10 Power Ranger Actors Who Passed Away

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re remembering Power Ranger Actors Who Passed Away. For this memorial, we’ll be looking at cast members from this franchise that left us way too soon. Tell us your favorite moment about these actors in the comments below.

Bob Manahan

Zordon became a pivotal part of the series once he spoke during the theme song in the series premiere. The actor who brought him to us was none other than Bob Manahan. Over the course of multiple seasons, the Emmy-winning actor supported and mentored the rangers. His iconic performance not only resonated with Ranger fans, but pretty much anyone who watched TV in the 90s. Manahan’s Zordon was also responsible for some of the franchise’s most legendary moments. After his role in the show had ended, “Power Rangers” fans mourned upon hearing he died due to a heart aneurysm on June 30, 2000. The actor received an onscreen memorial in an episode of “Lightspeed Rescue.” This message confirmed that the series hadn’t forgotten everything Manahan brought to the brand.

Thuy Trang

The very first Yellow Power Ranger left behind an undeniable legacy. Thuy Trang’s Trini was clever, innovative and a great fighter. Behind the scenes, the actress tried to do as many stunts as possible. Trang also broke the mold for Asian representation in American media by appearing on one of the country’s most popular shows. Although she left the show with other rangers due to monetary disputes, the fans never held that against her. Seven years after Trang’s departure, she tragically died in a fatal car crash on September 3, 2001. The outpouring of support that came afterwards just reinforced the idea that Trini, and Thuy Trang, still represented the series’ motto of “once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”

Machiko Soga

Rita Repulsa is a fan favorite villain for a reason. While the witch was sinister, her animated delivery and enthusiasm for evil made her a joy to watch. Machiko Soga’s impeccable physicality turned what could’ve been a one-note character into one of the franchise’s most iconic villains. Her work was so respected that the American production of“Power Rangers” opted to dub over her “Super Sentai” performance whenever possible. If that’s not high enough praise, they even brought her back for a fantastic cameo at the end of “Mystic Force.”After that return, she passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 7, 2006. It’s safe to say no one will forget the first franchise villain ever.

Eddie Albert

It’s no surprise that the Rangers are usually the most popular characters in “Power Rangers.” But Eddie Albert ensured that Mr. Collins was the exception. He started out as the stuck up and business oriented dad of the red ranger. But over time, he began to value family and community more than making a quick buck. Although Collins never picked up a morpher, his fantastic character arc made him memorable. The actor who portrayed him passed away on September 22, 2006. Years later, he’s still fondly remembered as one of the most complex parents in the series.

Richard Genelle

While he may not have ever donned the spandex, “Power Rangers” couldn’t exist without Ernie. Genelle played the gentle and generous Youth Center manager with a real warmth. His presence made the building feel like an unofficial home for the crime-fighting teenagers. During Genelle’s tenure on the show, he appeared in over one hundred episodes of the series. He felt just as much a part of the show’s DNA as the actual Rangers. So, it was a sad yet understandable blow when Genelle left the series in order to focus on his health. On December 30, 2008, Genelle passed away from a heart attack at the age of 47. His warmth and generosity will always be treasured.

Peta Rutter

Peta Rutter stands as one of the oldest actresses to ever serve as a Ranger. However, you definitely assume she was just as young as the other cast members when you saw her in a fight. Rutter showed off some serious moves when she was combating evil. Beyond her combat prowess, Rutter ensured her character’s harrowing journey was handled with care and honesty. After becoming a bonafide fan-favorite, it took everyone by surprise when Rutter tragically passed away on July 20, 2010, just two weeks after a brain tumor diagnosis. This standout heroine was here and gone way too soon.

Grant McFarland

Rangers fans owe a lot to this late thespian. After all, his delightfully bizarre creative choices single handedly turned Lothor into one of the franchise’s best villains. He also pulled double duty by providing the voice of the ranger’s mentor within the same season. McFarland was so beloved that he was brought back years later as a new character that guided the “Samurai” Rangers. The fact McFarland was able to convincingly play two completely different archetypes is a true testament to his craft. His contributions to the franchise simply can’t be overlooked. As a result, Ranger fans all over the world mourned his peaceful passing on November 20, 2018. At 71 years, he left quite the legacy to remember him by.

Pua Magasiva

Pua Magasiva served as the brave leader of the Ninja Storm rangers. Although he didn’t always take his job seriously, he settled into the role as the series went on. Over fifteen years after his tenure as the Ninja Storm Red Ranger, Pua Magasiva’s life ended in a dark place. The actor was charged with committing some very serious crimes against his wife. Two weeks after Magasiva was sentenced, he was found dead on May 11, 2019. Authorities suspect that he may have taken his own life. Although it’s unclear what happened in the end, Magasiva’s sudden passing came as a shock to fans and his family alike.

Robert Axelrod

From the moment Lord Zedd uttered his first line, it was clear he was a threat unlike anything the Rangers had seen before. If you ever trembled at his voice in the past, then you have to give props to Robert Axelrod’s commanding vocal performance. This legendary actor sadly died on September 7, 2019. When the news broke of his passing, fans didn’t just mourn the voice of Zedd. Outside of his role as the intimidating emperor, he also flexed his pipes as plenty of other one-off monsters. Axlerod played everyone from bit monsters to the meek inventor Finster. His legacy in the series lives on through all the characters he brought to life.

Jason David Frank

When he was introduced back in the first season of “Mighty Morphin,” Tommy Oliver was only supposed to stick around a few episodes. Fan demand eventually saw him return for a second stint in the spandex. And then he came back again. And again. And yet again. Over the decades, it became increasingly obvious that Jason David Frank’s Tommy pretty much was “Power Rangers.” His continued relevance in the franchise made his abrupt passing on November 19, 2022 a tough one to stomach. Reportedly, David Frank had been suffering from mental health issues for a long time before his passing. “Power Rangers” will definitely never be the same without the greatest Ranger there ever was.