Jason David Frank arrives at Funimation Films' Premiere of ‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ on December 13, 2018.Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty
Jason David Frank’s daughter Jenna paid tribute to her late father atSan Diego Comic-Conon Saturday.
Director, producer, and star Aaron Schoenke and producers Sean Schoenke and Chris Jay were also on hand to pay tribute to the late actor.
Before the event, a green Power Ranger helmet was displayed on stage and a chair remained empty for the duration of the panel. Aaron explained, “I want to leave that chair open for Jason,” as fans cheered and screamed “We love you, Jason” and “He’s our hero,” according toEntertainment Weekly.
Jenna later wiped tears away while watching a clip of her dad and his onscreen father (Michael Madsen). She later toldEW, “It was definitely emotional. It sort of hit me in my soul.”
She added: “I’m just so proud of my dad more than anything. He was my best friend — he was my hero."
Green Power Ranger helmet at Comic Con.PATRICK GOMEZ
PATRICK GOMEZ
Aaron commended the late actor for putting “so much of himself into this film.”
“He was really great about living his truth through his art, and this film is really about [how] it’s okay for superheroes to ask for help,” he explained. “A lot of people are dealing with a lot of anxiety and trauma and mental issues and he wanted to discuss this in his film — just as he did in his real life.”
He continued: “He always wanted to give so much [to his fans.] I always say, ‘He gave away so much, I worry that he didn’t save enough for himself.’ But he really wanted to put out that message through this film — that it’s okay to ask for help."
Jenna, who stars alongside her father in the film, told the outlet that she experienced “a lot of emotions” during the panel, adding, “It felt bitter and sweet.”
Actress Jenna Frank attends the community screening for Donnie Yen’s “SAKRA”.Paul Archuleta/Getty
Paul Archuleta/Getty
The actress also said that hearing fans’ memories of her dad about during the panel’s Q&A session made her feel “not alone."
“Whenever you feel alone, that’s when bad energy wants to swoop in, and you just have to make sure you surround yourself with good people — and this felt like being with family,” she said. “It’s weird to understand the whole fame thing behind a parent. But it’s crazy to see the impact it had on people.”
The actress, who also plays her father’s on-screen daughter in the film, recalled the joy of working with Jason, sharing, “Every time me and my dad would look at each other, we’d start laughing. We’re just goofy. But whenever we really got the stuff together, I was like, ‘This is just amazing.’ It was so raw. I was like, ‘That’s my actual dad.'"
Shortly after his death, Jennapaid tributeto her dad on Instagram alongside a throwback of the father-daughter duo. “I never thought i would see this day ..especially not this soon 💔You are more than my dad , You are my Best friend," she wrote.
“We did everything together Literally , we traveled the world ,we laughed together, cried together . I am so so broken💔” she shared. “i miss you, I miss you , i miss you . I can’t eat i can’t sleep i just want you here . I love you more than i could ever describe You are the light of my world. The reason why i push so hard .”
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She concluded, “You have taught me so many things . You have touched and healed so many people . The whole world loves you . To see the impact the had on the world makes me the happiest person ever . You are now my biggest guardian Angel . we love you pops until we meet again.”
source: people.com
