Ruth Codd is a name that has quickly become synonymous with authenticity, talent, and unapologetic advocacy. Born and raised in Wexford, Ireland, Ruth’s journey from a small-town teen to a Hollywood actress and social media star is nothing short of inspiring—especially considering the challenges she’s overcome. At 15, Ruth contracted sepsis, which led to the amputation of her right leg below the knee. What could have been a life-altering setback became the catalyst for her to find her voice, first on TikTok and then on the global stage of television and film.
Ruth Codd’s Early Life and TikTok Breakthrough
After her amputation, Ruth struggled with self-esteem and the stigma surrounding disability. For years, she felt like she had to hide her prosthetic or downplay her differences to fit in. But everything changed when she joined TikTok in 2020. What started as a way to share small, humorous moments from her daily life quickly turned into a viral sensation. Ruth’s videos—filled with honesty, wit, and unfiltered stories about being an amputee—resonated with millions. She joked about her prosthetic getting stuck in a grocery store door, shared tips for choosing the right prosthetic, and opened up about the emotional toll of living with a disability. Her authenticity struck a chord: in just a few months, she gained over 2 million followers, with fans praising her for breaking down stereotypes and making disability relatable.
Ruth Codd’s TikTok presence wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about education. She used her platform to challenge misconceptions about amputees, like the idea that they can’t participate in sports or lead active lives. She also advocated for body positivity, posting photos of herself in swimwear and encouraging others to love their bodies, no matter their shape or ability. It was this combination of humor, heart, and advocacy that caught the eye of one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed horror directors: Mike Flanagan.
From TikTok to Hollywood: Ruth Codd’s Acting Debut
Mike Flanagan, known for his hit Netflix series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass,” stumbled upon Ruth’s TikTok videos and was immediately drawn to her charisma and storytelling ability. He reached out to her, offering her a role in his new series, “The Midnight Club.” Released in 2022, the show follows a group of terminally ill teens who gather at midnight to share scary stories. Ruth played Anya, a sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal teen with a degenerative disease. While Anya’s disability was different from Ruth’s, she brought her own experience of living with a disability to the role, adding depth and authenticity that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Ruth’s performance in “The Midnight Club” was a breakthrough. She received rave reviews—Variety called her “a standout” and praised her for “bringing raw emotion to every scene.” Flanagan was so impressed that he cast her again in his next series, “The Fall of the House of Usher” (2023), where she played Juno Usher, a character with a prosthetic leg. This role was even more personal for Ruth, as it allowed her to showcase her own experience as an amputee. Juno was a complex, flawed character, and Ruth’s portrayal was lauded for its nuance and strength.
Advocating for Authentic Disability Representation
For Ruth Codd, acting is more than just a career—it’s a way to push for change. She has been vocal about the lack of authentic disability representation in Hollywood, arguing that disabled characters are often played by able-bodied actors, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes. “Tokenism is not representation,” she told Vanity Fair in a 2023 interview. “Disabled people deserve to tell our own stories, and to see ourselves on screen as fully realized characters—not just props for able-bodied heroes.”
Ruth uses her platform to amplify the voices of other disabled artists. She often shares the work of disabled filmmakers, actors, and writers on her social media, and she’s a mentor to young disabled people who want to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. She also works with organizations like the National Disability Institute to support disabled youth and promote accessibility in all areas of life.
Ruth Codd’s Fashion: Re-defining Beauty and Style
Ruth Codd’s personal style is as bold and unapologetic as her advocacy. She loves to experiment with fashion—from leather jackets and ripped jeans to glittery dresses and statement jewelry. But what sets her apart is her custom prosthetics. She works with designers to create prosthetics that reflect her personality: some are covered in glitter, others have intricate patterns, and one even has an LED light. “My prosthetic is part of me,” she says. “Why not make it fun and stylish?”
Her fashion choices have made her a style icon for many. She’s been featured in fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, where she talks about the importance of adaptive fashion. She’s also collaborated with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, which has an adaptive clothing line, to create pieces that are both fashionable and accessible. Ruth’s message is clear: disability doesn’t have to limit your style, and everyone deserves to feel confident in what they wear.
The Legacy of Ruth Codd: Changing the Game for Disabled Artists
Ruth Codd’s journey from TikTok star to Hollywood actress and advocate has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry and beyond. She’s proven that disabled actors can be leading stars, and that authentic representation can change how audiences see disability. For young disabled people, she’s a role model—showing them that they can pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
As she continues to act and advocate, Ruth Codd is leaving a lasting legacy. She’s opening doors for future generations of disabled artists, and she’s changing the conversation around disability in media and society. Whether she’s on screen, on TikTok, or speaking at a conference, Ruth Codd is a force to be reckoned with—one that’s making the world a more inclusive and accepting place. Her work reminds us that every voice deserves to be heard, and that authenticity is the most powerful tool we have to create change.