Jason David Frank

Jason David Frank (born September 4, 1973) is an American actor and professional mixed martial artist who is most notable for his career as Tommy Oliver from the Power Rangers franchise.

Jason David Frank
Frank at the 2019 GalaxyCon Raleigh
Born (1973-09-04) September 4, 1973
Covina, California, U.S.
ResidenceHouston, Texas, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0.5 in (1.84 m)
Weight215 lb (98 kg; 15.4 st)
StyleToso Kune Do[1]
Fighting out ofHouston, Texas, U.S.
TeamSilverback MMA
Rank8th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate
Black Belt in Wado-ryu Karate
Black Belt in Taekwondo
Black Belt in Judo
Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ajarn Degree in Muay Thai[2]
Years active2010 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total1
Wins1
By submission1
Losses0
Amateur MMA record
Total4
Wins4
By knockout2
By submission2
Losses0
Other information
Children4
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: April 28, 2010

Career

Power Rangers

Frank originally auditioned for the role of Jason Lee Scott, the Red Ranger, but lost the role to Austin St. John. He auditioned again in 1993 and was cast in the role of Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger later in season 2 he became the White Ranger and the new leader of the team.

Frank was supposed to be the lead character Adam Steele in VR Troopers (originally called "Cybertron") and shot a pilot episode before being called back to Power Rangers. According to both Frank and Brad Hawkins, Hawkins' character was to replace Tommy Oliver originally as the White Ranger on Power Rangers.[3][4] However, due to Tommy Oliver's popularity with Ranger fans, Frank was brought back, with Tommy Oliver becoming the White Ranger.[5] Hawkins would take over on VR Troopers. The character Adam Steele was renamed Ryan Steele.

After three seasons, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers transitioned into Power Rangers Zeo. The transition is part of the annual Ranger suit change to match the annual change of the Super Sentai series. Frank's character became the Red Zeo Ranger (also called Zeo Ranger V). The following year in Power Rangers Turbo, his character became the first Red Turbo Ranger. During mid-season, Frank and fellow cast members Johnny Yong Bosch, Nakia Burrise and Catherine Sutherland agreed to leave and were replaced.

After he left the series in 1997, Frank came back to Power Rangers as the Red Zeo Ranger in 2002 for the special 10th-anniversary episode, entitled "Forever Red", in Power Rangers Wild Force, which brought back ten former Red Rangers, and reunited him with Austin St. John. He then reprised his role in 2004 in Power Rangers Dino Thunder, as the Black Dino Ranger. During his time as the Black Dino Ranger, Frank was always shown in long-sleeved shirts to cover his tattoos on his arms. This was also the case during "Forever Red" of ‘’Wild Force’’. Being the Black Dino Ranger was a favor to Douglas Sloan.[6] He has joked that Saban and Disney are "both the same, they're cheap" but that he was impressed with the production crew for Dino Thunder.[7] Frank reprised his role as Tommy Oliver (who in turn was the Green Ranger for the episode) in the season finale of Power Rangers Super Megaforce.[8] Frank has expressed interest in developing a Green Ranger solo series or feature film after an encounter with Stan Lee at a comic book convention.[9]

On November 7, 2013, Frank appeared on "Super Power Beatdown" as the White Ranger taking on Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.[10] He appeared again on "Super Power Beatdown" on May 5, 2015, as the Green Ranger and fought Ryu from Street Fighter.[11] After success with the "Super Power Beatdown" series, Bat in the Sun began developing a web reality series of Frank titled, "My Morphing Life".[12] In 2015, the show began airing season 2.

Frank was given a cameo role in the 2017 film Power Rangers, as a citizen of Angel Grove, alongside fellow Power Rangers actress, Amy Jo Johnson. In 2018 he reprised his role as Tommy in episode 10 of Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel for the 25th anniversary of Power Rangers.

In July 2019, a crowdfunding campaign for the film Legend of the White Dragon, including past Power Rangers performers including Frank, Johnny Yong Bosch, Jason Faunt, Ciara Hanna, Yoshi Sudarso, and Chrysti Ane, as well as Jenna Frank, was launched on Kickstarter. The campaign concluded on August 11, 2019, without reaching its funding goal.[13] On March 27, the project received a second launch on Kickstarter with a lower goal, this time in the form of a mini-series. The project was funded, and now working on its stretch goals for a limited series and potential for a feature film. The second campaign ended on May 27, 2020 with $508,578 raised, meeting the goal for a feature film.[14]

Fighting and martial arts
Toso Kune Do
FocusHybrid
HardnessFull-contact
Country of originUnited States
CreatorJason David Frank
ParenthoodKarate (Shōtōkan, Wado-ryu), Judo, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Olympic sportNo

With his knowledge of many different styles of martial arts that include Shōtōkan, Wadō-ryū, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, and Aikido, Frank collected the most practical applications, modified them with his own philosophies and created his own blend of American Karate, "Toso Kune Do".[15][16] On June 28, 2003, he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.[17] Frank appeared at the Arnold Classic on February 29, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio.

Mixed martial arts
Frank at the 2017 Phoenix Comicon

On August 21, 2009, Frank officially announced his signing with SuckerPunch Entertainment,[18][19][20] a sports marketing and management company specializing in MMA. He began training with UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard. Frank made his much anticipated MMA debut for the United States Amateur Combat Association at the company's first event "Lonestar Beatdown: Houston" on January 30 at the Houston Arena Theatre. He defeated Jonathon "the Mack Truck" Mack in the first round by omoplata submission.[21][22][23][24] Frank fought in his second fight at Lonestar Beatdown: Dallas on February 19 in Arlington, Texas. His opponent was Chris Rose who made his ring entrance wearing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles robe. Frank defeated Rose in round 1 by TKO (strikes).[25][26][27] On May 8, 2010, he fought for the Texas Rage in the Cage Amateur Association "Cage Rage 7" in State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. His opponent was James Willis. Frank defeated Willis via KO in 23 seconds of the first round with a rising knee.[28]

Frank was scheduled to make his debut with Ultimate Warrior Challenge at their upcoming event on May 22 against James "Ray" Handy Jr. in a light heavyweight bout.[29] On May 21, Frank had announced on his official Facebook fan page that James Handy was injured and Carlos Horn would replace him, changing the fight to a heavyweight bout. Frank defeated Horn in the first round by an armbar submission.[30] Since turning pro, Frank has expressed interest in signing a deal with Strikeforce and potentially fighting Herschel Walker.[31]

Frank announced on his Facebook fan page that he would be scheduled to make his professional debut on August 4, 2010 in Houston at "Puro Combate #1." He fought at heavyweight, with his opponent being Jose Roberto Vasquez. Frank won his pro MMA debut quickly at the time of 0:46 in the first round by a Rear Naked Choke Submission.[32][33] Frank was scheduled for a Light heavyweight bout on December 9, 2010 at Puro Combate 3. The fight was canceled on December 8 due to his opponent not being medically cleared.

He was then scheduled to face Shawn Machado on July 22, 2011 at Legacy FC 7. However, due to a possible biceps tear the fight was cancelled.[34]

Personal life
Jason David Frank at the Louisville Supercon in 2018

Frank identifies as a Christian, and says he began attending church with his wife after the death of his brother Erik. He also had a hand in creating a Christian-based mixed martial arts company named "Jesus Didn't Tap". Frank has the slogan tattooed on his left forearm.[35]As of 2003, he is married to Tammie, his second wife, who is also a martial artist, and the couple have one daughter, Jenna. Frank is of Greek, Polish, Irish and German ethnicity.

Filmography

Television
TitleYearRoleNotes
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers1993–1996Tommy Oliver - Green Ranger / White Ranger
also portrayed Tom Gulliver (Green Ranger clone) / The White Stranger (Wild West ancestor)		124 Episodes
Cybertron1994Adam Steele - Cybertron1 Episode (Pilot)
Power Rangers Zeo1996Tommy Oliver / Zeo Ranger 5-Red50 Episodes
Sweet Valley High1996A.J.
Family Matters1996Skull
Power Rangers Turbo1997Tommy Oliver / Red Turbo Ranger19 Episodes
Undressed2000Carl
Power Rangers Wild Force2002Tommy Oliver / Zeo Ranger 5-RedCredited as Jason Frank
Episode: "Forever Red"
Power Rangers Dino Thunder2004Dr. Tommy Oliver / Black Dino Ranger37 Episodes
Power Rangers Super Megaforce2014Dr. Tommy Oliver / Green Ranger / White RangerEpisode: "Legendary Battle"
My Morphing Life2014–presentHimselfWeb series
Transformers: Titans Return2017–2018Emissary
(voice)		Web series
Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe2018Ray Garrison / BloodshotWeb series
Power Rangers Hyperforce2018Dr. Tommy Oliver / Black Dino Ranger
Lord Drakkon		Web series;
Episodes: "Dr. Tommy Oliver Returns"
"Shattered Grid, part 2"
Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel2018Dr. Tommy Oliver / Green Ranger / Black Dino Ranger / White Ranger / Zeo Ranger 5-Red / Robot TommyEpisode: "Dimensions in Danger"
We Bare Bears2018Silver Bear
(voice)		Episode: “Imaginary Friend”[36]

Film
FilmYearPortrayingNotes
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie1995Tommy Oliver/The White Power Ranger
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie1997Tommy Oliver/The Red Turbo Ranger
Paris2003Chad (uncredited)
The Junior Defenders2007Tommy Keen
Fall Guy: The John Stewart Story2007John Stewart
The Blue Sun2010
Crammed 2: Hoaching2011Christopher Crammed
Power Rangers2017Angel Grove CitizenCameo
Power Rangers: Legacy Wars - Street Fighter Showdown[37]2018Tommy Oliver
Making Fun: The Story of Funko2018HimselfDocumentary
Legend of the White DragonTBAWhite Dragon

Video Games
FilmYearPortrayingNotes
Piper1996Piper WindsongVideo capture
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid2019Tommy Oliver/Lord DrakkonVoice

Mixed martial arts record

Professional
Professional record breakdown
1 match 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 0 0
By submission 1 0
By decision 0 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Jose Roberto Vasquez Submission (rear-naked choke) Texas Cage Fighting - Puro Combate 1 August 4, 2010 1 0:46 Houston, Texas, United States

Amateur
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Jonathon Mack Submission (omoplata) Lonestar Beatdown: Houston January 30, 2010 1 1:07 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 2–0 Chris Rose TKO (punches) Lonestar Beatdown: Dallas February 19, 2010 1 2:09 Arlington, Texas, United States
Win 3–0 James Willis KO (knee) Texas Rage In The Cage: Cage Rage 7 May 8, 2010 1 0:23 McAllen, Texas, United States
Win 4–0 Carlos Horn Submission (armbar) UWC 8: Judgement Day May 22, 2010 1 0:21 Fairfax, Virginia, United States

Accomplishments and awards
YearAward/Accomplishment
PresentEighth Degree Black Belt
June 28, 2003Master of the Year (American Karate)
2006"Ruff Man" Grand Champion
2006Gold Medal (MTIA) Master Toddy's Full contact Muay Thai
January 17, 2013Guinness World Record (Most pine boards broke in freefall)

Rising Sun Karate accomplishments and awards
YearAward/Accomplishment
1994Hall of Fame Award – American Karate Kung Fu Federation
2000Fastest Growing Karate School – Fast Track Award
2000Educational Funding Company – Program Direct Award – Rising Sun Karate Academy
2001Centurion Club Award
2003Master of the Year Award – World Karate Federation
2004Master of the Year for Free-Style Martial Arts – USA Martial Arts
2005Arnold Schwarzenegger Classics Master Appreciation Award.
2006One of America's Top 10 Karate Schools – Awarded by President Nick Cokinos – Educational Funding Company
2007Black Belt Hall of Fame Award – This award was given by Master Alan Goldberg in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
2007Black Belt Hall of Fame – Most Successful Industry Leader. This award was given by Doctor Jim Thomas, 10th Degree Black Belt.

References
  1. Rising Sun Karate School
  2. "Jason David Frank gets Muay Thai Instructor Certificate in Thailand". Archived from the original on 2017-04-05. Retrieved 2016-05-21.
  3. "THE POWER RANGERS ZEO NEWSLETTER - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE POWER RANGER CLUB - ISSUE #62 -- MAY 8, 1996 - "MAN, THEY'RE NEVER GONNA BELIEVE THIS ON THE INTERNET!"". Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  4. CYBERTRON: The Original Pilot for VR Troopers, Starring Jason David Frank!!! Archived October 17, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ""Power Rangers Q & A at AFO X", 7.51 in". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  6. "Q&A At Afo X". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  7. "Q&A at AKO X Part 5, 4.02 in". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  8. Goldman, Eric (2014-11-17). "Power Rangers Super Megaforce Exclusive Clip: Jason David Frank Returns as Tommy". IGN. Retrieved 2018-09-12.
  9. Fishman, Scott. "Pro wrestling legends, Power Rangers at Florida Supercon in July - Wrestling". MiamiHerald.com. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap8r3AA0PIk
  11. "Bat in the Sun's Green Ranger Vs. Ryu-the good the bad and the super powered". theinsightfulpanda.com. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  12. "Jason David Frank talks My Morphing Life, Power Rangers and more".
  13. Legend of the dragon crowdfunding on www.kickstarter.com
  15. "Former 'Power Rangers' Star Set To Get In The Ring With UFC". Yahoo. 2010-06-22.
  16. "Not a Martial Ats Magazine: SP HAS OFFICIALLY MORPH'D MMA :: SuckerPunch Entertainment". Suckerpunchent.com. 2009-08-21. Archived from the original on 2010-07-11. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  17. "BLOG: 2003 WKU HALL OF FAME JUNE 28, 2003 - Chateau at Camelback Tannersville, Pa". Needmywebsite.com. 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  18. "Not a Martial Arts source: SP HAS OFFICIALLY MORPH'D MMA". Suckerpunchent.com. 2009-08-21. Archived from the original on 2010-07-11. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  19. Hendricks, Maggie (2009-09-02). "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger morphs into an MMA fighter". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  20. Damon Martin, MMAWeekly.com (2009-09-02). "Jason Frank goes from Power Ranger to MMA fighter". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  21. "IT'S GO GO TIME! :: SuckerPunch Entertainment". Suckerpunchent.com. 2010-01-23. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  22. "POWER RANGER AMATEUR MMA DEBUT SET- MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more". Mma Weekly. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  23. "Former Green Power Ranger makes MMA debut at Jan. 30 Lonestar Beatdown". Blogs.chron.com. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
  24. "JDF WINS MMA DEBUT! :: SuckerPunch Entertainment". Suckerpunchent.com. 2010-02-01. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  25. "Legacy Fights". Legacyfightingchampionship.com. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  26. "Jason David Frank Lonestar Beatdown Feb 19 2010 - Arlington, TX". YouTube. 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  27. "Jason David Frank Post Fight Interview - Lonestar Beatdown Dallas - 2/19/10". YouTube. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  28. "Photo Gallery". Texas Rage in the Cage. 2010-05-08. Archived from the original on 2010-04-13. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  29. "UWC 8 - Judgement Day - May 22, 2010 - GMU Patriot Center - Fairfax, VA". Uwcmma.com. 2010-05-22. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  30. "Jason Frank Victorious - MMA Disputed". Chicagonow.com. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  31. "Jason David Frank turns pro, wants in Strikeforce". mmaweekly. Retrieved 2011-04-24.
  32. "JASON DAVID FRANK - Official Fan Page". Facebook.com. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  33. Archived July 22, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  34. Laminack, Barry. "Breaking News: Jason Frank vs Shawn Machado fight off". Thecagedoor.net. Archived from the original on 2012-05-26. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
  35. "Breathecast.com: Power Ranger's Jason David Frank reveals how Christianity influenced role as Tommy after facing much tragedy". beathecast.com. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  36. https://twitter.com/thatretro/status/1073793012503887872?s=21
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luI0jRMUjFo
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