Who is Ruth Codd?
Every so often, a new face appears in Hollywood that makes everyone ask, “Where did they come from?” In the case of Ruth Codd, the answer is as surprising as her performances. The Irish actress has become one of the industry’s most talked-about new talents, and her journey to the screen is anything but ordinary.
Codd’s story isn’t one of years spent in acting classes, but of raw talent finding its moment in the most modern way imaginable. She represents a new kind of star, one whose powerful presence is impossible to ignore.
The Accidental Actress: A Journey from TikTok to Netflix
Before landing on Netflix watchlists, Ruth Codd was a professional makeup artist and barber. When the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, she, like many, found herself out of work and online. She turned to TikTok, not with aspirations of fame, but simply to connect and create.
Her sharp wit and refreshingly honest videos, which often touched on her life with a disability, resonated with hundreds of thousands. That digital footprint led to a life-changing opportunity: an audition for Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series, The Midnight Club. With zero professional acting credits to her name, Codd was cast in a leading role, proving that sometimes, the right talent just needs the right platform.
Embracing the Spotlight: Standout Roles in Mike Flanagan’s Universe
As Anya in The Midnight Club, Codd was a revelation. She played the terminally ill teenager with a biting sarcasm that shielded a deep well of vulnerability. It was a raw, unfiltered performance that stole scenes and earned critical acclaim.
Flanagan clearly saw something special, casting her again in his gothic masterpiece, The Fall of the House of Usher. As Juno Usher, the much-younger wife of a corrupt patriarch, Codd showcased her range, delivering lines with a perfect mix of dark humor and surprising heart. She quickly became a key player in the Flanagan universe.
More Than a Disability: Overcoming Adversity with Unmatched Resilience
What makes Codd’s story even more compelling is her incredible resilience. A soccer injury at 15 led to a decade of pain and surgeries, culminating in her decision at 23 to have her right leg amputated. It was a choice she made to reclaim her life.
Instead of viewing her amputation as a limitation, Codd has made it a part of her strength. She brings a level of authenticity to her roles that is rarely seen on screen and uses her voice to advocate for genuine disability representation. Her narrative is not about loss, but about the power of taking control.
The Codd Philosophy: Humor, Honesty, and a Refusal to Be Defined
In interviews, Ruth Codd is a breath of fresh air. She’s unapologetically direct, armed with a dry, self-deprecating humor that feels utterly genuine. She speaks her mind about everything from the joy of quitting a job you hate to the freedom of not having your life perfectly planned.
This grounded perspective, shaped by her Irish roots, cuts through the typical Hollywood polish. It’s this refusal to be anything but herself that makes her so captivating, both on and off the screen.
A Character in Herself: The Authenticity of Juno Usher
Juno Usher could have been a simple caricature—the young, gold-digging wife. But in Codd’s hands, she became the unexpected soul of The Fall of the House of Usher. As a recovering addict navigating a family of monsters, Juno was a survivor who defied easy labels.
Codd’s own life experiences undoubtedly brought a profound authenticity to the character. She gave Juno a quiet strength and a deep-seated empathy that made her a fan favorite. You weren’t just watching a character; you felt like you knew her.
The Future is Bright: What’s Next for Ruth Codd?
With two hit shows under her belt, Ruth Codd’s career is just getting started. She’s set to make her major film debut in the highly anticipated live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, a role that will undoubtedly expand her global reach.
As she continues to choose complex, interesting projects, it’s clear that Ruth Codd is no passing trend. She is an artist who transforms her life experience into unforgettable performances. Hollywood is watching, and she’s ready to show them what’s next.
