Well, I'm sure most of you have heard the sad, sad news. Thuy Trang, the talented, beautiful actress who played the beloved original Yellow Ranger Trini Kwan, died in a tragic car accident in September. Likely because of the shocking events of September 11th, some of you may have gotten this news a little late. But it's a definite fact, and a terrible shame.

I must confess, I'm not the most avid Thuy Trang fan. I didn't follow her career beyond Power Rangers, nor did I research her life before the role that rocketed her into the hearts of many youths. However, once I discovered the tragedy, I felt compelled to find out a little more about her. And I'll share my insights with you.

Thuy Trang was born in Vietnam, and traveled to the United States with her family at six years of age. However, she didn't come by plane, as many travelers do nowadays... her family came aboard a cargo ship packed with refugees. She didn't have the strongest health either, and her mother had to struggle to keep her young daughter alive during the trip. She and her family arrived on the shores of California in 1979.

Despite a rough beginning, her family managed to provide her with a relatively normal childhood thereafter. She grew up in the United States, began her study of kung fu at nine, and pursued an education in civil engineering until she caught the "acting bug."

An entire life, summarized in a few broad brushstrokes. But it does teach me something: Thuy's life is a story of triumph over tribulation. She lived a very short life, but in that life she managed to make a mark on the world. It's very difficult to find a way to change the world, even in a small way. Through her role as Trini Kwan, Thuy taught millions of young girls that they could be just as tough as the boys. That they could be smart, strong, and beautiful all at once. That they could make a difference, by organizing their friends to fight against pollution, or just providing a fun afterschool activity to keep younger kids out of trouble. Trini left a mark on many of us; me included.

Well, that's all I have to say. But if you're interested, I've included links to other pages with more details on Thuy's life, more insights into the character of Trini Kwan, and dozens of images to choose from. And I've also put together a small tribute for Thuy Trang, in the form of a Montage. Check it out, and let the fond memories of one special Power Ranger brook a moment of silence for a young life cut short.