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Power Rangers Unlimited

Thuy Trang Interview

December 24th, 1994
by Neave Casey and Mary-Ellen Szalai

Who influenced you to get started as an actress?

Lynda Carter. I think the reason why I liked her was because she was so down
to Earth, and even though she was a big star and she was Miss America, she
was very approachable and you could talk to her. Besides that, she played
Wonder Woman and she was one of the first female superheroes. It gives me
more of an encouragement that we can be strong and we can do whatever a guy
can do.


Did you have any acting experience before "Power Rangers"?

No. I was in school studying civil engineering. A guy approached me on the
street and said that I had a interesting look – very exotic. He told me I should try
to be in the industry, and he introduced me to this agent who sent me out on
interviews. Almost everything I tried out for I pretty much got. I landed "Power
Rangers," and the rest is history.


What plans do you have for the future?

I want to focus on my career, and I want to go back to school and get my degree.
I want to do feature films. I am going to be in "Cyberstrike," which is a feature
film. Right after that I am flying to Malaysia to be in another feature film called "Act
of Courage." We will be filming that in Malaysia, the Phillipines, and back in
California. That will be pretty exciting.


Did you get to pick the color of your outfit?

It was chosen for me. We didn't have a choice.

Are you a lot like your character?

Pretty much, yes. Trini is strong and determined. She is the type of person who
holds the group together. Billy always talks in those techno-terms and Trini is the
one who understands him. Even though she is a girl, she is still strong. I am a
lot like that, too.


Did you have to know karate to get the part?

Part of the requirements to become a Power Ranger is to have some
background in either martial arts, gymnastics, or dancing. All of us had training
in that. When we are on the set, there are always experts there to choreograph
the moves and improve your form so you look good for the camera.


Did you ever wish you were an action figure?

No. To see a doll of yourself is very weird and very neat at the same time.

What kind of message do you think the viewers are getting from the show?

Good ones, I hope. We know kids are watching the show and we know they are
easily influenced. We try to get the message of teamwork and
the environment.


What do you think makes your show successful?

We never expected it to be this great. We think it is successful because kids can
identify with the show. We are teenagers and kids see themselves as that.