Hunter Deno

Hunter Deno is an American actress known for portraying Amelia Jones in the Power Rangers television series, specifically as the Pink Ranger in Power Rangers Dino Fury (2021–2022) and the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury (2023). ^[1] She made history as the first permanent female Red Ranger and leader in the franchise's main series. ^[2] Born in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, Deno began her entertainment career at a very young age, booking her first commercial at one year old. ^[3] After gaining experience in modeling and spending time in Atlanta, she committed fully to pursuing acting in television and film. ^[3] Her prominent role in the Power Rangers franchise has established her as a notable figure in children's superhero programming, with her performances contributing to the series' ongoing legacy. ^[1]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Hunter Deno was born Ashley Hunter Denoyelles on August 9, 1995, in Orlando, Florida. She was raised in the Windermere area of Central Florida in a close-knit family environment with her parents and one brother, with the family continuing to reside in the state. The family owns a ranch that includes dogs, a donkey, and over 30 cows. Her interest in the entertainment industry began at a very early age when her mother booked her first commercial on her first birthday, which ignited a lifelong passion for performing. This early experience laid the foundation for her later pursuits in modeling and acting.

Education and early interests

Hunter Deno graduated from West Orange High School as part of the Orange County Public Schools system in Central Florida. ^[4] During her time in school, she participated in cheerleading and volleyball, activities that aligned with her active lifestyle as a typical Central Florida teenager. ^[4] She also developed a longstanding interest in roller coasters, frequently enjoying the attractions at nearby theme parks such as Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, reflecting her love for thrill-seeking experiences in the region. ^[4] Growing up in a family environment that included animals like dogs, a donkey, and numerous cows contributed to her grounded home life in Florida. ^[4] No records indicate pursuit of higher education or formal acting training prior to her later professional pursuits. ^[4]

Career

Early career and modeling

Hunter Deno began her career in the entertainment industry as a model at the age of 16 while living in Orlando, Florida. She later spent time in Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue opportunities in television and film. Her early acting work included a role as Country Girl in the 2012 TV movie Evacuate Earth, credited as Hunter Denoyelles. ^[1] Deno appeared in uncredited roles such as Pope's Girl in Ride Along 2 (2016), photo double for Hailee Steinfeld in Pitch Perfect 3 (2017), Core SBB Sister in Step Sisters (2018), and Dream Waitress in Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020). ^[1] She also had credited roles including Chloe in Caesar's Ring (2018), Alicia Tipton in the short film Trust (2018), Ingrid in Gamer Girls (2018 TV series), Kim in the short Behave, Kids (2019), Milk and Honey Girl in an episode of Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell (2019), and Melodie in an episode of David Makes Man (2019). ^[1] Deno focused on modeling for several years before transitioning to a full-time pursuit of acting roles in television and film. Her interest in performing dated back to childhood, with her first commercial appearance at age 1.

Relocation to Los Angeles and pre-Power Rangers roles

Hunter Deno relocated to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue television and film acting full-time after spending time in Atlanta transitioning from modeling to acting. ^{[1] [4]} She had been training intensively to prepare for professional opportunities in the industry. ^[1] Following her move, she took on small roles in 2021, appearing as Noah Taylor in the film Prom Night and as Beautiful Girl in Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets. ^[1] Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, she landed her breakthrough role as a series regular on Nickelodeon's Power Rangers Dino Fury. ^[1]

Power Rangers Dino Fury

Hunter Deno starred as Amelia Jones, the Pink Dino Fury Ranger, in Power Rangers Dino Fury, serving as a series regular across the show's 44 episodes from 2021 to 2022. Amelia is portrayed as a tough yet optimistic young woman who functions as a positive leader, stepping up to take charge when necessary during battles against the Sporix. ^[5] The series was filmed in New Zealand, where the cast developed a tight-knit bond comparable to family due to the extended time spent together on set. An extended production hiatus prompted by COVID-19 restrictions allowed the cast to travel and explore the South Island during downtime. Deno's role in Dino Fury marked her breakthrough in the industry following her relocation to Los Angeles, providing her entry into the iconic Power Rangers franchise.

Power Rangers Cosmic Fury

Hunter Deno reprised her role as Amelia Jones in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, the 2023 Netflix continuation of Power Rangers Dino Fury, where her character transitioned from Pink Dino Fury Ranger to the Red Cosmic Fury Ranger and leader of the team. ^{[1] [5]} The ten-episode series saw Amelia step into the central leadership position amid the Rangers' cosmic adventures. ^[6] This promotion represented a historic milestone for the franchise, as Amelia became the first female character to serve as the Red Ranger and lead a full Power Rangers series. ^{[7] [8]} The role highlighted evolving representation within the long-running children's superhero program. ^[7] For her performance as Amelia Jones/Red Cosmic Fury Ranger, Hunter Deno received a nomination for Favorite Female TV Star (Kids) at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. ^[9]

Personal life

Interests and activities

Hunter Deno leads an active lifestyle centered around martial arts, regularly practicing kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to maintain fitness and discipline. She enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and beach outings, often spending time in nature or along the coast. ^[10] In her leisure time, Deno indulges in baking and cooking, with a particular affinity for preparing desserts. She remains passionate about roller coasters, an enthusiasm that dates back to her childhood. Deno is fond of animals and continues to maintain close ties to her family ranch in Florida, where she visits relatives and enjoys rural surroundings. As a travel enthusiast, she frequently seeks out new destinations to explore.

Philanthropy

Hunter Deno has volunteered on multiple occasions at Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to provide cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. ^[4] During her visits, she assisted children with hands-on activities such as helping them ride horses, board the carousel, and move through lunch lines. ^[4] Deno has described the village as a special place offering full houses, free transportation, round-the-clock dining, rides, weekly parties, birthday celebrations, and even Christmas events to ensure memorable experiences for the children. ^[4] She has expressed strong enthusiasm for returning to volunteer, particularly hoping to do so in her Power Rangers suit to brighten the children's days even further. ^[4]