist, with expertise in Taekwondo, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido and countless other styles.
Jason also created his own blend of American Karate, Toso Kune Do, and was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003.
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