Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayli Tran
Hi Kayli, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Kayli Tran and I’m an actor in Hollywood. I never imagined that my path would lead me here, but sometimes the biggest adventures come from unexpected choices. Originally from Nashville, TN, I was always performing in some way – singing, dancing, playing the piano – but acting wasn’t on my radar. That all changed after high school when I took a leap of faith, moving to LA with nothing but curiosity and ambition. One acting class turned into a life-changing journey, igniting a fire within me to pursue bigger dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of the most fulfilling adventures of my life. When I was younger, people would often ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” – a question that can feel overwhelming when someone is still figuring things out. For me, acting became the answer, and now I can’t imagine ever retiring from it. But here’s the truth: the bigger the dream, the bigger the challenge – and that’s okay. It’s part of the process.
I want to inspire others to find what truly makes them happy – what lights a fire in their soul – and to pursue it, even if it scares them. I try to share my wild journey and the lessons I’ve learned in hopes of helping others to follow their dreams too. You never know where your passion might take you. It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s the adventure – the ups and downs along the way – that makes life so much more colorful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My breakout moment came when I was cast as the lead in a streaming original series called Dead of Night, a thrilling zombie apocalypse series that pushed me to explore new depths as an actor. Taking charge in a fight for survival in this gripping narrative was exhilarating, and the show resonated with audiences, amassing over 16 million viewers and becoming a streaming hit.
From there, I had the incredible opportunity to work with visionary director Michael Bay on the high-octane action film Ambulance. Sharing the screen with Jake Gyllenhaal in such an intense, fast-paced environment was both challenging and thrilling. It was a masterclass in high-stakes filmmaking.
And then, an experience I’ll never forget: working on HBO’s The Sympathizer helmed by legendary director Park Chan-Wook. Acting alongside Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. in this complex, layered project was a surreal and transformative moment in my career. The story’s intricate exploration of identity, loyalty, and the human condition inspired me on a new level. It made me realize the immense power that storytelling holds, not just as entertainment but as a way to connect people through shared human experiences. This project further fuels my passion and motivates me every day to seek out and tell meaningful stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire audiences across the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayli_tran
Image Credits
Molly Pan
