How Ruth Codd Became the Bionic and Iconic Star of Modern Horror and Fantasy

The rise of Ruth Codd is a narrative of resilience that mirrors the complex characters she portrays on screen. From the sharp-tongued Anya in The Midnight Club to the resilient Juno in The Fall of the House of Usher , Codd has redefined what it means to be a leading lady in modern genre fiction. Her journey is not merely one of Hollywood success but of physical liberation, as she has navigated a decade of medical challenges with a transparency that has earned her a dedicated global following.

Who Is Ruth Codd and Where Did She Come From?

Born on June 13, 1996, in Wexford, Ireland, Ruth Codd’s early life was defined by the rugged landscapes of the Irish coast and a deep-seated passion for equestrian sports. Long before she stepped onto a soundstage, Codd was a competitive horse rider, a discipline that requires immense core strength, balance, and a particular brand of fearlessness. This background in competitive riding provided the physical and mental stamina that would later prove essential during her years of chronic pain and subsequent recovery.

Growing up in Wexford, Codd was known for her sharp wit and creative energy, though professional acting was not her initial career path. She worked as a professional makeup artist and hair stylist, honing her eye for visual storytelling through a different medium. However, her life took a drastic turn following a childhood injury that refused to heal, eventually leading her toward a path of advocacy and digital content creation. Her "Bionic and Iconic" persona was born out of a desire to normalize the amputee experience through humor and raw honesty, long before casting directors ever came calling.

The Story Behind Her Journey as a Double Amputee

The medical history of Ruth Codd is a factual timeline of endurance. Her journey began at age 15 when a seemingly minor football accident resulted in a broken leg. While most such injuries heal within months, Codd’s leg became a source of chronic, debilitating pain that would last for nearly a decade. Between the ages of 15 and 23, she underwent eight major operations in an attempt to save the limb, but the surgeries failed to provide a functional quality of life.

• 2011: The Initial Injury — A broken leg during a casual football game leads to long-term complications and non-union of the bone.
• 2011–2019: The "Crutch Years" — Eight years spent on crutches, enduring eight failed surgeries and constant chronic pain.
• 2019: The First Elective Amputation — At age 23, Codd chooses to have her right leg amputated to regain her mobility and end the cycle of pain.
• 2022: Professional Debut — Discovered via TikTok, she stars as Anya in Netflix's The Midnight Club .
• 2025: The Second Elective Amputation — Due to irreversible damage to her remaining ankle from years of compensatory movement, she undergoes a second amputation.

Why Did She Choose Elective Amputation at Age 23?

For many, the word "amputation" suggests a tragic loss, but for Ruth Codd, it was a calculated choice for freedom. After eight years of being unable to walk without assistance, the decision to remove her right leg was an elective one. She has frequently spoken about the psychological shift from viewing the limb as a part of her body to viewing it as a "dead weight" that was holding her back from living. According to interviews with Capital FM , her recovery was remarkably swift; she was reportedly walking on her first prosthetic within just two days of the surgery.

This perspective is highly valued within the amputee community, where elective surgery is often framed as a "life-start" rather than a "life-end." Codd’s transparency about the relief she felt after the procedure helped dismantle the stigma surrounding prosthetic limbs, positioning them as tools of empowerment rather than symbols of tragedy.

The Physical Toll of Long-Term Crutch Use and Her Second Surgery

While her first amputation was a significant advancement in her quality of life, the years spent on crutches had already taken a toll on her "good" leg. For eight years, Codd had to compensate for her injured right leg by putting excessive pressure on her left ankle, often walking on her tiptoes to maintain balance. This biomechanical strain led to irreversible joint damage and chronic instability.

By late 2025, it became clear that her remaining ankle could no longer support her active lifestyle and demanding filming schedules. Choosing a second elective amputation was a proactive step to ensure long-term mobility. This "tiptoe effect" is a documented phenomenon among long-term crutch users, and Codd’s decision to share this part of her journey provided a deeper emotional context for her fans, grounding her "Bionic" brand in the realities of physical resilience.

How TikTok Launched Her Professional Acting Career

Ruth Codd’s transition from a makeup artist in Wexford to a Hollywood lead is a premier example of the "TikTok-to-Netflix" casting pipeline. During the global lockdowns, Codd began posting humorous, unfiltered videos about her life as an amputee. Her content wasn't designed to be "inspiration porn"; instead, it was a mix of dark humor, disability education, and raw personality. This authenticity caught the attention of casting directors who were searching for a real-life amputee to play the role of Anya in Mike Flanagan’s The Midnight Club .

Mike Flanagan, known for his commitment to authentic representation, saw Codd’s digital presence and recognized a natural performer. Despite having no formal acting training, Codd was invited to audition. Her performance was so compelling that she was cast in a role that required both intense vulnerability and a biting, defensive wit. This shift in Hollywood scouting—where social media serves as a primary tool for finding authentic voices—has positioned Codd as a pioneer for a new generation of actors with disabilities.

Ruth Codd’s Most Memorable Roles in Film and Television

Since her debut, Codd has consistently ranked among the most sought-after actors in the horror and drama genres. Her ability to deliver complex, multi-layered performances has made her a staple of the "Flana-verse," Mike Flanagan’s recurring troupe of actors. Her versatility is further highlighted by her vocal range; according to her profile at HHush Agency , she is capable of performing in various accents, including Southern Irish, Southern American, and London RP.

Playing Phlegma the Fierce in the Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon

In 2025 and 2026, Codd’s career reached a new milestone with her casting in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon . Playing the role of Phlegma the Fierce, Codd transitioned from the intimate setting of Netflix horror to the scale of a major Hollywood blockbuster. This role is particularly significant because it evolves the "warrior" archetype. Casting a real-life "bionic" actress as a Viking warrior sends a powerful message about the nature of strength and inclusivity in fantasy cinema.

Phlegma is a character defined by her toughness and her place within the Viking community of Berk. By bringing her lived experience as an amputee to the role, Codd provides a layer of physical authenticity that few other actors could match. This role marks her transition into the upper echelons of film, proving that her appeal extends far beyond the horror genre.

Her Strategic Gameplay as a Faithful on The Celebrity Traitors

Beyond scripted drama, Codd showcased her personality and strategic mind on the first series of The Celebrity Traitors (UK). Competing as a "Faithful," she was a popular choice among viewers for her directness and ability to read people—skills likely honed during her years in the competitive equestrian world. Although she was "murdered" in Episode 4, placing 15th out of 19 contestants, her appearance on the show further solidified her status as a household name in the UK and Ireland.

Why Her Casting Is Changing Disability Representation in Hollywood

Ruth Codd’s impact on the industry goes beyond her individual performances. She is a vocal advocate for authentic casting, arguing that actors with disabilities should be given the opportunity to play roles where their disability is a part of their character, but not the entirety of their character. In The Midnight Club , Anya’s amputation is central to her story, but in other roles, Codd’s prosthetics are simply a part of her physical reality, much like any other actor's height or eye color.

Her "Bionic and Iconic" branding is a significant step forward in how disability is marketed. By embracing the "bionic" label, she moves away from the medicalized language of "impairment" and toward a futuristic, empowered aesthetic. This has made her a role model for young people with limb differences, showing that a prosthetic leg is not a barrier to becoming a Viking warrior, a gothic socialite, or a digital icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ruth Codd have her legs amputated?

Ruth Codd’s journey began with a football injury at age 15 that failed to heal correctly. After eight years of chronic pain and eight failed surgeries, she chose an elective amputation of her right leg at age 23. In 2025, she underwent a second elective amputation on her left leg due to irreversible damage caused by years of compensatory movement and crutch use.

Is Ruth Codd a double amputee?

Yes, as of late 2025, Ruth Codd is a double amputee. She has been very open about her surgeries on social media, framing them as a way to regain her mobility and live a life free from the chronic pain that plagued her youth.

How was Ruth Codd discovered for acting?

Ruth Codd was discovered by casting directors on TikTok. She was posting content about her life as an amputee, using humor and honesty to educate her followers. Mike Flanagan’s team saw her videos and invited her to audition for the role of Anya in The Midnight Club , despite her having no previous acting experience.

Who does Ruth Codd play in The Fall of the House of Usher?

In the Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher , Ruth Codd plays the role of Juno, the former junkie and much younger wife of the patriarch Roderick Usher. Her character is notable for her resilience and her complex relationship with the Usher family.

What is Ruth Codd’s role in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?

Ruth Codd plays Phlegma the Fierce in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon . This role marks her transition into major blockbuster cinema and showcases her ability to play strong, warrior-like characters.