Recently, a former Power Rangers stuntman shared insights about actress Thuy Trang, renowned for her role as the Yellow Ranger in the iconic show “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”It has been reported that Trang was dismissed from the series due to her perceived demands towards network executives, as revealed in the latest episode of the documentary series “Hollywood Demons: Dark Side of the Power Rangers.”
Behind the Scenes: Contract Negotiations and Challenges
In an episode aired on April 8, stuntman Jeff Pruitt recounted how Trang, alongside co-stars Austin St. John and Walter Emanuel Jones, advocated for fair compensation during the show’s first season in 1993. According to an article from Entertainment Weekly published on April 9, Pruitt detailed an impactful moment when Trang addressed network affiliates during a crucial presentation, highlighting the unfair treatment by Fox and calling for increased remuneration.
“Thuy went up to the microphone and started reading this speech. How rotten Fox was for not paying them more money, and how they all deserved more money… the station owners were just looking like, ‘What is this?'”
Ultimately, the disputes surrounding contracts led to the departure of all three actors midway through Season 2. Tragically, Trang passed away in a traffic incident in 2001 at the young age of 27. As the Yellow Ranger, she portrayed Trini Kwan, a beloved character in the Power Rangers universe.
Trini Kwan: The First Yellow Ranger
Trini Kwan made her debut as the first Yellow Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,”captivating audiences with her skills, compassion, and determination. She first appeared in the series opener, showcasing her martial arts prowess through a Kata performance.
Kwan, whose background includes a Taiwanese father and a Korean mother, was selected by Zordon to help defend Earth against threats posed by the villainess Rita Repulsa. Alongside her fellow heroes—Jason Lee Scott, Zack Taylor, Billy Cranston, and Kimberly Hart—Trini was granted extraordinary powers derived from mystical animal spirits.
An intriguing moment in Trini’s journey occurred while she was exercising with her friends at Ernie’s Juice Bar & Gym. The team was unexpectedly teleported to the Command Centre, facing a sudden attack by Putties. In a courageous move, Trini activated her Power Coin, officially becoming the Yellow Ranger. Her kind-hearted personality aligned seamlessly with her new role as a defender of justice.
A Bond Beyond Combat
Trini’s relationships with her fellow Rangers were profound, particularly with Kimberly, as they were the only females on the team, and with Billy, sharing common interests in science and gentle dispositions. Her abilities in martial arts, especially her mastery of the Praying Mantis kung fu style, contributed significantly to her capability as a Ranger.
By Season 2, as Lord Zedd emerged as a powerful adversary, the Rangers were upgraded with Thunderzords to combat new threats. Trini, alongside Jason and Zack, was honored to represent the team at the World Peace Conference in Switzerland. Unfortunately, this would lead to her character’s departure from the series, where Zordon chose Aisha to take her place.
Pruitt emphasized the frustrations faced by the cast regarding compensation, noting that despite the success of the show, the principal actors, including Trang and her co-stars, saw little financial reward. He remarked on the disparity between audience perception and the realities of their pay.
“One of the things Saban said was, ‘Look, I’m giving them the chance to become stars.’ But from the actors’ point of view, it was, ‘Well, now the show has taken off and I’m still not making any money.'”
To date, there has been no official comment from other actors regarding these claims, leaving a significant chapter of Power Rangers history surrounded by mystery and unresolved feelings.