Ep 165. Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran, star of the highly anticipated film "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," sits down with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show in Season 2019, Episode 165. Tran, who made history as the first woman of color to have a leading role in a Star Wars film, discusses her experience as part of the franchise and the impact it has had on her life.

The interview begins with a lighthearted exchange about Tran's initial reaction to being cast in the Star Wars universe, and her subsequent rush to avoid any spoilers. Tran describes the surreal experience of being on set with iconic characters and in the presence of the series' devoted fan base. She also touches on the importance of representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, and how being part of Star Wars has allowed her to be a positive role model to young girls who may not see themselves represented on screen often.

Moving on to a more serious topic, Noah and Tran discuss the challenges she faced after being thrust into the public eye. Tran candidly opens up about the intense online harassment she faced after the release of "The Last Jedi," which resulted in her deleting her social media accounts. She reveals the difficulty of navigating her newfound fame and feeling like she had lost control of her own narrative. Tran also shares how the support of her family and friends helped her to find strength during this difficult time.

Noah and Tran delve deeper into the issue of online harassment, with Noah acknowledging the disproportionate impact it has on women and people of color. Tran emphasizes the importance of taking a stand against hate speech and the need for more diverse voices across all industries. The conversation ends on a hopeful note, with Tran expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a franchise that has inspired so many people around the world.

Throughout the interview, Tran's vivacious personality shines through, as she discusses her love of dance and shares her infectious laughter with the audience. Noah proves to be the perfect host, asking thoughtful questions and providing a platform for Tran to shine. Overall, this episode of The Daily Show offers a compelling and engaging conversation with a rising star of Hollywood and a trailblazer in representation and inclusivity.