Born on January 17, 1989, in San Diego, California, she pursued a career in acting after studying at UCLA. Rising to fame with her role as Rose Tico in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017), she became the first Asian-American woman to play a leading role in the iconic franchise. She later voiced the title character in Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon" (2021). Known for her resilience and advocacy, she continues to inspire with her talent and commitment to diversity in Hollywood.