Power Rangers isn’t just a show — it’s a cultural phenomenon. For over three decades, it’s captivated both kids and nostalgic adults, each generation connecting with its own version of color-coded heroes. But while the franchise symbolizes teamwork and heroism, its real-life history tells a far darker story.
Behind the vibrant suits and explosive battles lies a series of real-world tragedies, low wages, and unsettling rumors — enough for fans to speculate that the franchise might be cursed. Whether or not you believe in curses, the evidence is undeniably disturbing.
Shockingly Low Pay for the Original Cast
The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast was paid as little as $600–$730 per week — despite working grueling hours and risking injury in action scenes. Austin St. John (Red Ranger), Walter Emanuel Jones (Black Ranger), Amy Jo Johnson (Pink Ranger), Thuy Trang (Yellow Ranger), and David Yost (Blue Ranger) received no royalties and had no rights to their likenesses.
St. John once admitted, “I could have worked a window at McDonald’s and probably made the same money the first season.”
Homophobia and Hostile Work Culture
David Yost, the original Blue Ranger, left the show after enduring homophobic slurs from the production crew. He later revealed the emotional trauma drove him to undergo conversion therapy. Yost claimed producers even asked castmates how they felt about his sexuality, creating a toxic environment.
Tragedy Strikes the Original Power Rangers
Thuy Trang’s death in a 2001 car accident at just 27 marked the first major tragedy. She was supposed to be a bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding.
Other early deaths include:
- Richard Genelle (Ernie): Heart attack at 47.
- Robert L. Manahan (Zordon): Heart aneurysm at 43.
- Machiko Soga (Rita Repulsa): Pancreatic cancer at 68.
While natural, these deaths felt eerily close together, fueling talk of a “Power Rangers curse.”
The Heartbreaking Story of Jason David Frank
Jason David Frank, known as the legendary Green and White Ranger, was adored by fans. Yet behind the scenes, he fought lifelong demons — including the trauma of losing his brother, Erik Frank, to suicide in 2001.
Despite his fame, Jason battled personal turmoil and relationship struggles. In 2022, after a night out with his estranged wife, he was found dead in a hotel room, having taken his own life — eerily similar to his brother’s fate.
The Tragic Fall of Pua Magasiva
Pua Magasiva, Red Ranger in Ninja Storm, also succumbed to suicide in 2019. After his death, disturbing details surfaced — including a conviction for domestic assault just 15 days before his passing. His demons ran deep, and sadly, so did the darkness that followed him.
When Heroes Become Criminals
Not all Power Rangers tragedies are deaths. Ricardo Medina Jr., who played the Red Ranger in Wild Force, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 2017 after stabbing his roommate with a medieval sword. He served only three years of a six-year sentence.
Austin St. John, the original Red Ranger, was also indicted in 2022 for CARES Act fraud. In 2024, he accepted a plea deal after admitting to fraudulent loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the Power Rangers Franchise Truly Cursed?
So, is there really a curse? Maybe not in a supernatural sense. But the number of tragedies, crimes, and misfortunes surrounding the cast is undeniably unsettling. Fame, low pay, and the psychological pressure of playing a childhood icon might have created a perfect storm.
The Show Must Go On
Despite everything, Power Rangers still brings joy to millions and continues to evolve. For every tragedy, there are dozens of actors and creators who have lived full, meaningful lives after the show. But it’s important to remember that the heroes we idolized were real people — and real life doesn’t always come with a happy ending.
