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- THEN AND NOW: The original cast of 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' 30 years later
THEN AND NOW: The original cast of 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' 30 years later
Ayomikun Adekaiyero  Â
![THEN AND NOW: The original cast of 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' 30 years later](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-99620606%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-52250%2Fthen-and-now-the-original-cast-of-aposmighty-morphin-power-rangersapos-30-years-later.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- The 30th-anniversary special episode of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" is now streaming on Netflix.
- The series brings back two of the stars from the original first "Power Ranger" series.
Austin St. John played the first Red Ranger, Jason Lee Scott.
![Austin St. John played the first Red Ranger, Jason Lee Scott.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620777,width-700,height-525,imgsize-31088/austin-st-john-played-the-first-red-ranger-jason-lee-scott-.jpg)
The first Power Rangers team was led by Jason Lee Scott, a martial arts teacher and high school student.
In the opening episode, Jason and his friends are chosen to become Power Rangers to help fight evil and protect Earth.
Austin St. John was only 18 when he was cast in the lead role. He continued to portray Jason in the first two seasons of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." In addition, St. John reprised his role in the 1997 "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie" and the 1990s series "Power Rangers Zeo."
St. John told The BOP in 2014 that he and his costars Thuy Trang and Walter Emanuel Jones left the series because the show's producers refused to give them higher pay after the series became a financial success.
Austin St. John took a hiatus from acting to become a medic in the Middle East.
![Austin St. John took a hiatus from acting to become a medic in the Middle East.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620775,width-700,height-525,imgsize-583136/austin-st-john-took-a-hiatus-from-acting-to-become-a-medic-in-the-middle-east-.jpg)
After making a cameo in the 2002 series "Power Rangers Wild Force," St. John took a step back from acting.
According to the "Power Rangers" star's biography on his website, St. John took a "20-year hiatus" to work with the fire department and spent four years as a medic in the Middle East. His bio also states he has three children.
Since returning to acting, St. John has appeared in several movies and games and made a cameo in "Power Rangers Beast Morphers."
He has also published a post-apocalyptic comic book series inspired by the years he spent in the Middle East.
Last year, St. John was arrested during an FBI raid of his home over allegations of a $3.5 million COVID-related wire fraud scheme. The actor was one of 18 people named in a federal indictment who were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Texas.
David Klaudt, St. John's lawyer, told NBC News in May 2022 that his client had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
"An indictment is not evidence of guilt," the attorney said in the statement. "All defendants are presumed innocent and Mr. St. John intends to vigorously defend himself against this allegation."
David Yost played the first Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston.
![David Yost played the first Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620769,width-700,height-525,imgsize-30656/david-yost-played-the-first-blue-ranger-billy-cranston-.jpg)
David Yost played Billy Cranston, an insecure nerd who became the first Blue Ranger in the franchise. Yost stayed on for three seasons and also reprised his role in "Power Rangers Zeo."
David Yost reprises his role as Billy Cranston in the "Power Rangers" reunion special.
![David Yost reprises his role as Billy Cranston in the "Power Rangers" reunion special.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620768,width-700,height-525,imgsize-42994/david-yost-reprises-his-role-as-billy-cranston-in-the-quotpower-rangersquot-reunion-special-.jpg)
After leaving "Power Rangers," Yost began to work behind the scenes, becoming a producer on multiple movies and reality TV series. He was even a segment producer on three episodes of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
In 2010, Yost came out as gay during an interview with No Pink Spandex at the Anime Festival in Orlando.
The actor alleged that he walked off set one day because he was called the homophobic F-slur "one too many times."
"I had just heard that several times while working on the show from creators, producers, writers, directors," He said. "Basically I just felt like I was continually being told I was not worthy of being where I am because I'm a gay person. And I'm not supposed to be an actor. And I'm not a superhero."
He added: "I know that my costars were called in a couple times to different producers' offices and questioned about my sexuality, which is kind of a humiliating experience to hear that and to find that out."
One of the producers of the show, Scott Page-Pagter, told TMZ in 2010 that Yost's departure was about not getting paid his bonus.
Yost said that he underwent conversion therapy after leaving the show but this drove him to a nervous breakdown. He was hospitalized for five weeks and then moved to Mexico, where he learned to accept his sexuality.
Yost has also made a recent return to acting, reprising his role as Billy Cranston in "Power Rangers: Dino Fury" and in Netflix's 30th-anniversary special episode, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always."
He has also made a clothing line based on the series.
Amy Jo Johnson played the first Pink Ranger, Kimberly Ann Hart.
![Amy Jo Johnson played the first Pink Ranger, Kimberly Ann Hart.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620764,width-700,height-525,imgsize-32658/amy-jo-johnson-played-the-first-pink-ranger-kimberly-ann-hart-.jpg)
Kimberly Ann Hart was the first Pink Power Ranger in the series. Kimberly was a gymnast who also had musical and artistic talent.
The high school student with attitude was portrayed by Amy Jo Johnson in all three seasons of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." She also appeared in the 1997 "Turbo" movie.
Amy Jo Johnson pursued other acting roles after leaving "Power Rangers."
![Amy Jo Johnson pursued other acting roles after leaving "Power Rangers."](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620762,width-700,height-525,imgsize-473594/amy-jo-johnson-pursued-other-acting-roles-after-leaving-quotpower-rangers-quot.jpg)
Johnson continued to act after leaving the franchise.
She starred in four seasons of "Felicity," alongside Keri Russell and Scott Speedman.
In 2008, Johnson played the lead role in "Flashpoint." She has also appeared in "ER," "Covert Affairs," and made a cameo role in the 2017 "Power Rangers" movie.
While Johnson will not reprise her role in the anniversary special, she announced last month that she is writing a new comic book series based on the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."
Walter Emanuel Jones played the first Black Ranger, Zack Taylor.
![Walter Emanuel Jones played the first Black Ranger, Zack Taylor.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620758,width-700,height-525,imgsize-28472/walter-emanuel-jones-played-the-first-black-ranger-zack-taylor-.jpg)
The Black Ranger, Zack Taylor, was the prankster of the group and second-in-command of the first Power Rangers team.
The role was Walter Emanuel Jones' big break, though he had already had small roles in "Malcolm X," "White Men Can't Jump" and an episode of "Beverly Hills, 90210."
Jones left the series after season two.
Jones also makes his Power Rangers return in "Once and Always."
![Jones also makes his Power Rangers return in "Once and Always."](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620755,width-700,height-525,imgsize-65204/jones-also-makes-his-power-rangers-return-in-quotonce-and-always-quot.jpg)
While Jones left "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" after two seasons, he has voiced different characters in "Power Rangers Wild Force" and "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy."
In 2023, he also reprises his role as Zack in Netflix's 30th-anniversary special episode "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always."
Outside of "Power Rangers," Jones continued to act but also pursued voice acting for several animated and live-action movies and games including "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2," "Red Dead Redemption," "Step Up: All In" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks."
The Black Ranger actor also played Boomer in the Disney Channel original movie "Brink!"
Jason David Frank played the first Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver.
![Jason David Frank played the first Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620753,width-700,height-525,imgsize-69502/jason-david-frank-played-the-first-green-ranger-tommy-oliver-.jpg)
Jason David Frank joined the cast halfway through its first season as antagonist Tommy Oliver.
Tommy became the Green Ranger, who opposed the other Power Rangers before having a change of heart.
Frank is the longest-serving Ranger among the original cast, appearing in all three seasons of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," and also being a main character in "Power Rangers Zeo," "Power Rangers Turbo," the subsequent "Turbo" movie, and "Power Rangers Dino Thunder."
Frank also made cameos in "Power Rangers Wild Force," "Power Rangers Megaforce," "Power Rangers Hyperforce," "Power Rangers Ninja Steel," and the 2017 "Power Rangers" movie.
Jason David Frank died by suicide in 2022.
![Jason David Frank died by suicide in 2022.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620749,width-700,height-525,imgsize-342954/jason-david-frank-died-by-suicide-in-2022-.jpg)
Last year, Jason David Frank died at the age of 49.
A representative for Frank confirmed his death in a statement to Insider, saying: "He will be truly missed. Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends, and fans very much."
Frank's wife, Tammie Frank, later told People that the actor had died from suicide.
"The truth is, I had no idea that Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he had struggled with mental health issues and depression before, but I could never predict what would happen that night," she said. "All we want is to remember Jason and our happiest memories and move on from the pain of losing a loved one. I only ask for sympathy and understanding during this difficult time."
Outside of "Power Rangers," Frank founded his own martial arts school and developed his own style of karate called Toso Kune Do. The actor also made his debut as an MMA fighter in 2010.
While "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always" was filmed before his death, the episode features a tribute to the actor at the end.
Thuy Trang played the first Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan.
![Thuy Trang played the first Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620744,width-700,height-525,imgsize-30328/thuy-trang-played-the-first-yellow-ranger-trini-kwan-.jpg)
Trini Kwan, the Yellow Ranger, was played by Thuy Trang in the first two seasons of the series. Kwan was a peacemaker who was knowledgeable about maths and science, which allowed her to understand the nerd Billy.
Thuy Trang died in 2001.
![Thuy Trang died in 2001.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620739,width-700,height-525,imgsize-9028/thuy-trang-died-in-2001-.jpg)
After leaving "Power Rangers," Trang only appeared in two movies, "Spy Hard" and "The Crow: City of Angels."
Trang died after a car accident in 2001, at the age of 27. It was reported that Trang was traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles with a friend when they swerved off the road and hit the roadside rock face.
"Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always" addresses what happened to Trang's character and serves as a tribute to the actor.
David J. Fielding and Richard Steven Horvitz were the voices behind Zordon and Alpha 5.
![David J. Fielding and Richard Steven Horvitz were the voices behind Zordon and Alpha 5.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620731,width-700,height-525,imgsize-22418/david-j-fielding-and-richard-steven-horvitz-were-the-voices-behind-zordon-and-alpha-5-.jpg)
The Power Rangers have two main allies in the original series: Zordon, a wise galactic wizard who appears as a giant head, and Alpha 5, a robot.
David J. Fielding played the floating head, while Richard Steven Horvitz was the voice behind the robot.
Fielding was the voice of Zordon in the first season of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," however, they kept using his face in the subsequent seasons but replaced the voice actor.
Horvitz starred in all three seasons of the original "Power Rangers" series, reprised his role in "Power Rangers Zeo" and "Power Rangers Turbo," and voiced other characters in "Power Rangers Time Force," "Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue" and "Power Rangers Wild Force."
David J Fielding is now a writer and Richard Horvitz continues his work as a voice actor.
![David J Fielding is now a writer and Richard Horvitz continues his work as a voice actor.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620705,width-700,height-525,imgsize-68232/david-j-fielding-is-now-a-writer-and-richard-horvitz-continues-his-work-as-a-voice-actor-.jpg)
According to his Twitter bio, Fielding is an author and writer now. The former Zordon actor has published multiple novels and comics.
Meanwhile, Horvitz has been a voice actor in several kids' shows, games, and movies. These include "Invader Zim," "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy," "Ben 10," "The Loud House" and numerous "Ratchet and Clank" games.
Horvitz also voiced the new Alpha 5 robot in Netflix's "Once and Always" 30th-anniversary special.
Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy played high school bullies, Bulk and Skull.
![Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy played high school bullies, Bulk and Skull.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620699,width-700,height-525,imgsize-34270/paul-schrier-and-jason-narvy-played-high-school-bullies-bulk-and-skull-.jpg)
In nearly every episode of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," Bulk and Skull, a pair of high school students, try to bully the main heroes. Often their attempts to show off are thwarted.
Skull, the taller of the two, is played by Jason Narvy, while Paul Schrier played Bulk.
The pair starred in all three seasons of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" and reprised their roles in "Power Rangers Zeo," "Power Rangers Turbo," "Power Rangers in Space," "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy," and "Power Rangers Wild Force."
Schrier also went on to voice other characters in "Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue" and "Power Rangers Time Force."
Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy went their separate ways after "Power Rangers" but have collaborated together since then.
![Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy went their separate ways after "Power Rangers" but have collaborated together since then.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-99620692,width-700,height-525,imgsize-123150/paul-schrier-and-jason-narvy-went-their-separate-ways-after-quotpower-rangersquot-but-have-collaborated-together-since-then-.jpg)
After "Power Rangers," Narvy pursued his education, achieving a Ph.D. in theater in 2010. He also became a theatre professor at Concordia University and East Stroudsburg the University of Pennsylvania. However, he now has returned to acting and producing at Vox Rocket Studio.
Schrier continued to stay in the "Power Rangers" franchise, reprising his role as Bulk in "Power Rangers Samurai," which also featured a cameo from Narvy as Skull. Schrier also played a Power Ranger for the first time in "Power Ranger Hyperforce."
Schrier is also a comic book artist, working on the Image Comics series "The Red Star."
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