Phillip Andrew, the 48-year-old actor known for playing Merrick Baliton, aka Lunar Wolf Ranger, in the 2002 series Power Rangers Wild Force, has undergone emergency surgery after suffering a serious brain injury. His agent, Christian Ingram, confirmed the news and said the actor is now awake and showing encouraging signs of improvement.
Agent Confirms Surgery and Recovery
Ingram, speaking via Andrew's Instagram, had earlier announced that the actor had experienced a "medical emergency" and would be cancelling his upcoming appearances. In a new update, Ingram said: "Phillip suffered a serious brain injury that required emergency surgery. We are grateful to share that Phillip is now awake and showing encouraging signs of improvement."
Ingram added: "While this is a positive step forward, Phillip still has a long road ahead of him. We ask that fans, friends and colleagues continue to keep him and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as he navigates this difficult time." The agent also asked for the family's privacy to be respected while expressing appreciation for the "overwhelming love, support and prayers during this incredibly challenging time."
Fellow Rangers Show Support
Several other Power Rangers stars shared messages of support in the comments. Sasha Craig, who played Kelsey Winslow in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, said she hoped Andrew "heals up fast". Jessica Rey, who played Alyssa Enrile alongside Andrew in Wild Force, wrote: "Praise the Lord. Praying daily for you, brother." Karan Ashley from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers commented with three yellow hearts.
Andrew appeared in 40 episodes of Wild Force during its single season. His character, Merrick, was an ancient warrior from the lost world of Animaria who was transformed into an Org and imprisoned. Merrick is freed by the teenage Rangers, including Rey's Alyssa, who are recruited by Princess Shayla (Ann Marie Crouch) to become the next group of Power Rangers, and he joins them in their fight against the Orgs.
Life After Wild Force
Andrew appears to have retired from acting shortly after his role as Merrick. His most recent credit dates from 2006, when he appeared as a mugger in the sitcom What I Like About You. He has stayed connected with fans by appearing at conventions across the US.
Power Rangers began as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993 and has spawned many iterations across television and film. Several original actors have since left acting, including David Yost, who played the Blue Power Ranger and is now a producer involved with Temptation Island and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Austin St. John, the Red Power Ranger, moved into teaching martial arts and earned a sports science degree from Concordia University, while Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Power Ranger, continued acting and also released three albums.
