I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Growing up in the 90s, it was hard not to be captivated by their colorful spandex suits and epic battles against evil. But as I delved deeper into the history of this iconic series, I found myself both awestruck and heartbroken.
In the 1990s, few TV shows aimed at younger viewers made a cultural imprint as profound as the original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” While it utilized footage from the Japanese “Super Sentai” series by Toei Company (a fact only die-hard Sentai warriors might recognize), Saban Entertainment created an entirely new narrative about a group of six “teenagers with attitude,” who were fated to protect the world. “Power Rangers” exploded onto the global scene, giving rise not just to 30 distinct TV seasons altogether, but also numerous movies, video games, comic books, and action figures. Yet, nothing can surpass the original series, even if it harbors some unsettling truths of its own.
Discussing the private lives of the actors, backstage turmoil, or off-camera scandals, there is a wealth of information you may not have been aware of regarding the original series and its stars. As the Power Rangers battled for our world on Saturday mornings, there was an abundance of personal events happening in the lives of each cast member that were unknown to us at the time. Indeed, even a show centered around heroes like the Power Rangers harbored its own dark secrets, and here are some intriguing facts from their pasts (and occasionally present) that you likely weren’t aware of regarding “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
The show’s title got the heroes banned in Malaysia
Back in the day, it was quite common to think that the reason “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” wasn’t aired in Malaysia was due to its violent content. However, this wasn’t the case. Instead, as reported by CNN back in 1995, the real culprit was a seemingly innocuous word in the “Morphin.” You see, fans like me know that “morphin” is simply a term for the transformation these teenagers undergo from everyday life in Angel Grove to super-powered heroes. But alas, Malaysia didn’t view it that way.
It seems that the name “morphin” was too similar to morphine, which caused concerns, possibly justifiably so. Initially, the country decided not to air the show at all. However, they later agreed to broadcast it, with a condition: the word “morphin” had to be removed entirely from the series. It’s uncertain if every episode needed this change (given its frequent use, that would be quite an effort), but Malaysia allowed the showing of “Power Rangers” as long as viewers didn’t interpret the children’s show as promoting drug use.
Thuy Trang died at only 27 years old
As a die-hard Power Rangers fan, I can’t help but reflect on the poignant loss we felt when the original Yellow Ranger, Thuy Trang, left us too soon. In the early seasons, she breathed life into Trini Kwan, a character who combined brains with athleticism and was graced with the powers of the saber-toothed tiger as the Yellow Ranger. Trini was there since day one, shining brightly among the original cast. From 1993 to 1994, she starred in an impressive 80 episodes of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” before taking a step back from the series. Regrettably, her appearances were limited to just two more projects, “Spy Hard” and “The Crow: City of Angels,” before she decided to part ways with acting altogether.
Sadly, after her tragic car accident in 2001 at just 27 years old, Thuy Trang didn’t participate in any other projects. Known for her role as the Yellow Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” she left an indelible mark on many. Walter Emanuel Jones (the original Black Ranger) once said to Entertainment Weekly that she was taken from us far too soon, and that she had so much more to offer. He fondly recalled her kindness to others, particularly her special connection with children. Her vibrant energy and warm smile created a sense of safety around her. At her funeral service, Amy Jo Johnson (Pink Ranger) and David Yost (Blue Ranger) paid their respects, with the former delivering a eulogy. The episode “Circuit Unsure” from “Power Rangers Time Force” was dedicated in her memory.
In the year 2023, Yost and Jones came together with several of their old cast members for the 30th anniversary project, titled “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always.” This hour-long special was a fitting homage to Thuy Trang, who played Trini Kwan. The storyline primarily revolved around Minh Kwan (Charlize “Charlie” Kersh), the daughter of Trini Kwan, inheriting her mother’s Yellow Ranger role.
Austin St. John and Walter Emanuel Jones threw wild Hollywood frat parties
If you’ve ever dreamed about hanging out with the Power Rangers, it might have been a possibility if you lived in Los Angeles during the mid-90s. As stated by Walter Emanuel Jones in an interview with The Huffington Post in 2014, he and his roommate/co-star Austin St. John (the original Red Ranger) frequently hosted wild Hollywood parties featuring pool tables, trampolines, a massive Burmese python, and lots of fun. On some occasions, they’d come back home to find about 150 people (mostly strangers) in their Glendale, California residence.
David Yost referred to these gatherings as feeling more like a “rowdy fraternity house,” yet acknowledged they were the source of the most intriguing anecdotes. “We had some parties that were truly enormous,” St. John added. “Without fail, someone would dial 911, and a helicopter would appear, shining a spotlight on our backyard where we had set up a volleyball court.” It’s safe to say these shindigs were much more grandiose than your typical college party. These monthly events, as described, seem to resemble scenes from “Blue Mountain State” rather than “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” but that’s just the nature of show business.
The original Yellow Ranger left due to a contract dispute
Initially, Audri Dubois, not Thuy Trang, was cast as the Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan, in the early attempts to create a “Power Rangers” pilot for Fox Kids. However, before it was known as “Power Rangers,” the audition was named “Dino Rangers.” In an interview with Galactic Productions in 2018 (via YouTube), Dubois shared that her original characterization of Trini was timid and unable to fight effectively. But everything shifted when she showcased her impressive karate skills during auditions, as she held a black belt in martial arts at the time.
Originally, Dubois was deeply rooted in her character but decided against reprising her role for the series, leading to a recasting and reshooting of the first episode. At that time, she was uncertain about her acting aspirations, unwilling to disrupt her life for the opportunity. Unfortunately, she left the show without bidding farewell to the new companions she had made during filming the pilot, a decision that lingers regretfully in her mind even today. Reflecting on the situation, Dubois said, “Learning about my departure from someone else was not pleasant. I wish I could have handled it differently.” Perhaps one day, Dubois will get another chance to step back into the world of “Power Rangers.
David Yost left Power Rangers due to homophobia
For quite a while, fans have pondered why David Yost, the original Blue Ranger in the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series (during the “Power Rangers Zeo” era), decided to leave the show. In an interview with No Pink Spandex in 2010, Yost, a former “MMPR” cast member, revealed that he chose to walk off the set one day during lunchtime, right in the middle of filming. His reason? He had been called derogatory names related to his sexual orientation too many times by the writers, producers, and directors on set. Eventually, Yost felt it was time to stand up for himself.
He went on to express that continuing in such an environment was extremely challenging for him, as he felt the atmosphere suggested he couldn’t be openly gay and maintain his superhero persona. Essentially, he likened it to being trapped in a troubled marriage with numerous problems. Leaving “Power Rangers” provided him with the chance to regain control over his personal life and address his mental health concerns. For many years, Yost chose not to reconnect with the franchise, declining offers for specials or guest appearances until the 2023 Netflix reunion special, titled “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always.” After reuniting, he took on a mentorship role in the main cast of “Power Rangers Cosmic Fury” – the final season of the “Power Rangers Dino Fury” saga – guiding the new crop of heroes.
Austin St. John got in trouble for fraud
During their roles as Power Rangers on TV, it’s important to note that not all cast members led exemplary lives off-screen. For instance, Austin St. John, who played the original Red Ranger, Jason Lee Scott, since the series debuted in 1993, has faced some legal issues following his time with a morpher. In 2022, St. John (originally named Jason Geiger) was apprehended for fraud involving the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, having received over $400,000 in loans. In May 2024, he was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. However, this isn’t the only scandal that has touched the original Red Ranger.
In that same year, St. John faced criticism from his ex-cast member Amy Jo Johnson concerning a clothing brand he introduced, which had taken quotes from various historical figures, including Adolf Hitler. On X, she commented, “Rogue Red Ranger takes on a whole new interpretation,” after St. John referred to Hitler as a “demon on steroids” with “some impressive one-liners” during an episode of the “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings” podcast. Fortunately, when the Warrior line (later renamed Wise Leader) debuted in April 2024, there were no Hitler quotes present. Instead, Wise Leader showcases only inspirational historical figures, as well as some of the actor’s personal idols, such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris.
Original Green Ranger Jason David Frank died of suicide
Fans who have followed “Power Rangers” for a long time generally concur that among all the rangers featured throughout the series, none are as remarkable as Tommy Oliver. Initially portrayed by Jason David Frank as the Green Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” he later transformed into the White Ranger, Red Ranger, and Black Ranger during his tenure with the franchise. He was the original team’s secret weapon, eventually rising to become their leader, and eventually assumed a mentor role for future generations of Power Rangers. Over the course of the series, Frank appeared as Tommy in more than 200 episodes, with his final appearance in 2018 marking the 25th anniversary in the “Power Rangers Ninja Steel” episode titled “Dimensions in Peril.
As a die-hard Power Rangers fan, there wasn’t a moment more painful than the untimely demise of Jason David Frank in 2022. The actor sadly took his own life, leaving behind his beloved wife and daughter who were left to grapple with his battle against mental health issues. Tammie Frank, his wife, poignantly shared with People Magazine that “Jason was a good man, but he had his struggles too.” She emphasized, “He was human, just like the rest of us.” Despite not being part of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” 30th anniversary reunion special (which was filmed before his passing), it was a tribute dedicated to both him and Thuy Trang’s memory.
In the BOOM! Studios comic book titled “Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon”, Tommy Oliver’s story finds its conclusion, a narrative that Frank himself helped co-create. Originally set for release in 2024, Frank’s swansong live-action performance in the “Power Rangers”-inspired movie “Legend of the White Dragon” was postponed due to delays during post-production.
Contract disputes led to three main characters exiting the show
Initially, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” featured five teenagers known for their bold personalities. However, the franchise expanded well beyond the initial heroes who initially captured fans’ hearts. This expansion was particularly evident in the two-part episode titled “The Power Transfer,” which marked a significant shift in the show towards the end of its second season.
In 2014, St. John expressed to The Huffington Post that he could have earned a similar amount working at McDonalds during the first season of the show. He felt disheartened, upset, and angry about the situation. Regrettably, there wasn’t much the main cast members could do to change it, despite their attempts. Jones stated, “After two seasons, we believed we deserved union status for our show.” As a result, three of them took on the task of negotiations, while three others continued with the program. However, St. John, Trang, and Jones decided to leave the original “MMPR” series after the power shift, and they did not return to it again.
The show had pretty poor working conditions
But why did it matter that “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” was a non-union series? Surely these highly popular superheroes were taken care of, right? Well, no. As it turns out, starring on “Power Rangers” meant dealing with some pretty undesirable working conditions, mainly concerning compensation. The cast struggled to earn a living wage while working on the show, despite filming 40 episodes before the series even aired. The pay was so bad that Austin St. John was even forced to live in his car for a time after he left the series. Even before that, he couldn’t afford a place of his own. “Walter [Jones] and several of the stunt guys, we moved into the same house to try and save money because we weren’t paid well at all,” the actor told Entertainment Weekly in 2018.
In a 2012 interview with No Pink Spandex, Amy Jo Johnson shared an interesting fact. She disclosed that they were earning approximately $600 per week at most and didn’t receive any residuals for their work. Reflecting upon this, she wondered if the cast might have acted collectively. She mused about what could have happened if they had formed a union. However, despite the series ultimately uniting under a union later on, it was already too late for the initial cast. Unfortunately, this was true not only for the original Power Rangers cast but for every subsequent one as well. This accounts for the varying cast members in each “Power Rangers” series, a trend that lasted throughout its 30 years on air.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was too violent for some countries
In the mid-90s, Power Rangers merchandise was extremely popular, but the show itself received criticism from some parents who felt it was excessively violent for children. An article published in The New York Times in 1994 quoted a concerned parent stating that the series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” seemed to promote the idea that violence is a normal part of life and an effective solution to problems. Remarkably, 25% of the show consisted of violent action scenes, which led the Canadian channel YTV to stop airing Power Rangers. It wasn’t just Canada; other countries also expressed concerns about this topic that was generating controversy at the time.
In Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the TV series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” was taken off the air following a tragic incident that had no connection to the show itself, where a young girl lost her life. The same year, The Los Angeles Times reported on a study suggesting that watching “Power Rangers” might encourage children to bully their playmates with karate kicks and aggressive shoves. The study found that kids who watched the series were six times more likely to resort to violence when faced with conflict. As Professor Chris Boyatzis, who oversaw the study, explained, one concerning aspect of media violence is that it provides children with fresh concepts on how to behave aggressively and violently.
Of course, let’s not forget that around the same time, other Fox Kids programs such as “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “X-Men: The Animated Series” were just as popular. Still, the “Power Rangers” survived, despite protests from some, and has since built a 30-year legacy that stands strong on its own. Violent or not, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” is a hit, and there’s a reason fans continue to support this monumental series.
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2024-12-16 23:01