Since their debut in 1993, the power Rangers have captured the imagination of generations with their combination of action, adventure and teamwork values. The cultural impact of this 90s classic spread quickly, becoming a global phenomenon. Beyond toys and merchandising, the series left a deep mark on popular culture.
It has been 31 years since the television debut of the power Rangersthe original series of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers featured five teenagers with special abilities chosen to defend the Earth from evil forces. Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Trini and Billy, under the guidance of Zordon and Alpha 5they transformed into powerful warriors dressed in colorful costumes.
This cast of superheroes not only marked the childhood of many nineties children but continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment for new generations. Although many remember these characters with nostalgia, few know what has become of the original actors.
The main actors who starred in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” in its first season were:
- Jason David Frank as Tommy Oliver (Green Ranger)
- Austin St. John as Jason Lee Scott (Red Ranger)
- Thuy Trang as Trini Kwan (Yellow Ranger)
- Walter Emanuel Jones as Zack Taylor (Black Ranger)
- Amy Jo Johnson as Kimberly Ann Hart (Pink Ranger)
- David Yost as Billy Cranston (Blue Ranger)
Austin St. Johnwhose real name is Jason Geiger, played the first Red Power Ranger. St. John left acting after his role in the series and dedicated himself to work as firefighter and paramedic in United States.
Furthermore, it became black belt in taekwondo, judo and kenpo. However, his life was marred by a fraud accusation in 2020 related to a relief fund amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amy Jo Johnsonwho gave life to the Pink Power Rangerremained in the series until the third season and returned for the film “Turbo: A Power Ranger Movie” in 1997. Later, Amy Jo Johnson continued her acting career with roles in series such as ‘Felicity’ and ‘Flashpoint’and also developed a side as a singer and songwriter, releasing several albums.
He Green Power Ranger and later on White, Jason David Frankis another of the most remembered characters, he highlighted Infobae. After his time on the series, Frank dedicated himself to mixed martial arts (MMA) and was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003. Sadly, he took his own life in 2022.
David Yostwho played Blue Power Ranger, left the series after facing harassment for his sexual orientation, revealed by the actor himself. He later moved away from the screen and dedicated himself to producing series and films. The end of his character in the series occurred when “Billy” traveled to another planet to search for a cure for a disease.
Walter Emanuel Jonesthe first Black Power Ranger, left the show after the first season also due to contractual disputes. On different occasions, he was summoned again by the producers, and even provided his voice for some monsters in the series. Later, he moved away from the world of acting and dedicated himself to teaching dance.
Thuy Trangthe Yellow Power Ranger, had a brief but significant run on the series. Originally from Vietnam, her kung-fu skills helped her land the role. Her run lasted 80 episodes from 1993 to 1994. Trang died in a car accident in 2001.
Ricardo Medinawho played Power Ranger in “Power Rangers Wild Force”made international headlines when sentenced to six years in prison for murder from his roommate, Joshua Sutter.
The plot revolves around a group of teenagers who, after being selected by the ancient wise man Zordon, acquire the ability to transform into the Power Rangers. Their mission is to protect the Earth from the evil sorceress Rita Repulsa and her minions, who seek to conquer the planet.
Each Ranger has a distinctively colored suit and special powers, and together they pilot the Zords, enormous robots that can join together to form a giant robot called the Megazord. The series combines live action scenes with choreographed combat sequences and special effects.
The fate of the original actors of ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ It has been diverse. Some found new careers outside of entertainment, others continued in the industry or faced significant personal and legal problems, but thanks to those colorful suits worn 31 years ago, they will always be fondly remembered in the collective memory of a generation.
