Actress’ determination led to ‘The Last Jedi’ role
Before she joined the “Star Wars” universe, Kelly Marie Tran nearly lost all hope she’d ever make it as an actress.
Tran — who plays newcomer Rose Tico in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” opening in theaters Friday after showings Thursday night — had been mired in a full-time office job a few years ago and was regularly going to casting auditions that never led to her big break.
But any time she thought of quitting, she used her parents’ struggles as an inspiration.
“My parents are both refugees from Vietnam, and they spent their whole lives working towards a reality where my sisters and I would have choice,” said Tran, 28. “That was purely it. My parents never had the luxury of having a dream.
“I remember thinking I was living for multiple generations, and if I wasn’t pursuing something that made me happy, if I wasn’t really living to my fullest, then I wouldn’t really be doing them justice.”
Her persistence paid off in 2015, when “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson cast her as Rose following a five-month audition process.
Tran’s working-class journey somewhat mirrors that of her character: Rose works a non-glorious job as a maintenance worker for the Resistance before embarking on an adventure with Finn, the former storm trooper turned rebel played by John Boyega.
“She’s someone who’s used to being in the background of the Resistance, and in this movie … she kind of gets pulled to the forefront of it,” Tran said.
Rose is the first major female Asian character in a “Star Wars” movie — a reality Tran views as an honor and a responsibility since the character provides representation for a new demographic of fans.
The entire experience has been a dream come true for Tran, even though she’d never watched a “Star Wars” movie in its entirety when she auditioned.
“I do think from the bottom of my heart that it was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Tran said of not seeing the movies beforehand.
“Because I hadn’t seen these films, I was able to create an honest character and someone I don’t feel was influenced by the enormity of what this franchise already is.”
Tran has since watched the movies, and come to appreciate being part of the galaxy.
“Walking on that set, even that first day, and being in my costume and having my hair and makeup done, and then turning and seeing Finn, and then seeing Poe, and then seeing C-3PO and getting a hug from C-3PO,” Tran said. “All of those moments, it’s otherworldly.”
JONATHAN OLLEY/WALT DISNEY STUDIOS