Ruth Codd’s journey to Hollywood is anything but ordinary. Unlike many actors who spend years honing their craft in drama schools and chasing auditions, Codd’s path began with comedic nun impressions on TikTok and a newfound passion for disability awareness. 

This unexpected route landed her lead roles in two chilling Netflix series, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and its follow-up, “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

A Life Redefined

Born in 1996 in Wexford, Ireland, Codd’s life took a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, she was a successful makeup artist and barber. With the world on lockdown, her career path was abruptly halted. To cope and connect with others, Codd turned to the ever-popular social media platform TikTok.

Her initial foray into the world of TikTok was lighthearted. Codd’s comedic portrayals of a mischievous nun garnered a significant following. However, her content soon evolved. Codd, who has a disability herself, began using her platform to raise awareness about accessibility issues and advocate for inclusivity. Her genuine personality and relatable experiences resonated with millions, amassing over 672,000 followers and 20.5 million likes within a year.

From Viral Videos to Haunting Debuts

It was through these very TikTok videos that Codd’s life took another unexpected turn. The casting team for “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” searching for fresh faces, stumbled upon Codd’s content. Impressed by her charisma and unique perspective, they contacted her for an audition. Despite having no prior acting experience, Codd’s natural talent shone through. She landed the role of Anya, a mysterious and intriguing character at the heart of the series.

“The Haunting of Bly Manor,” released in 2022, was a critical and commercial success. Codd’s portrayal of Anya was praised for its depth and nuance, particularly for the way she navigated the complexities of her character’s disability. This breakout role not only solidified Codd’s place in the industry but also served as a testament to the power of social media in discovering new talent.

Anya in Bly Manor: A Character Study

Anya, the character that launched Codd’s career, is one of the most compelling figures in “The Haunting of Bly Manor.”  Anya is not just a disabled character; her disability is intricately woven into the narrative, shaping her experiences and interactions with the other characters. 

Codd’s performance masterfully conveys Anya’s strength, resilience, and vulnerability. She brings a quiet dignity to the role, challenging stereotypes often associated with disability in film and television.

Usher’s Haunting New Face

Following the success of “Bly Manor,” Codd was cast in another Netflix horror series, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” which premiered in 2023. This time, she takes on the role of Juno Usher, the twin sister of Roderick Usher (played by Franklin Jacobsen).  

While details about the series and Codd’s character are still under wraps, it’s safe to say that viewers can expect another captivating performance that pushes the boundaries of horror.

A Voice for Change

Codd’s influence extends beyond the screen.  She continues to be a vocal advocate for disability rights and inclusion.  

Whether through interviews or social media posts, she uses her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and advocate for a more equitable world.

A Future Full of Potential

Ruth Codd’s story is an inspiration. It demonstrates the power of following your passions, embracing new opportunities, and using your voice to make a difference. With her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit, Codd is a rising star who is sure to leave her mark on the entertainment industry for years to come.  

As she takes on new roles and challenges, one can only anticipate the haunting brilliance she will bring to the screen.

FAQs

How did Ruth Codd get her start?

Unlike many Hollywood actors, Codd’s path didn’t begin in drama schools or with years of auditions. Prior to 2020, she was a successful makeup artist and barber in Ireland. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a career shift, leading her to TikTok, where she found success with funny nun impersonations. But Codd’s content evolved beyond humor. Recognizing the platform’s reach, she used it to advocate for disability awareness and inclusivity, resonating with millions and catching the eye of casting agents.

What was her big break?

Despite having no prior acting experience, Codd landed the role of Anya in Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor” in 2022. The casting team discovered her through her engaging TikTok videos, impressed by her charisma and unique perspective. Anya, a complex character with a disability, became Codd’s breakout role, showcasing her natural talent and challenging typical portrayals of disability in film.

How did she approach playing Anya in “Bly Manor”?

Codd’s performance in “Bly Manor” was lauded for its depth and nuance. Anya wasn’t just disabled; her disability was intricately woven into the narrative. Codd masterfully conveyed Anya’s strength, resilience, and vulnerability, bringing a quiet dignity to the role that challenged stereotypes often associated with disability on screen.

What’s next for her after “The Fall of the House of Usher”?

Codd is keeping tight-lipped about future projects, but with the success of “Bly Manor” and the upcoming “The Fall of the House of Usher,” it’s clear she’s carving a path in horror.  Details about her role as Juno Usher in the latter are under wraps, but fans can anticipate another captivating performance pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Does she have any other acting experience besides Netflix?

As of now, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” are Codd’s only credited acting roles. However, with her talent and newfound fame, it’s highly likely we’ll see her branching out into different genres and platforms in the future.

How has she used her platform to advocate for disability rights?

Codd continues to be a vocal advocate for disability rights beyond her roles. She uses her social media platform and interviews to raise awareness about the challenges people with disabilities face, striving for a more inclusive world.

What are some of the challenges she faced transitioning from social media personality to actress?

While details are scarce, the transition from social media star to actress likely involved intense learning and adapting to a new environment. Learning acting techniques, working with directors and fellow actors, and navigating the demanding schedule of a production are just a few challenges Codd might have encountered. However, her talent and dedication helped her overcome them.

Ruth Codd’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the unexpected opportunities that life throws our way, and the impact that social media can have.  From viral videos to chilling performances, she has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences and challenging stereotypes. 

Codd is not just a rising star; she’s a voice for inclusivity and a role model for aspiring actors everywhere. With her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit, her future holds endless possibilities. We can eagerly anticipate the haunting brilliance she will continue to bring to the screen, both entertaining us and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

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