Jason David Frank

2.1. Childhood and family

Jason David Frank was born on September 4, 1973, in Covina, California. His family background included a father of Papago (Indigenous American) descent and a white mother. He had an older brother, Erik Frank, who also ventured into acting and notably appeared alongside Jason in *Power Rangers Zeo* as David Trueheart, Tommy Oliver's long-lost brother. During the 1980s, Frank also worked as a child model for Olive Productions. In 1992, before his acting fame, he was a contestant on the popular game show *The Price Is Right*.

2.2. Early martial arts training

Frank developed a passion for martial arts from a very young age. He began training at the Red Dragon Karate school at the age of four, demonstrating an early aptitude for the discipline. By the age of 12, he had already achieved a black belt, and by 18, he became an owner of a dojo where he began teaching karate. Over the years, Frank acquired extensive knowledge and mastery in various martial arts styles, including Shōtōkan, Wadō-ryū, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Aikido.

3.1. Rise to fame: Power Rangers

Frank achieved widespread fame for his role as Tommy Oliver in the *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* television franchise. Originally cast as the Green Ranger for a limited 14-episode run, his character's immense popularity led to his return as the White Ranger and the new leader of the team.

Before his return as the White Ranger, Frank was initially cast as Adam Steele, the lead character in *VR Troopers* (originally titled "Cybertron"), and filmed a pilot episode. However, due to Tommy Oliver's overwhelming popularity, he was recalled to *Power Rangers*. The role of Adam Steele in *VR Troopers* was then taken over by Brad Hawkins, whose character was originally intended to replace Tommy Oliver as the White Ranger in *Power Rangers*.

After three seasons, *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* transitioned into *Power Rangers Zeo* to align with the annual changes in the *Super Sentai* series from which *Power Rangers* adapted its footage. In *Power Rangers Zeo*, Frank's character became the Red Zeo Ranger (Zeo Ranger V). The following year, in *Power Rangers Turbo*, he became the first Red Turbo Ranger. Midway through this season, Frank, along with fellow cast members Johnny Yong Bosch, Nakia Burrise, and Catherine Sutherland, departed the series, and new actors were brought in to replace them.

Frank returned to the franchise in 2002 for the special 10th-anniversary episode "Forever Red" in *Power Rangers Wild Force*, reprising his role as the Red Zeo Ranger and reuniting with Austin St. John. He made another significant return in 2004 for *Power Rangers Dino Thunder* as Dr. Tommy Oliver, the Black Dino Ranger. During this role, he often wore long-sleeved shirts to cover his tattoos, a practice he also followed during "Forever Red." He humorously commented on the cost-saving measures of both Saban and Disney but expressed admiration for the *Dino Thunder* production crew.

He later reprised his role as Tommy Oliver, appearing as both the Green and White Ranger, in the season finale of *Power Rangers Super Megaforce* in 2014. In 2017, Frank had a cameo alongside fellow *Power Rangers* actress Amy Jo Johnson in the *Power Rangers* film as a citizen of Angel Grove. In 2018, he returned as Tommy for the 25th anniversary of *Power Rangers* in episode 10 of *Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel*, where he played multiple Ranger forms including the Green Ranger, White Ranger, Red Zeo Ranger, Black Dino Ranger, and a robot version of Tommy.

Frank had expressed interest in developing a solo Green Ranger series or feature film after an encounter with comic book legend Stan Lee at a convention. However, in August 2022, he announced his retirement from the franchise. Following his death, it was revealed through a friend on the "Bat in the Sun" channel that Frank had declined to participate in the 30th Anniversary reunion special, *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always*, due to alleged issues with Hasbro and Saban, including a history of broken promises, lies, and uncredited idea theft. Despite this, archival audio and footage of Frank as Tommy Oliver were used in the special, which was released posthumously in 2023.

3.2. Other television and film roles

Beyond the *Power Rangers* universe, Frank appeared in several other television series and films. In television, he had guest roles in *Sweet Valley High* (as A.J.) and *Family Matters* (as Skull) in 1996, and *Undressed* (as Carl) in 2000.

His film appearances included *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie* (1995) and *Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie* (1997), where he reprised his role as Tommy Oliver. He also appeared in the 2003 film *Paris* (uncredited as Chad), *The Junior Defenders* (2007) as Tommy Keen, *Fall Guy: The John Stewart Story* (2007) as John Stewart, *The Blue Sun* (2010), *Crammed 2: Hoaching* (2011) as Christopher Crammed, and *One Warrior* (2011) as the titular character. He also appeared as himself in the 2018 documentary *Making Fun: The Story of Funko*.

3.3. Web series and special appearances

Frank expanded his acting presence into web series and other digital media. In 2013, he featured in the web series *Super Power Beatdown*, where he appeared as the White Ranger battling Scorpion from *Mortal Kombat*, and in 2015, as the Green Ranger against Ryu from *Street Fighter*. Following the success of *Super Power Beatdown*, "Bat in the Sun" developed *My Morphing Life*, a web reality series chronicling Frank's life, which aired its second season in 2015 and ran until 2022.

In 2016, Frank was cast as Ray Garrison / Bloodshot in the web series *Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe*, based on the Valiant Universe. The series, released in 2018, received positive reception, with some fans considering Frank's portrayal superior to Vin Diesel's 2020 incarnation of the character. Valiant Comics paid tribute to Frank on their Twitter account after his death. He also lent his voice to the character Emissary in the animated web series *Transformers: Titans Return* (2017-2018) and Silver Bear in an episode of *We Bare Bears* (2019).

One of his final projects was the film *Legend of the White Dragon*, which launched as a Kickstarter project in 2020. What began as a potential mini-series or fan film evolved into a full-length feature film, featuring several past *Power Rangers* performers, including Frank, Jason Faunt, and Ciara Hanna, as well as other notable actors like Mark Dacascos, Michael Madsen, Andrew Byron Bachelor, and Frank's daughter, Jenna Frank. The film wrapped production in 2021 and was initially set for a March 2023 release. However, following Frank's death in late 2022, its release was rescheduled to September 2024. Another posthumous role for Frank is in the film *Underdogs Rising*, where he plays Jaxon.

4.1. Toso Kune Do and martial arts mastership

Frank's extensive background in various martial arts disciplines, including Shotokan, Wadō-ryū, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Aikido, led him to develop his own unique style. In 1994, he modified the most practical applications from these disciplines with his own philosophies to create "Toso Kune Do" (斗争拳道_{Way of the Fighting Fist}^Chinese), a blend of American Karate. This martial art style is still taught at his "Rising Sun Karate" dojo in Houston, Texas. Frank also held a 7th-degree black belt and was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame on June 28, 2003, as "Master of the Year (American Karate)". He also received a Muay Thai master instructor certificate from the International Muay Thai Association, certified and supervised by the Ministry of Education of Thailand.

4.2. Mixed martial arts (MMA)

Frank officially entered the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) by signing with SuckerPunch Entertainment, a sports marketing and management company, on August 21, 2009. He began training with UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard.

Frank made his amateur MMA debut at the United States Amateur Combat Association's "Lonestar Beatdown: Houston" event on January 30, 2010. He defeated Jonathon "the Mack Truck" Mack in the first round via omoplata submission in 1 minute 7 seconds. For his second amateur fight on February 19, 2010, at Lonestar Beatdown: Dallas, his opponent, Chris Rose, entered the ring wearing a *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* robe. Frank won in round 1 with a TKO by punches in 2 minutes 9 seconds. On May 8, 2010, at "Cage Rage 7" in Hidalgo, Texas, he defeated James Willis via KO with a rising knee just 23 seconds into the first round. His final amateur fight was on May 22, 2010, at UWC 8: Judgement Day, where he defeated Carlos Horn by an armbar submission in 21 seconds of the first round. This fight was originally scheduled against James "Ray" Handy Jr., but Horn replaced Handy due to injury.

Frank made his professional MMA debut on August 4, 2010, in Houston at "Puro Combate #1" in a heavyweight bout against Jose Roberto Vasquez. He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission at 46 seconds of the first round. Frank had been scheduled for a light heavyweight bout at Puro Combate 3 on December 9, 2010, but the fight was canceled when his opponent was not medically cleared. Another scheduled fight against Shawn Machado at Legacy FC 7 on July 22, 2011, was also canceled due to a possible biceps tear. Following his professional debut, Frank expressed interest in signing a deal with Strikeforce and potentially fighting notable figures like Herschel Walker. He also notably challenged CM Punk to an MMA fight via Instagram and Facebook after Punk announced his UFC debut.

4.3. Other martial arts achievements

Beyond his competitive MMA record, Frank held a Guinness World Record for a unique martial arts feat. In January 2013, he successfully broke seven 1-inch pine boards during freefall while skydiving, surpassing the previous record of two boards. Although his record was later eclipsed in May 2013 by Daniel McKay, who broke twelve boards, it remains a notable demonstration of his skill and daring. His contributions to martial arts were also recognized with various accolades, including the "Ruff Man" Grand Champion in 2006 and a Gold Medal in Full Contact Muay Thai from the MTIA in 2006. He received several karate-specific awards, such as the Hall of Fame Award from the American Karate Kung Fu Federation in 1994, the "Fastest Growing Karate School" award in 2000 for Rising Sun Karate Academy, the "Centurion Club Award" in 2001, and "Master of the Year" awards from the World Karate Federation in 2003 and USA Martial Arts in 2004 for Free-Style Martial Arts. He was also honored with the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classics Master Appreciation Award in 2005 and several Black Belt Hall of Fame awards in 2007, including "Most Successful Industry Leader."

5.1. Marriages and children

Jason David Frank was married twice and had four children. His first marriage was to Shawna in 1994, and they had three children together: sons Hunter and Jacob, and a daughter, Skye. The couple divorced in 2001. In 2003, he married his second wife, Tammie, and they had one daughter, Jenna. In August 2022, Tammie filed for divorce, alleging infidelity on Frank's part and citing the date of separation as July 1, 2022. She sought to divide their marital assets, including their home and vehicles in Texas. However, at the time of his death in November 2022, Tammie stated that they were attempting to reconcile.

5.2. Faith and public image

Frank's personal life was significantly influenced by his Christian faith. He began regularly attending a Christian church after the death of his older brother, Erik Frank. This spiritual journey shaped his public persona and life choices, with Frank often speaking about how his faith influenced his life, including his roles. He also used his platform to connect with fans at various conventions, becoming a visible and engaging figure in the community.

5.3. Public incidents and personal challenges

Frank faced several public and personal difficulties throughout his life. In 2017, while attending Phoenix Comicon, he was targeted by a man named Matthew Sterling, who claimed to be The Punisher and had brought weapons into the convention with the intent to harm law enforcement and Frank himself. Police, alerted by social media threats made by Sterling and a tip-off from an acquaintance of the perpetrator, arrested Sterling before he could reach Frank. Frank later expressed gratitude to the Phoenix police for preventing a tragedy. Sterling was subsequently committed to 25.5 years at the Arizona State Hospital in 2020 after being found guilty but mentally ill.

In his later years, Frank openly discussed his struggles with mental health, including depression. His wife, Tammie, confirmed after his death that he had been battling these issues. Additionally, the Thai source mentions that Frank had previously lost a daughter to suicide, which would have been a profoundly challenging personal experience, likely contributing to his own struggles.

6.1. Circumstances and cause

Jason David Frank died on November 19, 2022, at the age of 49. He was found dead by suicide in a hotel room in Houston, Texas. His wife, Tammie Frank, who was also staying at the hotel but in a separate room due to his snoring, recounted the events surrounding his death. She stated that they had been on a two-night holiday trip and had gone out to a country dance event. After returning to their hotel, Tammie left to get snacks from the lobby. Upon her return, she was unable to open the door to Frank's room, and he did not respond to her calls or knocks. She then called the police, who entered the room and found him deceased in the bathroom, having died by suicide. Tammie later publicly confirmed the cause of his death and stated that Frank had been struggling with depression and other mental health issues for a long time.

6.2. Tributes and reactions

News of Frank's death led to an outpouring of grief and tributes from his former co-stars, including Amy Jo Johnson, Austin St. John, David Yost, Walter Emanuel Jones, and Steve Cardenas, as well as millions of fans worldwide. The loss was particularly impactful, coming after the earlier death of Thuy Trang, another original *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* cast member, in 2001. Frank's passing initiated broader public discussions about mental health, depression, and suicide awareness.

His funeral was livestreamed on his official Facebook page on November 27, 2022. Following his death, Tammie Frank reported experiencing significant cyberbullying on social media, which caused her considerable distress.

7.1. Television

7.2. Film

7.3. Video games

7.4. Web series and other media

9.1. Impact on popular culture

Frank's portrayal of Tommy Oliver in the *Power Rangers* franchise created an enduring cultural phenomenon. His character, who famously transitioned from the villainous Green Ranger to the heroic White Ranger and later to various other Ranger forms, became one of the most iconic and beloved figures in children's television history. For many fans, Tommy Oliver was synonymous with the *Power Rangers* brand, and Frank's consistent returns to the role over two decades solidified his status as a central figure in the franchise's lore. His dedication to interacting with fans at conventions further cemented his connection with the audience, making him a cherished icon who transcended the show itself. His character's popularity significantly shaped the direction of *Power Rangers* narratives and contributed to its lasting global appeal.

9.2. Broader societal impact

Beyond entertainment, Frank's influence also stemmed from his extensive background in martial arts. He founded his own martial art style, Toso Kune Do, and earned numerous accolades and masterships in various disciplines, inspiring many to pursue martial arts training. His professional MMA career further demonstrated his commitment to combat sports.

Furthermore, Frank's openness about his struggles with mental health in his later life, and the circumstances surrounding his death, contributed to a wider societal dialogue. His passing, particularly following his wife's confirmation that he died by suicide and his previous experience of losing a daughter to suicide, brought increased attention to the importance of mental well-being and seeking support. The public mourning and discussions that followed his death highlighted the impact of mental health issues, encouraging empathy and awareness regarding these often stigmatized challenges.