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A Houston-area martial arts gym is mourning the loss of its founder, who was also a cast member of one of the most popular children's TV shows of the 1990s.
Jason David Frank, who famously played Tommy the Green Ranger on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (MMPR), died at the age of 49, per a representative of the actor.
The West Covina, California-born Frank leaves behind four children.
While he was more well-known for his work with MMPR and several of its subsequent series, Frank was also a practitioner of martial arts who had a short yet undefeated stint as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
He founded Rising Sun Karate NTC in Atascocita near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) where he taught his own style of self-defense called “Toso Kune Do,” or “the way of the fighting fist.”
“He led a wonderful and exciting life which extended to anyone else who was part of his family and team,” the studio said in a Facebook post. “The powerful influence and passion he generated reached people from every part of the globe.”
Rising Sun added that it’ll continue Frank’s life’s work, which was based on what he called “living fearlessly.”
“Hanshi Jason David Frank, your inspiring words will be missed on the matts [sic] of the Rising Sun Karate Academy,” the gym said, per the post. “May you find the rest you so richly deserve.”
Citing Frank’s manager, Justine Hunt, the AP reported that a cause of death is unknown and the actor’s family and friends are requesting privacy “during this horrible time.”
Frank was supposed to appear on MMPR for a few episodes as the villain-turned-hero Green Ranger, but the character’s immense popularity prompted producers to keep him around.
He went on to star as the White Ranger in MMPR, the Red Zeo Ranger in “Power Rangers Zeo,” the Red Turbo Ranger in “Power Rangers Turbo” and the Black Dino Ranger in “Power Rangers Dino Thunder.”