Peta Rutter was a New Zealand actress who played Udonna, the White Mystic Ranger, in Power Rangers Mystic Force. She was also the oldest actress to have a part as a Ranger in any season. Sadly, she passed away in 2010 from complications of a brain tumor, leaving behind a legacy of courage and kindness.
Who was Peta Rutter?
Peta Rutter was born on December 31, 1959, in New Zealand. She started her acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various TV shows and films, such as The Silent One, The Ray Bradbury Theater, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She also had a background in theater, performing in plays like Macbeth, The Crucible, and The Cherry Orchard.
In 2006, she landed the role of Udonna, the White Mystic Ranger and the mentor of the Mystic Force Power Rangers. She was the first female mentor in the franchise, and the first female Ranger to be older than the rest of the team. She portrayed Udonna as a wise, powerful, and compassionate leader, who guided the Rangers in their fight against the evil forces of the Underworld.
How did Peta Rutter die?
In July 2010, Peta Rutter died from complications of a brain tumor at age 50, only two weeks after her diagnosis, making her the second actor to portray a Power Ranger to pass after Thuy Trang, who played the original Yellow Ranger. According to Looper, her former co-stars were devastated by the news of her death, and remembered her as a talented and generous person.
David Yost, who played the original Blue Ranger, said: “I admired her and her family’s strength to rebuild their lives here. I’ll always remember her great laugh and infectious smile.” Walter Emanuel Jones, who played the original Black Ranger, said: “She was way too young and had so much more to share with the world.”
What is Peta Rutter’s legacy?
Peta Rutter’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her fans, friends, and family. She is remembered as a beloved actress, who brought joy and inspiration to many people through her work. She is also remembered as a brave and kind woman, who faced her illness with dignity and grace.
Her role as Udonna is still regarded as one of the most iconic and influential in the Power Rangers history, as she broke the stereotypes of female Rangers and mentors, and showed that age and gender are not barriers to being a hero. She also paved the way for more female mentors and Rangers in the future seasons, such as Jen Scotts, the Pink Time Force Ranger, and Gia Moran, the Yellow Megaforce Ranger.
Peta Rutter’s cause of death was a tragic and unexpected event, but her spirit and legacy will never die. She will always be remembered as the White Mystic Ranger, who taught us to believe in magic and ourselves.
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