Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran is a Vietnamese-American actress who made history as the first woman of Asian descent to have a leading role in a Star Wars film. Born Loan Tran in San Diego, California, to Vietnamese refugee parents, she grew up navigating two cultures and found her creative outlet in acting. She studied communications at UCLA and began her career performing in comedy sketches and short films while auditioning for larger roles in Los Angeles.

Tran’s life changed dramatically when she was cast as Rose Tico in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017), directed by Rian Johnson. Her casting was a landmark moment for Asian representation in blockbuster cinema. The film grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making Tran a household name overnight. She reprised the role in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). Unfortunately, Tran also faced severe online harassment following her Star Wars debut, which led her to delete her social media accounts. She later wrote a powerful essay in The New York Times about the experience, becoming an advocate against online bullying and for diversity in Hollywood.

Following Star Wars, Tran continued to build an impressive career. She voiced the title character in Disney’s animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021), marking another milestone as the lead in a major Disney animated feature. She also appeared in the Hulu series “Monsterland” (2020) and lent her voice to the animated series “Star Wars Resistance.” Her voice work and live-action performances have demonstrated her versatility as a performer.

As of 2026, Kelly Marie Tran’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. Her career spans blockbuster franchises and animated features, and she remains an important figure in the ongoing conversation about diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. She continues to take on roles that challenge stereotypes and push boundaries.