Ruth Codd is a critically acclaimed Irish actress and former social media personality who rose to international fame through her collaborations with filmmaker Mike Flanagan, notably starring in Netflix’s The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher. Born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1996, Codd’s professional journey began uniquely on TikTok, where her candid and humorous approach to living with a disability caught the attention of casting directors. Despite having no prior professional acting training, she successfully transitioned into a powerhouse performer, becoming a prominent face for disability representation in horror and drama. As of 2026, Codd has made significant headlines for her “elective” second below-knee amputation in late 2025—a decision she has described as a “professional and personal liberation” to improve her quality of life and mobility after a decade-long medical battle.
Early Life and the Football Injury
Ruth Codd was raised in Wexford, Ireland, where her early years were marked by an active lifestyle that took a sudden turn at age 15. A seemingly minor football (soccer) injury failed to heal correctly, spiraling into a 14-year medical ordeal involving chronic pain and multiple failed operations.
For eight years following the injury, Codd relied on crutches, which inadvertently caused further damage to her feet and joints. This period of “anger and recovery,” as she has described it, shaped her resilient worldview and signature dark humor, which would later become the cornerstone of her public persona.
The First Amputation and TikTok Fame
At age 23, facing irreversible nerve damage and a “foot that couldn’t be saved,” Codd made the difficult decision to undergo her first below-knee amputation on her right leg. The relief from chronic pain was immediate, prompting her to share her journey on TikTok under the handle @ruthcoddsnotdead.
Her content, which blended disability advocacy with sharp-witted comedy, quickly went viral. By being unapologetically herself—often joking about her “missing limb” while showcasing high-fashion makeup looks—she built a platform of over 200,000 followers, ultimately serving as her unintentional digital portfolio for Hollywood.
Breakthrough with Mike Flanagan
In a rare “Cinderella story” for the digital age, Codd was discovered by Mike Flanagan’s casting team through her social media presence. Her debut role as Anya in The Midnight Club (2022) was met with universal praise, as she portrayed a terminally ill patient with a fierce, protective exterior.
She quickly followed this with a role in the 2023 miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher, playing Juno Usher, the younger, drug-addicted wife of a billionaire patriarch. These roles solidified her as a “Flanagan Regular” and proved her range, showing she could handle both high-stakes horror and complex character studies.
2025–2026: The “Second Amputation” Update
In December 2025, Ruth Codd underwent a second below-knee amputation, this time on her left leg. Similar to her first surgery, this was an elective procedure aimed at resolving long-term complications from her initial 15-year-old injury, which had left her “flogging a dead horse” in terms of conservative treatments.
By early 2026, Codd has embraced her “new normal” with two prosthetics, jokingly naming her wheelchair “Fat Tony.” She appeared on the Late Late Show in January 2026, receiving a standing ovation for her candor regarding the surgery, stating that “surgeons don’t just go chopping off limbs willy-nilly,” and that the move was essential for her to remain “unstoppable” in her acting career.
Disability Representation in 2026
Codd has consistently rejected the “inspiration porn” trope often associated with disabled actors. She advocates for disabled artists to be cast in roles where their disability is not the sole focus of the plot, pushing for a “normalcy” that has historically been missing from mainstream media.
Her presence in major franchises like How to Train Your Dragon (scheduled for 2025/2026 release) signals a shift in the industry. As of 2026, she is actively involved in developing a documentary about life as a double amputee, told through her trademark lens of grit and humor, further cementing her role as a cultural revolutionary in the entertainment sector.
Upcoming Projects and Filmography
Despite her recent surgeries, Codd’s professional schedule remains packed. She continues to collaborate with elite creators while expanding her repertoire into different genres.
How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action): Codd is confirmed for a role in this highly anticipated reimagining, marking her first major blockbuster venture.
Carrie (Miniseries): Rejoining Mike Flanagan, she is part of the ensemble cast for the Stephen King adaptation, expected to premiere in October 2026.
The Madison: In early March 2026, Codd was seen at the premiere of this new series, indicating a transition into high-concept drama.
Irish Blood: A TV series currently in development where Codd is expected to take a more central, dramatic lead role.
Practical Information and Trivia
For fans and industry professionals tracking Ruth Codd’s impact in 2026:
Birth Date: June 13, 1996.
Hometown: Wexford, Ireland.
Social Media: TikTok (@ruthcoddsnotdead) and Instagram (@ruthcodd).
Medical Milestones: Right leg amputation (2021); Left leg amputation (2025).
Key Collaborators: Mike Flanagan, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan.
Known For: Dark humor, high-fashion aesthetic, and authentic disability advocacy.
FAQs
Why did Ruth Codd have her second leg amputated?
In late 2025, she underwent an elective below-knee amputation on her left leg to resolve chronic pain and mobility issues caused by the same football injury she sustained at age 15, which had never properly healed.
What was Ruth Codd’s first acting role?
Her professional debut was as Anya in the 2022 Netflix series The Midnight Club.
Is Ruth Codd in the new How to Train Your Dragon movie?
Yes, she has been cast in the live-action adaptation, which is scheduled for a 2025–2026 release cycle.
Was Ruth Codd an actress before TikTok?
No. Before her viral success on TikTok, she worked as a makeup artist and barber in Ireland.
Is Ruth Codd in The Fall of the House of Usher?
Yes, she played the character Juno Usher, the wife of Roderick Usher.
Who is “Fat Tony”?
“Fat Tony” is the humorous name Ruth Codd gave to her wheelchair following her second amputation in 2025.
Did Ruth Codd participate in the Paralympics?
While she jokingly used the hashtag #paralympics2026 in a viral video, she is currently focused on her acting career and hasn’t officially competed in professional sports.
Will Ruth Codd be in Mike Flanagan’s Carrie?
Yes, she is part of the ensemble cast for the Amazon Prime Video miniseries expected to debut in October 2026.
How old was Ruth Codd when she lost her first leg?
She had her right leg amputated below the knee at 23 years old.
Is Ruth Codd from the UK?
No, she is Irish, originally from Wexford.
Does Ruth Codd do her own makeup on set?
While she has professional makeup teams on set, her background as a professional makeup artist often influences her personal style and public appearances.
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