Fanwork 'Power Rangers: The Audio Drama' Pays Tribute To Jason David Frank
Image Source: Facebook
Ranger nation is still mourning the loss of actor and martial artist Jason David Frank, known for portraying the character of Tommy Oliver, who was the first green ranger and white ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the red ranger in Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo, and the black ranger in Power Rangers Dino Thunder. Frank was beloved by fans not only for his character in the show but also for his appearances on the con circuit as well.
On the Wednesday after his passing, cast, crew, and fans of the fan audio drama Power Rangers: The Audio Drama came together to honor the legacy of the late actor and recorded a podcast in his memory, discussing their thoughts and memories of Jason David Frank. Power Rangers: The Audio Drama is a fan audio drama produced by Scyther Podcasts. It retells the story of the Power Rangers franchise in a tone similar to that of a Marvel or DC movie. The show premiered on November 23rd, 2018 and is currently in its third season. As for myself, I voice Billy Cranston in the series and also participated in the tribute podcast.
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The podcast was hosted by the audio drama’s writer, editor, producer, and director, Karl Dutton. He gave an introduction to the podcast, stating that this is the first time that they covered a celebrity death on the feed (with the only death being covered before being the death of the composer for the audio dramas, Declan Gillgallon). Many fans have followed Jason David Frank not only through his appearances on Power Rangers but also by keeping up with him through his various social media posts and meeting him at conventions, making him feel like a major part of the community. Dutton then passed it over to Joey Sourlis, the voice actor for Tommy Oliver in the audio drama. Sourlis begins by saying how huge of an honor it has been to play the character and then goes on to discuss how he prepared for the role. When he was initially cast, he studied Jason David Frank not only through his appearances within the Power Rangers franchise but also through his vlogs shown as part of the YouTube series My Morphin Life. Sourlis felt that he got to know Frank in a way through these personal videos, and he felt the actor reminded him of his brother. Despite this, he was afraid to approach the actor and reveal that they played the same character, but he now wishes he had. Nonetheless, he and his brother Dom Sourlis strive to portray Tommy “Thunderheart” Oliver and David “Trueheart” Oliver in such a way that honors the legacies of both Jason David and Erik Frank.
Image Source: Personal Photo from Wizard World Richmond 2016
After Joey had finished speaking, it was my turn. I began by talking about how I met Jason David Frank three times (though I misspoke and said two in the podcast) and how he felt a lot like an older brother. As I said in the podcast, he was the first con guest I ever met at my first-ever comic convention. I did not want to believe it was true at first, and if I were to be completely honest, I still don’t. In addition, I mentioned that the first celebrity death that hit me this hard was the death of Davy Jones of The Monkees. I wrapped up my portion by recounting a story from Wizard World Richmond 2016 in which Dragon Ball voice actor Chris Sabat (voice of Vegeta, Piccolo, and others) had given me something to give to Frank, to which he responded by signing a picture of the White Mighty Morphin Power Ranger for Chris.
Image Source: Personal Photo
Next was Jimmy Ace Lewis, the voice of Rocky DeSantos in the series. He had prepared a statement from which he read:
“A hero on camera and off. Inspiration. A true fan of his fans. Fighter, martial artist, professional, and a friend to many. That’s what I think of when I hear the word, ‘Jason.’ He was my older brother’s favorite. He was my uncle’s favorite. He was the favorite of millions and millions of kids around the world who saw him as a hero and a beacon of hope. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Frank, but I’ve worked with close friends and co-workers of his, one of whom I consider a great friend of mine. He told me the kind of man Jason was. He told me he was just the best…He gave him all this career advice and advice on going to conventions and meeting fans and how to be great to your fans…just really gave me an insight into the kind of man that he was, and as an actor, I hope and pray that I get to give back to my fans someday…Jason’s last project that he worked on, that I’m aware of, was The Legend of the White Dragon, and it hasn’t come out yet, but I hope and pray that it is a huge success and that his legend continues. Rest in peace, man. You made a mark on this world. You made a difference. You touched millions of lives.”
Jimmy ended his segment by offering support to anyone listening who might be struggling with depression, saying that he was someone to talk to. Karl went to speak once more, sharing his thoughts regarding the news. He felt Frank’s death came out of left field. Dutton continued by stating that Tommy Oliver was always his favorite, and it was his character that brought him back to the series. Shane Cochran, the voice of Saba and Chad in the series, shared his thoughts on the actor’s passing, stating how Frank has inspired both his portrayal of Saba and Chad. He also stated that it was tragic that his passing came so close after the passing of Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy, stating that it feels like half his childhood is gone. Nonetheless, he encourages others to move forward and for the cast and crew of Power Rangers: The Audio Drama to create something that Jason David Frank would be proud of if he were listening.
Other messages both from the participants of the live recording of the podcast and those who sent in recorded messages followed. Dutton also stated that this event did change some of his plans for the Tommy Oliver character and how he feels this audio drama will carry the mantle of the character and the legacy of Jason David Frank going forward. The mood was solemn and sombre, but it helped give some closure to this tragic event.
Rest in Peace, Jason David Frank. May the power protect you, always.
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Source: Podomatic
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