Ruth Codd: From Disability and Leg Amputation to Star in Movies and TV Shows

Ruth Codd is an Irish actress who has emerged as a powerful advocate for disability representation in the entertainment industry. Known for her roles in Netflix’s The Midnight Club (2022) and The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), Ruth’s rise to fame is a testament to her resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of social media. Her journey, from a small-town barber and makeup artist to a rising star in Hollywood, reflects her unyielding determination to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a successful actor with a disability.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born and raised in Wexford, Ireland, Ruth Codd’s career began in a completely different field. Trained as a barber and makeup artist, Ruth worked in her local community, honing her skills and building a name for herself. However, a life-changing injury would soon alter the course of her life.

At the age of 23, Ruth experienced a traumatic injury while playing football as a teenager. The injury led to years of complications, and by the time she was in her twenties, Ruth made the difficult decision to undergo her first leg amputation. Despite the challenges that followed, Ruth’s openness about her experience with disability and her journey toward self-acceptance found an audience online, laying the foundation for her future success.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Ruth turned to TikTok, using the platform to share candid and often humorous videos about life with a disability. Her raw, authentic content, which ranged from sharing the ups and downs of living with a limb difference to offering light-hearted reflections on body image and self-acceptance, quickly gained traction. Ruth’s unique voice resonated with viewers worldwide, and she soon amassed a large and loyal following.

Her TikTok presence did more than entertain—it sparked meaningful conversations about disability representation and the need for more diverse narratives in the media. Ruth’s content was relatable, engaging, and impactful, making her a prominent figure in the online disability advocacy space.

Breakthrough in Acting

Ruth’s success on TikTok didn’t go unnoticed. Her growing visibility eventually led to an acting opportunity in Netflix’s The Midnight Club, a horror series based on the work of Christopher Pike. Ruth’s portrayal of a character navigating life with a disability in a supernatural setting was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity. Her performance stood out for its sincerity, allowing viewers to see a disabled character portrayed with complexity, vulnerability, and strength.

Ruth’s ability to bring honesty and vulnerability to her roles garnered praise from both critics and audiences. Her breakout role in The Midnight Club was just the beginning of a rapidly evolving career. She quickly followed up with a role in The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), further solidifying her place in Hollywood. Both roles showcased Ruth’s versatility as an actress and her commitment to authentic storytelling.

Her approach to acting is shaped by her own experiences with disability. Ruth believes that her unique perspective allows her to bring a fresh and real approach to her characters. She has spoken about how important it is for disabled actors to play characters that aren’t defined solely by their disability. Instead, they should be seen as fully realized individuals with depth and complexity, just like any other character. Ruth’s performances embody this philosophy, challenging stereotypes and opening the door for greater representation of disabled people in the media.

The Amputation Journey: Facing Challenges Head-On

Ruth’s career in acting has been anything but conventional. Alongside her growing success as an actress, Ruth has also faced ongoing health challenges, including multiple amputations. In addition to her first leg amputation at age 23, Ruth underwent a second below-the-knee amputation as part of her ongoing effort to manage the complications from her previous injury.

Despite the pain and challenges of living with a disability, Ruth has continued to advocate for herself and others in similar situations. She’s been vocal about her experiences with disability, using her platform to educate, empower, and inspire others. In a TikTok post after her second amputation surgery, Ruth shared her thoughts on the emotional and physical toll of the procedure, offering a glimpse into her personal journey. She spoke candidly about the difficulties of her recovery, but also about the strength she’s found in overcoming these challenges. Her openness about her health struggles has helped destigmatize conversations around disability and health, making it easier for others to speak up about their own experiences.

In interviews, Ruth has reflected on the toll her disability has taken on her career. She’s been candid about the impact her prosthetics and mobility aids have on her work. In one interview, she shared how she had to adjust to working with crutches and prosthetics on set, but she remains determined to push through the challenges. She believes that her resilience and adaptability are key to her success. As she puts it, “I’ve been through it once before, so I think with two prosthetics, I’ll be pretty unstoppable.”

Her candidness about her health struggles and her willingness to share both the highs and lows of her journey have made Ruth a powerful role model for those navigating similar challenges. She continues to be an advocate for self-acceptance, resilience, and perseverance, showing that it’s possible to pursue one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Ruth Codd: A Voice for Disability Representation

As Ruth’s acting career progresses, she has become a key figure in the movement for better representation of disabled individuals in the entertainment industry. Her work with shows like The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher has highlighted the need for more nuanced portrayals of disability in the media. Ruth is determined to ensure that disabled characters are portrayed authentically and without resorting to stereotypes or pity.

In addition to her acting roles, Ruth has taken on the role of a disability advocate, speaking out about the need for more inclusivity in the entertainment industry. She is passionate about creating opportunities for disabled actors and ensuring that disability is represented in a way that reflects the lived experiences of disabled people. Ruth’s advocacy goes beyond the screen—she uses her platform to raise awareness, educate others, and push for greater inclusivity in both the media and society.

Her involvement in the 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon marks a significant milestone in Ruth’s career. In this highly anticipated project, Ruth plays Phlegma the Fierce, a Viking warrior who, like Ruth herself, has a limb difference. Ruth has expressed pride in playing a strong, capable character who defies the traditional stereotypes of disability. She sees this role as an opportunity to continue challenging perceptions of disabled people in the media, showing that they can be powerful, independent, and heroic.

Ruth’s role in How to Train Your Dragon is a clear example of how the entertainment industry is slowly but surely moving toward more inclusive and diverse storytelling. By taking on this role, Ruth not only expands her acting range but also advocates for greater representation of disabled individuals in blockbuster films. Her portrayal of Phlegma is part of a broader movement to create more opportunities for disabled actors and more meaningful representations of disability on screen.

Personal Life and Future Plans

Ruth’s personal life has been marked by her commitment to disability advocacy and her love for her craft. Although she has kept much of her private life out of the public eye, Ruth’s journey as an actress has shown her to be a deeply empathetic and grounded individual. She is currently in a relationship, and her partner has been a constant source of support throughout her career and recovery.

Looking to the future, Ruth is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Her work in How to Train Your Dragon will likely be a major milestone in her career, and she has expressed her hope that it will open doors for more disability representation in major franchises. Beyond acting, Ruth remains dedicated to her advocacy work, using her platform to continue pushing for greater inclusivity in entertainment.

As Ruth Codd’s career continues to grow, she remains an inspiration to many. Her journey from barber and makeup artist to a celebrated actress and disability advocate is a testament to her strength, determination, and authenticity. She is not just an actress—she is a voice for change, proving that disability should not limit one’s ability to succeed and be celebrated.