'Green Power Ranger' Jason David Frank's Karate Studio Sued For Eviction After His Death
By Mike Walters on June 8, 2023 at 2:45 PM EDT
The Green Power Ranger,Jason David Frank, is being sued for eviction after his karate dojo allegedly stopped paying rent following his death.
According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the Valencia Marketplace filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Courts claiming the karate and martial arts studio hasn't paid rent in months. The marketplace is the location of 'Rising Sun Karate' -- a studio started by the 'Power Rangers' star in 1998.
In the filing, the marketplace says Rising Sun stopped paying rent around November and December of 2002. Unfortunately, this was around the time that Frank died -- November 19, 2022.
Now, the marketplace is sued for eviction, called "unlawful detainer" in California, and is asking a judge for the studio to vacate the premises and pay their back rent.
The facility allegedly owes $47,347 in back rent to the shopping mall.
Following the Power Ranger's death, his partner Sam Sprague went public saying the studio would stay open in the wake of his death. The duo co-founded the facility and said the students and staff were devastated by the loss of Jason. Rising Sun has two locations, one in CA, and one in Texas. The schools teach a technique called Toso Kune Do -- which is a mash-up of several fighting styles created by Jason himself.
As we reported, Jason David Frank died in 2022 as a result of suicide. He is best known for playing Tommy Oliver on the original cast of the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" back in 1993. At the time, the Green Power Ranger was introduced as an enemy of the Power Rangers, but did a complete 180 and joined the forces. He's survived by his four children.
After his death, Walter Jones -- The Black Power Ranger -- addressed the situation, saying, "He was an inspiration to so many people. His presence will be dearly missed. It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family."
Adding, "Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show. He had a wild sense of humor. We had our share of ups and downs but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one. My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him."The legal case is now in front of a judge, who will decide whether or not to remove the karate dojo from the mall. Unfortunately, it will most likely involve someone paying the back rent.
Stay tuned.
