I didn't like his attitude in recent years and fans has been divisive regards to him as actor and Tommy for being overrated.
Despite my apathy towards him, it still doesn't change the fact his character was important for franchise, and this news hit me hard.
"Dimensions in Danger" (Ninja Steel) was nice sendoff to his character, even though it was too Tommy centric episode.
Tommy is the face of the franchise. I don't know why anybody in the community would debate that. He is the best power ranger. It's so hard to have an actor be that devoted to a brand that isn't really popular. I don't think PR would be around today if JDF wasn't casted. He's the only actor that truly embraced the role and the brand throughout his life. PR is his career.
For fans to hate on him for developing an ego. If you were famous and you had fans come up to you countless times, telling how great you are and how you're the best. Wouldn't those words get to you and make you more egotistical and self-centered?
I feel that fans deserve some of the blame on this too. Those hateful/troll comments got to JDF for sure. He didn't show it but I'm sure he was hurt on the inside. It's one of the reasons why I'm not too fond of the PR community.
Tommy was never overrated. JDF reprised his role so many times and was willingly to do so because he enjoyed it. Dimensions in Danger was a one-off and for a crossover episode it was fine to be about Tommy. He deserved that.
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I have mines. I never understood the heat that JDF had. Especially when Austin St. John quite possibly will go to prison for a federal crime. Nobody is perfect, we're all human and make mistakes.