Jason David Frank (1973-2022) was an American actor, mixed martial artist and voice-over artist. He was best known for playing the role of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger in the 1993 TV show ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.’ He was a Black Belt holder in multiple martial art forms including Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. He worked as a voice-over artist in many TV shows and video games. He died in November 2022 at the age of 49.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Jason David Frank was born on Tuesday, 4 September 1973 (age 49 years; at the time of death) in Covina, California, United States. His zodiac sign is Virgo. He studied at Bonita High School in La Verne, California from 1987 to 1991. He developed an interest in martial arts at a very young age, and at the age of 4, he began his training at the Red Dragon Karate School.
A childhood image of Jason David Frank
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 11″
Weight (approx.): 98 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Brown
Tattoos
- On abdomen: R.S.K.A (Rising Sun Karate Academy)
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his abdomen
- On the right half of his back: Japanese Tiger
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on right-half of his back
- On the inner left bicep: A 9mm pointing upwards to make it look like an “L” and an “A”
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the inner left bicep
- On the inner side of his right bicep: TAMMIE (first name of his wife, Tammie Frank) and a Mandala flower
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the inner side of his right bicep
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the right bicep
- On left pec: picture of his daughter Jenna Frank
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the left pec
- On the left shoulder: A crown
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left shoulder
- On the right hand: The word ‘MUAY’
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right hand
- On left hand: The word ‘THAI’
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left hand
- On left thigh: a bug turtle, which is Jason’s representation of Mutant Ninja Turtles
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left thigh
- On left forearm: Colorful inked phrase ‘JESUS DIDN’T +AP’ and Virgin Mary along with a pair of Angel wings with multiple red roses
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left forearm
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the inner side of his left forearm
- On the left bicep: A Jack of Diamonds, Queen of Clubs, King of Hearts, and an Ace of Spades. The face of Bandit followed by a roulette table
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the left bicep
- On left foot: Fighting Bee Logo
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left foot
- On left leg: A crocodile
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left leg
- On the left and right hand: Power ranger tattoo
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the left and right hand
- On the left and right-hand fingers: Word ‘CORP’on left hand and the word ‘RSKA’on right hand
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the right and left-hand fingers
- On the left-hand wrist: A power ranger tattoo
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his left hand’s wrist
- On left forearm: Japanese rose
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on left forearm image
- On neck: ‘FEARLESS FRANK’
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his neck
- On right bicep: A Japanese design
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right arm
- On the right foot: Chinese text with a dragon face
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right foot
- On right leg: A cobra tattoo
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right leg
- On the right pec: A flower
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right pec
- On right elbow: Spider web
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on his right elbow
- On right-side ribs: A Thai Style Boxer
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on right-side ribs
- On right arm: Kanji characters and Power Rangers Yin-Yang ball tattoo
Jason David Frank’s tattoo on the back side of his right arm
Jason David Frank’s Yin-Yang ball tattoo on his right forearm
Family
He belongs to a family in Covina, California, United States. His mother, Janice Christine Soter, was of half-Polish and half-Greek descent. He was of Polish American, Greek American, German American, and Irish American ancestry.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Ray Frank, served in the US air force; he died in 2021.
Jason David Frank’s father
His mother, Janice Christine Soter, passed away in 2017 after battling cancer for a long time.
Jason David Frank with his mother
His elder brother, Erik Ray Frank, was an actor, who died on 16 April 2001 at the age of 29.
Jason David Frank with his elder brother Erik Ray Frank
Erik and Jason acted together in the 1996 TV show ‘Power Rangers: Zeo.’ Erik Ray Frank portrayed the character of David Trueheart, the older and long-lost brother of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, portrayed by Jason David Frank.
Wife & Children
Shawna Frank
On 8 May 1994, Jason David Frank got married to Shawna Frank. On 11 April 2001, they got divorced.
Jason David Frank’s wife, Shawna Frank and son, Hunter Frank
The couple had three children; two sons named Jacob Frank and Hunter Frank and one daughter named Skye Frank.
Jason David Frank’s son Hunter Frank
Jason David Frank’s daughter Skye Frank
Tammie Frank
On 17 May 2003, he got married to Tammie Frank, a martial arts instructor.
Jason David Frank with Tammie Frank
The couple had one daughter named Jenna Frank, an actor and martial artist.
Jason David Frank with his daughter Jenna Frank
In 2021, Tammie Frank filed for divorce after accusing him of cheating on her. According to Tammie, Jason’s cruel treatment towards her was one of the reasons why she filed for divorce.
Relationships/Affairs
Before getting married to Tammie Frank in 2003, he dated Tammie for a few years.
Jason David Frank with Tammie Frank
Religion/Religious Views
Jason David Frank started having faith in Christianity and began to attend church after the demise of his elder brother, Erik ray Frank, in 2001. According to him, following Christianity helped him overcome many tragedies that took place in his life. In an interview, while talking about how he developed faith in Christianity, he said,
I didn’t really understand what the whole church thing was about and then, when I lost my brother it was like people were telling me I need God and all that stuff, and I was like, ‘If one more person tells me that, then that is what it is.’ I never wanted to become the leader [of the Power Rangers]. I did not take anyone’s spot. I just created space for Tommy to be in that position. And God definitely had His hand in His plan to say, ‘I am going to lead you through a challenging life and kick downs and losses.’”
Signature/Autograph
Career
Television
In 1993, he debuted with the TV show ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ in which he played the role of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger.
Initially, the role of the green ranger was set for only 14 episodes, but after the character became famous, he was brought back to the show as the White Ranger, the new leader of the team.
Poster of TV show ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ 1993
He made episodic appearances as Tommy Oliver in many TV shows including ‘Power Rangers: Zeo’ (1996), ‘Power Rangers Turbo’ (1997), ‘Power Rangers: The Lost Episode’ (1999), ‘Power Rangers Wild Force’ (2004), and ‘Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel’ (2018). In 1996, he played the role of A. J. in the comedy-drama TV show ‘Sweet Valley High.’ In the same year, he made an episodic appearance in the TV show ‘Family Matters.’ In 2000, he made an episodic appearance as Carl in the American anthology series ‘Undressed.’
Film
In 1995, he debuted with the film ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie’ in which he played the character of Tommy Oliver, the White Ranger.
Poster of the 1995 film ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers- The Movie’
He appeared as Tommy Oliver, the Red Turbo Ranger, in the 1997 film ‘Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie.’ Apart from Power Ranger and superhero films, he had worked in many other films including ‘Paris’ (2003), ‘The Junior Defenders’ (2007), ‘Fall Guy: The John Stewart Story’ (2007), ‘The Blue Sun’ (2010), and ‘Crammed 2: Hoaching’ (2011). He made a cameo appearance as a citizen of Angel Grove in the 2017 popular film ‘Power Rangers.’
Poster of the 2017 film ‘Power Rangers’
He appeared as himself in the 2018 documentary film ‘Making Fun: The Story of Funko.’
Web series
In 2014, he appeared as himself in the web series ‘My Morphing Life.’
Poster of the web series ‘My Morphing Life’
In 2018, he portrayed the character of Ray Garrison, Bloodshot, in the web series ‘Ninjak vs The Valiant Universe.’ He made an episodic appearance as Dr Tommy Oliver, the Black Dino Ranger, in the 2018 web series ‘Power Rangers Hyperforce.’
Voice-over artist
He lent his voice to many video games including ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie’ (1995) and ‘Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid’ (2019). In 2018, he lent his voice to an emissary in the web series ‘Transformers: Titan Returns.’
Poster of the 2019 web series ‘Transformers – Titan Returns’
In 2019, he lent his voice to Silver Bear in the ‘Imaginary Friend’ episode of Cartoon Network’s animated sitcom ‘We Bare Bears.’
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Jason David Frank was professionally trained in several martial art forms including Taekwondo, Shotokan, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Jeet Kune Do, Wado-Ryu, Wing Chun, Savate, and Muay Thai. In 2014, he became a certified Muay Thai master instructor. He blended different martial arts together and invented his own martial art form ‘Toso Kune Do,’ which means ‘Way of the Fighting Fist.’
Jason David Frank performing mixed martial arts
In August 2009, Jason David Frank announced that he signed with SuckerPunch Entertainment, a sports marketing and management company that works in MMA. On 30 January 2010, he made his MMA debut at the Lonestar Beatdown: Houston event in Houston, Texas, United States; he won the match by defeating Jonathon “the Mack Truck” Mack in the first round. On 19 February 2010, he fought his second fight at Lonestar Beatdown: Dallas in which he defeated his opponent, Chris Rose, first round. On 8 May 2010, he fought James Willis and defeated him in 23 seconds of the first round. He fought four amateur MMA matches and one professional MMA match and won all five.
Jason David Frank during one of his MMA fights
On 22 May 2022, he made his Ultimate Warrior Challenge debut in which he fought Carlos Horn and defeated him in the first round.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
- He was the 8th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate.
Jason David Frank with his 8th degree Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate
- He was a Black Belt in Wado-ryu Karate.
- He was a Black Belt in Taekwondo.
- He was a Black Belt in Judo.
- In 1994, he was honoured with the ‘Hall of Fame Award’ by American Karate Kung Fu Federation.
- In 2000, he won Program Direct Award.
- In 2001, he won Centurion Club Award.
- On 28 June 2003, he won the title of ‘Master of the Year’ for American Karate.
- In 2003, he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.
- In 2005, he was honoured with Arnold Schwarzenegger Classics Master Appreciation Award.
- in 2007, he received the ‘Black Belt Hall of Fame Award’ in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- In 2007, he won the ‘Black Belt Hall of Fame Award’ for the ‘Most Successful Industry Leader’ by Doctor Jim Thomas.
- He held a Guinness World Record for the most 1-inch pine board broken while in freefall in 2013.
Jason David Frank with his Guinness World Record
Bike Collection
He had a Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe bike.
Jason David Frank riding his Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe bike
He had a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy S bike.
Jason David Frank on his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy S bike
Car Collection
He had a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss.
Jason David Frank’s Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss
Death
On Saturday, 19 November 2022, he died after committing suicide. On 18 November 2022, the couple checked into a hotel in Houston, Texas and got two separate rooms. Reportedly, he had an argument with his wife, Tammie, in her hotel room; however, hotel staff was called to end the debate. The couple got into another after which he locked Tammie out of his room. She called the cops around 5 am on Saturday. Reportedly, the cops found him hanged by himself in the hotel’s bathroom. Later, Tammie posted pictures in his memory on social media that captioned,
The loss of my soulmate. Jason, I can’t go on without you! You are my world! Yes, we had our struggles like any marriage. But months ago we both agreed it was worth saving. Deep conversations, vulnerability, and forgiveness on both our parts. I am deeply lost, hurt, and utterly destroyed. I lost my one and only true love. I am your forever ‘Firecracker’ baby…till we’re together again.”
Favourites
- Baseball team(s): Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros
- Comic(s): Wolverine, X-Men
- Musician(s): Korn (band), 2Pac
Facts/Trivia
- Jason David Frank was called ‘Fearless Frank’ in Kickboxing.
- Parachuting was one of his hobbies and he liked to do it occasionally.
- He played the character of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger in six different TV series titled ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ (1993), ‘Power Rangers Zeo’ (1996), ‘Power Rangers Turbo’ (1997), ‘Power Rangers Wild Force’ (2002), ‘Power Rangers DinoThunder’ (2004) and ‘Power Rangers Megaforce’ (2013).
Jason David Frank as Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger
- He played the role of more range of colours than any other Power Ranger actor. He played the characters of the Green Ranger, White Ranger, Red Ranger, and Black Ranger in many Power Ranger TV series and films.
Jason David Frank as different Power Rangers in different TV shows and films
- Reportedly, Jason had a record of making about 257 episodic appearances in Power Rangers TV shows and films.
- He founded and owned an MMA merchandise band named ‘Jesus Didn’t Tap.’
- In 1992, he won a car after participating in the American TV show ‘The Price is Right.’
- In 2019, Kickstarter launched a campaign to make ‘Legend of the White Dragon’ into a sci-fi action miniseries. Later, the film turned into a full-length feature film due to the high anticipation among fans. He played the role of Erik Reed, the White Ranger, in the film. Former Power Rangers Jason Faunt and Ciara Hanna are also cast in the film. In July 2021, Jason revealed that the film completed its shooting and is expected to be released in 2023. ‘Legend of the White Dragon’ was the last film in which he worked.
Poster of the film ‘Legend of the White Dragon’
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn