Star Wars Newcomer Almost Quit Acting Before Joining The Last Jedi

Turning down the chance to act in a Star Wars movie might sound crazy to a Star Wars fan, but franchise newcomer Kelly Marrie Tran says she was really close to considering quitting acting before hopping on board The Last Jedi.

Speaking in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actress opened up about how she struggled with her career before joining The Last Jedi, remembering how close she was to putting an end to her acting.

"There was absolutely a moment," Tran explained, "When I turned 25, I had been at it for some years and I was struggling to pay my bills. I was tired. I had been working [my day job] 40-plus hours a week, plus sometimes I'd have two auditions in the day and then I would write a sketch or do improv at night, or rehearse for the next auditions the next day. So, my days, I would get up at 5 a.m. and then I wouldn't be home until 11:00 p.m. The days were like that for years."

"I remember thinking, 'This could be my life forever.' Like, I could just never make it. I could work this hard for the next 20 years of my life and still be struggling."

Despite the fact that life was weighing her down, Tran decided to give acting another shot, auditioning for The Force Awakens sequel while working a day job in her office. The moment she learned she got the part, she was still working her shift.

"The day I found out, Rian [Johnson, director of The Last Jedi] was like, 'Oh we want you in this movie,' I had just left work on my lunch break to go to this meeting," Tran said. "Afterward, he told me that I couldn't tell anyone, so I went back to work and answered phones and answered emails like nothing happened. It was the most bizarre experience. Inside I was like, Ugh! Crazy!"

It's a good thing that Tran didn't quit because fans are especially excited to meet this Star Wars newbie's character, Rose Tico. A maintenance worker for the Resistance, Rose will be joining Finn (John Boyega) in his mission in The Last Jedi.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits cinemas December 15, 2017.

Read:Star Wars: The Last Jedi Won't Have Any Surprise Appearances By Lando Calrissian