New feature-length film featuring alumnus Thom Tran hits theaters

A new feature-length film, My Dead Friend Zoe, featuring Buffalo State alumnus Thomas “Thom” Tran, ’04, can now be seen in more than 700 theaters nationwide.

Now an internationally touring stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and actor, Tran served for eight years in the U.S. Army before being medically retired as a Staff Sergeant following an injury in combat during a yearlong tour in Iraq. He parlayed his military experience into Hollywood projects by working as a military consultant and writer to help make movie portrayals of the military more accurate and realistic. Tran also created the all-veteran comedy group, the GIs of Comedy, which garnered national attention from Netflix, CBS, and the Associated Press. 

My Dead Friend Zoe is based on true events experienced by writer/director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, a former U.S. Army paratrooper and convoy commander.

“[Hausman-Stokes and I] met here in Los Angeles as industry colleagues,” Tran said. “Several years ago, he asked me to do the short film as a proof of concept, and a few years later, asked me to come back for the feature, playing an exaggerated version of myself in a small role.”

My Dead Friend Zoe stars Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery; The Walking Dead), Morgan Freeman (Shawshank Redemption; Bruce Almighty), Natalie Morales (Harley Quinn; Grey’s Anatomy), and Ed Harris (The Rock; The Truman Show). Ninety percent of the cast, including Freeman and Tran, are military veterans.

“I’m deeply honored to be a small part of this important film that tells a beautiful story about veterans and our lives after combat,” said Tran, who plays “Rufus.” “It’s a story that does not often get told in Hollywood. It was made by veterans, but it was made for everyone. Stay for the credits—there’s something very special in there.”

Tran received his degree in broadcasting from Buffalo State and was honored with the Young Alumnus Achievement Award at Buffalo State's 140th Commencement in 2012. Soon after moving to L.A., he landed a role in the Disney movie Race to Witch Mountain. Recently, he appeared on the Amazon series Bosch: Legacy, ABC’s Black-ish, and SEAL Team on CBS. He also has had the opportunity of serving as a model for opposing forces in the popular video game Call of Duty: Black Ops.

As a civilian, Tran continues to help U.S. servicemen and women by performing at benefits to raise money for the Bob Hope USO at LAX, which provides comfort for troops deploying overseas. Three times, he was named USO’s funniest service member. In 2008, Tran traveled to Iraq to perform for U.S. troops, playing at more than two dozen bases and combat outposts.

“I can trace back every bit of success I’ve ever had to two things,” Tran said, “my service in the United States Army and my time at Buffalo State.”

Photos courtesy of Thom Tran.