Jason David Frank has died (Picture: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Saban Brands)
Jason David Frank, one of the original Power Rangers, has died at the age of 49.
The actor’s rep confirmed the news to TMZ, saying he died in Texas.
A statement reads: ‘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.’
Frank made his debut in the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise as Tommy Oliver, or the Green Power Ranger, in 1993.
He starred alongside Austin St John (Jason Lee Scott), Walter Emmanuel Jones (Zack Taylor), Amy Jo Johnson (Kimberly Hart), David Yost (Billy Cranston), and Thuy Trang (Trini Kwan), who died in 2001 after a car accident.
He was later turned into the White Power Ranger and the new leader of the group due to his popularity with fans and starred in 123 episodes as one of the leading cast.
He reprised his role various times (Picture: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
The star became a fan favourite (Picture: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for Saban Brands)
He was brought back after the show transformed into Power Rangers Zeo, as the Red Zeo Ranger, and in a later iteration of the series, Power Rangers Turbo, his character became the first Red Turbo Ranger.
While he left in 1997, he reprised his role various times in the franchise, including in 2002 for the special 10th anniversary episode, and then again in 2004.
Frank was also accomplished in martial arts, and 2003, he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.
L to R, Frank with Johnny Yong Bosch, David Yost, Karan Ashley, Steve Cardenas and Amy Jo Johnson (Picture: MIKE NELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Tributes have poured in for the late star (Picture: M Stan Reaves/REX/Shutterstock)
He was trained in disciplines including Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fought professionally from 2008 to 2010.
Frank’s final on-screen credit is for the upcoming film Legend of the White Dragon.
The star was married twice, and is survived by his four children.
Tributes have poured in for Frank, including from his co-stars.
Walter E Jones, the original Black Ranger, shared a sweet photo, writing in his caption: ‘Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank🙏🏾. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.’
Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman said: ‘Woke up to sad news Jason David Frank one of our convention family passed away. Jason loved his #PowerRanger Fans and always said how lucky we all were to be in this business.
‘@jdfffn inspired a generation and will be missed. He gave the best hugs. My condolences to his family.’
One fan wrote: ‘Rest in peace to Jason David Frank, and my thoughts go out to his family today. Such a wonderful ambassador for Power Rangers and always so gracious to fans.’
Another said: ‘RIP Jason David Frank. I’m still shocked and speechless. My condolences to his family and friends. He was my favorite Power Ranger like many others and no matter how you felt about him, his impact on the franchise and fans was huge. Hard to process he’s really gone.’
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Fans are heartbroken.