Actress Catherine Sutherland, best known for her role as the Pink Power Ranger, is one of Franklin’s newest residents. After 27 years in California, she and her family moved in July 2022 seeking a more calm and community-oriented lifestyle. “We wanted a new experience, we really felt like God called us here,” she says. “All the doors opened and we absolutely love it.”
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, Sutherland developed an interest in acting at a young age. She attended performing arts school and in addition to academics was trained in singing, theater, dancing and music. She even took the stage at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. After graduation, she continued acting and modeling. She signed with an agent, who helped her land an audition for a television show which was being filmed in America. “I was only 20 years old and hadn’t been working very long,” she recalls, adding that she had never heard of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers at the time. Sutherland got the part of “Kat” and moved to the United States. “My whole life got shifted in a new direction,” she says.
Today she remains active with the still-thriving franchise, including appearing in the new Netflix film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always which was released in April in honor of the show’s 30th anniversary.
She took a hiatus from entertainment for a few years following her departure from the show, but soon was drawn back in. “When I was a new mom, I had taken a break from the industry,” she says. “But in 2009, I got invited to the Anime Expo convention in Los Angeles. There were thousands of people there to see us and I was amazed. That was the beginning of me stepping into the convention scene. Since then, I have traveled all over the world. It always fascinates me that this kids show has made such an impact on so many people. I love the opportunity to bring joy to people and hear their stories.”
In addition to appearing on the fan convention circuit, Sutherland and her friend and fellow Power Ranger, Nakia Burrise, have their own YouTube channel. On "Power Rangers Playback," they rewatch episodes and give an insider look at the series. “When the pandemic hit and we couldn’t go to conventions, we poured ourselves into the YouTube series because we wanted our fans to still have a sense of community with each other and with us. "Power Rangers Playback" has been really rewarding. It’s been fun to give back to our fans because they give so much to us.”
At home, Sutherland is a busy wife and mother to two teenagers, and is grateful to balance that with her career. She has also written a children’s book, worked on an animated series and is hired frequently for voiceovers. “I think it’s good for kids to see their moms doing things for themselves. It’s been a real gift to be part of the franchise that is still going after 30 years. It has brought a lot of joy to a lot of people including myself."
“When I moved to Franklin, I felt like I’d come home,” she sums. “There’s something about this area that reminds me of where I grew up. I don’t know if it’s the community part of it, or how relaxed people are. And I’ve spoken to other Aussies who’ve said the same thing.”