Tommy/Jason David Frank Bio



















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Jason David Frank Born September 4, 1973 (age 34)in Covina, California,is an actor and martial artist, perhaps best known for playing Tommy Oliver in Power Rangers (1993-1997, and 2004 with 242 total episode appearances). He is constently known as a "Power Ranger Legend".

Career

Frank is the longest appearing male Power Ranger, while Amy Jo Johnson was the female to appear for the longest time. He appeared in the most Power Rangers episodes, 257 character appearances and 242 actual appearances. He also appeared in the most seasons: seven (Mighty Morphin, Zeo, Turbo, Wild Force and Dino Thunder). Frank came back to Power Rangers in the special 10th anniversary episode titled "Forever Red" in Power Rangers Wild Force (2002, reuniting with Austin St. John).

Frank was supposed to be the lead character Ryan Steele in VR Troopers (originally called "Cybertron") and shot a pilot episode before being called back to Power Rangers. It has been rumored that Brad Hawkins was to replace him originally as the White Ranger on Power Rangers. However, Hawkins appears in a VR Troopers teaser promo for the MMPR Fan Club video which features Frank as Tommy the Green Ranger. Frank was already re-committed to MMPR while Hawkins was committed to VR Troopers. The White Ranger character was likely considered while Hawkins was already working on VR Troopers

With his knowledge of many different styles of martial arts, Frank collected the most practical applications, modified them with his own philosophies and created his own blend of American Karate, "Toso Kune Do". Most recently, on June 28, 2003, he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

Frank has showed interest in Mixed Martial Arts. Frank was scheduled to fight against Ron 'The Badger' McMasters on June 23, 2007 at the Williamson County Pavilion in Marion.The fight never took place, however, as the rules were changed to an exhibition boxing match. Frank opted out due to his belief that the fight would be commissioned under MMA rules instead of strictly fists.
He also has 5 children and has been married three times.

Filmography

Film

Film Year Portraying

Fall Guy 2006 John Stewart

Paris 2003 Chad (uncredited)

Groupies 1997


Television

Television program Year Portraying

Ultimate Goals 2005 TV Series Himself

Fighting Spirit 2004 voice of MMPR Green Ranger/White Ranger/Red Zeo Ranger

The Residents of Washington Heights (unaired) 2002 TV Series Dr. Blaine Peterson

MTV's Undressed 1999 TV Series Carl (2000: Season 3)
Meego

Magic Parker (unaired)Karate Sensei

Sweet Valley High

A Star Is Torn 1996 A.J.

Shakes, Fries & Videotape 1996 A.J.

Lofty Ambitions 1996 A.J.

Rock Around the Block 1996 A.J.

Family Matters 1996 Pirahna Gang Member

Karate Kids 1996 Skull

Roles on Power Rangers

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Green Ranger

Full Name: Tommy Oliver

Weapons: Dragon Dagger

Gear: Dragon Shield, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Wrist Communicator

Zords: Dragonzord

When Tommy arrived at Angel Grove High, Rita saw him as the perfect person to become her evil Green Ranger. She put him under a spell and gave him the Dragon Power Coin. With it, Tommy morphed into the Green Ranger and fought the Power Rangers, defeating them in a couple of battles. Tommy was given the Sword of Darkness to finish off the Rangers, but Jason defeated Green Ranger in combat and destroyed the Sword of Darkness, releasing the spell over Tommy, making him the newest Power Ranger. Green Ranger's power weapon is the Dragon Dagger, which doubles as a flute and plays music to summon the Dragonzord. As Green Ranger, Tommy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection. Green Ranger also wore a special shield around his chest which protected him from many attacks. Tommy is a bit forgetful and dim-witted at times, but he more than makes up for it with his nobility and courage. Tommy eventually lost his powers after Rita created a Green Candle that took his powers away as it burned down. After losing their Power Coins, the Rangers called on Tommy to once again become the Green Ranger by using the Dragon Coin and Zordon's energy. The powers were only temporary, and Tommy once again lost his powers as Green Ranger.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/White Ranger

Ranger Designation: White Power Ranger, White Ninja Ranger

Weapons: Saba

Gear: White Ranger Shield, Power Morpher with Power Coin, White Shark Cycle, Wrist Communicator

Zords: Tigerzord, Falconzord, White Shogunzord

After he lost the Green Ranger powers, the Power Rangers team was down to five. To keep up with the increasing intensity of Lord Zedd's attacks, Zordon created new White Ranger Powers and gave them to the only one he felt was worthy of receiving them - Tommy. With the Tiger Power Coin, Tommy rejoined the team and led them into one victory after another. White Ranger's power weapon is Saba, a talking Sabre that also controls the Tigerzord. As White Ranger, Tommy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection. He wore a special shield around his chest which protected him from many attacks. His powers were greater than those of the other Rangers, making him a nearly invincible opponent. When Tommy lost his powers after Rito Revolto's attack on Angel Grove, he gained new powers with the Falcon Power Coin given to him by Ninjor on the Rangers' journey to the Temple of Power.

Power Rangers Zeo/Zeo Ranger V - Red

Ranger Designation: Zeo Ranger V - Red

Weapons: Zeo Pistol, Zeo Blade, Sword

Gear: Wrist Communicator, Zeonizer with Zeo Crystal, Red Zeo Jet Cycle

Zords: Zeo Zord Five, Red Battlezord, Super Zeo Zord Five

To retrieve the Red Zeo sub-crystal, Tommy had to travel to America's past, where a wise old shaman tested Tommy's ability to follow his instincts, and rewarded him with the crystal. Tommy had to choose the right pouch out of three which contained the crystal. Before Tommy returned home, the shaman gave him half of an arrowhead, the other half belonging to his long lost brother, David. The combined arrow was capable of controlling an ancient spirit known as an Autocthon.

Power Rangers Turbo/Red Turbo Ranger

Ranger Designation: Red Turbo Ranger

Weapons: Turbo Blaster, Turbo Sword, Lightning Sword

Gear: Turbo Morpher, Red Turbo Cart

Zords: Red Lightning

Tommy, the Red Turbo Ranger, continued as the leader of the Rangers after their Turbo transition, and as such possesses the superior attributes one would expect of any commander. He is brave and heroic, with a powerful sense of duty, honour and commitment. Tommy knows how important the Turbo Rangers are in the fight against evil, and never hesitates to accept his role at the forefront of the battle in his Turbo Zord, Red Lightning, with his trusty Lightning Sword. Tommy passed on his Turbo powers to new Red Ranger TJ.

Tommy returned years later as the Red Zeo Ranger to lead 9 other Red Rangers on a mission to prevent the Machine Empire from using Serpentera to destroy Earth.

Power Rangers DinoThunder/Black Dino Ranger

Ranger Designation: Black Dino Ranger

Weapons: Brachio Staff

Gear: Brachio Morpher, Raptor Rider, Dino ATV

Zords: Brachiozord, Cephalazord, Dimetrozord, Parasaurzord, Ankylozord, Stegazord

Tommy has a long history as a Power Ranger. Originally the Green Power Ranger, he is forced to fight for evil. Fortunately, the spell is broken and he redeems himself as he later becomes the White Power Ranger. Tommy completes his destiny by becoming the Red Zeo Ranger, and later becoming the Red Turbo Ranger before passing on his powers to TJ.

Now as a mild mannered science teacher, Tommy recruits three of his students, chosen by the Dino Gems; to become the next generation of Power Rangers. Tommy joins the team by becoming the Black Ranger to combat evil. He has the power of invisibility and the Brachiozord to assist him in the fight.

During a near death experience, Tommy must battle his former selves as the Green Power Ranger, the White Power Ranger, and the Red Zeo Ranger; in a dream where he is forced to fight for his life. Tommy is able to prove once and for all that his will to live is stronger than any Ranger power.

Tommy used up the remainder of his Dino Gem energy in the final battle against Mesogog. He later goes on to continue teaching and plans to live the quiet life. In 20 years, S.P.D. cadets will have read all about him at the Academy.