Actor Jason
David Frank, a former mixed martial artist who was best known
for his role in the show “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” has died
of suicide at 49 years old.
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Brian Butler-Au of Sucker Punch Entertainment, who was Frank’s
manager, confirmed Frank’s death on Instagram, while
TMZ reported that the actor took his own life.
“Very sad to hear about my friend and client Jason David
Frank’s passing. Jason was a martial artist best known for
playing Tommy in the Power Rangers,” Butler-Au wrote. “He was a
true martial artist and I had the pleasure of managing him for the
fights he competed in. If anyone you know may be depressed please
check on them.”
Frank played Tommy Oliver on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”
television series from 1993 to 1996 as the original Green Ranger
and later as the White Ranger. He was one of the Power Rangers
‘most popular figures and appeared on numerous episodes and
adaptations of the show.
Frank was also a martial arts enthusiast who held an 8th degree
black belt in Shotokan karate and black belts in taekwondo and
judo. He was also a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Frank
transitioned into MMA in 2010 and won several amateur bouts before
submitting Jose
Roberto Vasquez in 46 seconds in his lone professional
appearance at Puro Combate 1 on Aug. 4, 2010.
Frank is survived by four his four children.
“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,” Frank’s representative, Justine Hunt, told TMZ in a
statement. “He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He
will truly be missed.”