*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Millennials and Gen-Xers who grew up with the original Power Rangers and remain nostalgic for the franchise were heartbroken by the sudden passing of Jason David Frank, who started as the green Power Ranger in the original series and went on to be a mainstay throughout multiple spinoff series. The actor took his own life in 2022 at the age of 49.
Fellow actors and producers were similarly gutted by Frank's loss, and one of the sweetest tributes came from his former costar and original pink Power Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson.
At the time, she posted on Instagram:
"Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique. My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven, and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace…"
Last week at Niagara Falls Comic Con, a Power Rangers fan approached Johnson and gave her an old photo that took her back in time.
Later on Instagram, Johnson shared the photo, which was from when she and Frank were young costars on the show as Tommy and Kimberly of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
On the post, Johnson wrote:
"Thank you to whoever it was who gave me this photo at Niagara."
"Miss this guy, as we all do."
Fans of the franchise were hit right in the feels by the photograph.
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Tommy Oliver was expected to appear in just a handful of episodes, but soon became such a beloved character that he went on to appear in multiple Power Rangers spinoff series as various Rangers.
Fans were hurt not only by the loss of their beloved character Tommy, but also by knowing that his shoes would be impossible to fill by anyone other than Jason David Frank.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp