Very few people can say that they had a hand in changing a kid’s life, and actor Walter Emmanuel Jones can safely say that he is one of the people who changed kids’ lives everywhere. Most notably known as Zack Taylor, the Black Ranger, from television’s ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,’ Walter jumped, flipped, kicked and punched his way into the hearts of kids every day, both martial artists and couch potatoes alike, and even inspired the latter to study martial arts.
Since he left the show, Walter has gone on to do voiceovers for the MMPR franchise, which is now celebrating its 20-year anniversary, and has guest-starred on other shows including ‘Cold Case,’ ‘Brink,’ and others. Walter is also a trained dancer, and has been heating up dance floors as a world-champion salsa dancer.
Walter took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.
So it’s been 20 years since the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers premiered. How are you feeling about that?
It’s a bit surreal, how did so much time pass by? It’s pretty amazing to be an originator of something that has stood the test of time. I am especially grateful that it has had such a positive effect on people. I have heard from many people that they were inspired to dance, study martial arts, create more multicultural friendships, and even become rocket scientists from watching the show. So I’m feeling pretty good about it!
Was the Power Rangers your first acting gig?
It was my first television show but I’d been working as an actor in live theater.
How did you get the part?
I auditioned against a huge selection of other actors and walked away as the clear choice for the part. That’s the way that [MMPR writer] Tony Oliver tells the story. I could act, dance, do martial arts and tumble. Just what Zordon ordered!
What was the best part about being on the show?
The best part is the effect it allows me to have on people. It’s amazing to make a person’s day by being naturally nice. I get to make someone’s day daily!
Okay, we have to know — did any of the characters hook up outside of the show?
Oh yeah! We hooked up all the time – But to do stuff like sky diving, rafting, gymnastics practice and acting lessons. Thought you got something juicy, huh?
Well, sort of, yeah. Did being on television or being a Power Ranger help with the ladies?
I think being on television raised the level of my confidence and in turn, made me more attractive. I did not start walking up to women saying cheesy lines like ‘I can be your Super Hero’… Ok maybe twice.
Do you still keep up with any of your old cast mates? We heard that you’re still pretty close to Austin St. John, who played the Red Ranger.
Yeah, I speak with everyone from time to time but there was a long period where there was no contact between David, Amy, Jason and I. Austin is often in and out of the country but we have been in touch more often than the others over the years.
Did you think that it was weird that they gave the part of the Black Ranger to a black guy?
We always did. Not trying to say anything about the producers, but come on! It’s always been a point of curiosity! The weirdest part is trying to explain to people not familiar with the show; what I mean when I say ‘I was the Black Ranger.’ My understanding is that the colour thing was coincidental.
Did you keep anything from the show, like your costume or Power Morpher?
I have a few things, they are random. No suit or helmet or Morpher. I have the skateboard from the pilot! And a few other things.
How do you think the new Power Rangers versions compare to the original?
I think nothing beats the originals and, it’s likely because, since the originals, the producers have only focused on selling toys.
What do you miss about being on the show?
The fight scenes! I loved the challenge of creating my own fighting style of Hip Hop Kido!
Do people still recognize you as the Black Ranger?
Daily! Sometimes from my work on shows like The Shield, Brink, Space Cases and others.
You know, we think that the Power Rangers helped to increase the popularity of martial arts a lot. What do you think?
I think it did, and it makes me proud! Isn’t that awesome? There are a lot of bullies getting taught a lesson when they think someone looks like a victim. Oops! Note to bullies – There is a look of calm confidence that martial artists often have that warns you to walk away before you get hurt.
What martial arts style did you originally study?
Isshinryu. A Korean style.
So was it your idea to call your fighting style on the show ‘Hip Hop Ki-Do,’ or was that the producer’s idea?
That was a producer choice. A stereotype that I think worked well for my character to stand apart from all the others in the 20-year history. Hip Hop is still very prevalent in American culture.
Do you still train at all? You seem like you’re still keeping in shape.
I do, not as hard but I continue to learn. I have been taking Brazilian Ju Jitsu with Steve Cardenas. One of the former Red Rangers.
Who is your favourite Power Ranger?
I have to say the Zackman! But on the quiet tip, Jason David Frank had the best-written Ranger of all. He got to change colours, and had his own Dragon Zord. I have a little bit of Ranger envy.
Before you take off, do you have anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Thank you all for continuing to support me in all my endeavours. Stay in touch! Follow me on Twitter @WalterEJones, Instagram at @WalterEJones, and like my Facebook Fan Page at Walter Emanuel Jones.
If you want to read the entire interview with Walter Jones, pick up a copy of the June 2013 issue of Chulo Magazine!
