Ruth Codd – a name that has rapidly transitioned from the burgeoning world of TikTok to the glittering landscape of Hollywood, proving that talent, tenacity, and a genuinely captivating personality can open doors in the most unexpected ways. This Irish actress, once a make-up artist and barber, has carved out a unique and compelling niche for herself, charming audiences with her raw honesty, quick wit, and undeniable acting prowess. Her journey is a testament to the power of authentic self-expression in the digital age, culminating in a series of significant roles that have cemented her status as one of the most exciting new faces in entertainment.
The Genesis of a Star: TikTok and Beyond
Ruth Codd’s rise to prominence began not on a traditional stage or in a drama school, but on TikTok. Like many during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Codd found herself out of work. With her barber shop temporarily closed, she turned to the then-exploding platform, initially as a way to pass the time and connect with others. What started as casual video sharing soon transformed into a phenomenon.
Her content quickly resonated with a vast audience. Codd’s videos, often infused with dry Irish humour, relatable observations, and candid discussions about her experiences as an amputee, struck a chord. She openly shared details about her amputation, a decision she made at 23 after years of chronic pain stemming from a broken foot sustained at 15. Her forthrightness and willingness to tackle sensitive topics with both gravitas and a refreshing dose of self-deprecating humour set her apart. She became known as the “CEO of having one leg,” a self-appointed title that encapsulated her irreverent and empowering approach to disability. This authentic representation and her engaging personality quickly garnered her hundreds of thousands of followers within a year, making her a bonafide TikTok sensation. Her platform became a space for advocacy, challenging ableism, and fostering a more open dialogue around disability awareness, all delivered with an infectious charm that captivated viewers worldwide.
The Leap to Acting: The Midnight Club
The leap from social media influencer to professional actress is a path less travelled, yet for Ruth Codd, it was a natural progression. Her breakthrough role came in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix horror series, The Midnight Club. Flanagan, known for his masterful storytelling in the horror genre (including The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass), made a deliberate choice to cast an amputee actor for the role of Anya, a character explicitly written as an amputee in Christopher Pike’s original novels. This commitment to authentic casting was pivotal for Codd, as it meant the role wasn’t just accessible but deeply resonant with her own experiences.
Her portrayal of Anya was widely acclaimed. Anya is a complex character – surly, sarcastic, and outwardly tough, yet deeply vulnerable and ultimately the emotional anchor for the group of terminally ill teenagers in a hospice. Codd navigated this emotional range with remarkable depth, especially considering it was her very first acting job. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by her ability to bring such a nuanced and compelling performance to the screen, standing out in an ensemble cast. Her performance in The Midnight Club not only showcased her natural talent but also highlighted the importance of diverse representation in media, paving the way for more opportunities for actors from underrepresented communities.
Expanding Horizons: Notable Roles and Projects
Following the success of The Midnight Club, Ruth Codd’s acting career quickly gained momentum. She became a sought-after talent, particularly within Mike Flanagan’s “Flanaverse.” Her collaboration with Flanagan continued with a significant role in The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), another Netflix series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. In this gothic horror miniseries, Codd again demonstrated her versatility, playing a character distinctly different from Anya, further proving her range beyond her breakout performance.
Beyond Flanagan’s projects, Codd has been steadily building a diverse filmography. She has appeared in the AMC/Acorn series Irish Blood as Roisin, and in Sky’s Small Town, Big Story, a series created by Chris O’Dowd. She also featured in the second season of Element Pictures’ series The Dry for ITVX and RTÉ, and even landed a role in an episode of Creepshow for Shudder. These roles demonstrate her commitment to exploring various genres and character types, indicating a genuine passion for the craft of acting rather than simply leveraging her initial social media fame.
The Live-Action Leap: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
One of Codd’s most anticipated upcoming projects is the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June 2025. This Universal Pictures film, directed by Dean DeBlois (who also helmed the animated trilogy), sees Codd join an impressive cast, including Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick. Codd is set to play Phlegma, a character from the Viking village. Her involvement in such a high-profile, major studio production marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her transition from streaming series to big-screen blockbusters. The anticipation surrounding this film, particularly among fans of the beloved animated franchise, means Codd’s performance will be under considerable spotlight, offering her an even wider global audience.
Public Persona and Media Presence
Ruth Codd’s public persona remains as refreshing and authentic as her initial TikTok videos. In interviews, she comes across as grounded, witty, and incredibly honest. She often discusses her journey from TikTok to acting with a sense of disbelief and gratitude, maintaining a humble demeanour despite her rapid success. Her interviews frequently touch upon the themes of disability, representation, and the unexpected twists her life has taken. She continues to advocate for accurate and respectful portrayals of disability in media, often sharing insights into her personal experiences and how they inform her work.
On platforms like YouTube, content featuring Ruth Codd primarily includes clips from her acting roles, particularly standout scenes from The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher. Interviews with her, both formal press junkets and more casual sit-downs, also generate significant views, as fans are keen to hear her articulate and often humorous perspectives. There are also fan-made compilations highlighting her funniest moments or most impactful lines, demonstrating the deep connection she has forged with her audience.
Google search trends for Ruth Codd typically revolve around her biography (“who is Ruth Codd?”), her breakthrough role (“Ruth Codd Midnight Club”), her acting roles (“Ruth Codd movies and TV shows”), and her amputation (“Ruth Codd leg”). There’s also a consistent interest in her public appearances and upcoming projects, reflecting a growing and engaged fanbase.
FAQs
Q: Who is Ruth Codd?
Ruth Codd is an Irish actress and former TikTok sensation. She gained widespread recognition for her candid and humorous videos about her life as an amputee during the COVID-19 pandemic, which eventually led to her being discovered for acting roles.
Q: How did Ruth Codd become famous?
Ruth Codd initially gained fame through TikTok, where she posted engaging and often comedic videos discussing her experiences, particularly as an amputee. Her authentic personality and unique perspective quickly amassed a large following, attracting the attention of casting directors.
Q: What is Ruth Codd’s disability?
Ruth Codd had her right leg amputated below the knee at the age of 23 due to ongoing complications and chronic pain stemming from a serious foot injury she sustained while playing football at 15.
Q: What was Ruth Codd’s first acting role?
Her first professional acting role was as Anya in the Netflix mystery thriller series The Midnight Club (2022), created by Mike Flanagan. This was her debut in the acting world, having no prior professional experience.
Q: What other TV shows and films has Ruth Codd appeared in?
Following The Midnight Club, Ruth Codd has appeared in several other notable productions, including:
The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix, 2023) as Juno Usher.
Creepshow (Shudder)
The Dry (ITVX/RTÉ)
Irish Blood (AMC/Acorn)
Small Town, Big Story (Sky) She is also set to star as Phlegma in the live-action film adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
Final Thought
Ruth Codd’s journey from a TikTok personality to a respected actress is a powerful narrative of determination and authenticity. Her ability to translate raw, relatable content into compelling on-screen performances speaks volumes about her innate talent and charisma. She stands as a beacon for aspiring performers from unconventional backgrounds and a crucial figure in the ongoing conversation about diverse and authentic representation in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on challenging and high-profile roles, Ruth Codd is not just building a formidable career; she is actively reshaping perceptions and inspiring a new generation, proving that true star power often comes from embracing one’s true self.
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