Introduction
Ruth Codd is an Irish actress, social media influencer, and disability advocate who has captured the attention of both entertainment fans and advocacy groups. Known for her role as Anya in Netflix’s The Midnight Club (2022), Ruth has made a significant mark in mainstream media, not only with her talent but also for her open and candid discussions about her disability. Ruth’s journey from social media content creator to an acclaimed actress is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of self-expression.
Her advocacy for people with disabilities in entertainment and beyond has made her a prominent figure in both the acting world and the fight for greater inclusion and visibility. In this article, we will dive into Ruth’s life, career, and how her amputations and disability have shaped her work, public persona, and advocacy efforts.
Ruth Codd Early Life and Challenges
Ruth Codd was born on June 13, 1996, in Wexford, Ireland, and from a young age, she exhibited an interest in sports and an active lifestyle. However, at 15 years old, Ruth sustained a serious football injury that led to chronic pain and mobility issues. Over the years, she underwent multiple surgeries, but the injury did not heal properly, and Ruth was forced to live with persistent pain. Despite her challenges, Ruth remained active and involved in her community, initially pursuing a career as a makeup artist and barber.
By her early twenties, the toll of her injury became too much to bear. After years of struggling with pain and limited mobility, Ruth made the difficult decision to undergo a below-the-knee amputation on her right leg. The decision was not made lightly, but it ultimately gave Ruth a new sense of freedom and relief from the constant pain she had endured.
In 2025, Ruth chose to undergo a second leg amputation due to complications from her previous injury, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. This decision further solidified her determination to live life on her terms.
Ruth Codd A Social Media Star and Disability Advocate
Ruth’s rise to fame began on TikTok, where she began posting humorous, candid, and inspiring content about her life as a disabled person. She quickly gained a following, connecting with audiences through her authenticity and the way she blended comedy with disability awareness. Ruth’s TikTok content covered everything from daily life and personal experiences to her thoughts on self-love, body positivity, and disability representation. Her content, marked by honesty and humor, made her an instant success.
As her social media presence grew, Ruth started using her platform not only to entertain but also to educate her audience on the challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly in the entertainment industry. She used her own experience to raise awareness about the lack of representation for disabled individuals in film and television. Her efforts were focused on normalizing disability in mainstream media, breaking down stereotypes, and advocating for better opportunities for disabled actors and performers.
Ruth Codd Transition to Acting
In a surprising twist, Ruth’s rise on TikTok caught the attention of casting agents, leading to her acting debut. Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Midnight Club, discovered Ruth’s TikTok account and cast her in the role of Anya, a character with an amputated leg, in the hit Netflix series. Ruth’s portrayal was praised for its authenticity and depth, as she brought her personal experiences to the character, allowing for a level of relatability and emotional depth that resonated with viewers.
This role, which aired in 2022, marked the beginning of Ruth’s professional acting career and positioned her as a rising star in Hollywood. Her performance was celebrated for breaking barriers in terms of disability representation, showing audiences that disabled actors can take on leading roles and bring complexity to their characters.
Ruth Codd The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Ruth’s next major role came in the Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), where she portrayed Juno Usher, adding a darker, more mysterious character to her acting repertoire. The series, based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, became another opportunity for Ruth to showcase her versatility as an actress.
Her performance, once again praised for its emotional range, continued to highlight Ruth’s growing talent in genre television and her ability to navigate complex, multifaceted roles.
Ruth Codd Celebrity Traitors (2025)
Ruth also participated in Celebrity Traitors, a reality competition show that aired on BBC One in 2025. The show, which saw celebrities working together to complete tasks while trying to uncover “traitors” among their ranks, gave Ruth another platform to showcase her personality and strategic thinking. While she was eliminated early in the competition, her outspoken nature and sense of humor made her one of the standout contestants, further solidifying her place in the public eye.
Ruth Codd Representation and Advocacy
Ruth’s work in the entertainment industry has made her a key figure in the fight for disability representation in media. She advocates for more inclusive and authentic portrayals of disabled individuals on screen, and her personal journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation for disabled performers.
By portraying characters like Anya in The Midnight Club, Ruth has shattered stereotypes and shown the world that disability is not something that should limit an actor’s ability to perform complex, compelling roles. She continues to push for more opportunities for disabled actors and talented individuals to be cast in mainstream films and TV shows, breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
Ruth Codd Personal Life
Ruth Codd tends to keep her personal life private, but she has shared glimpses of her support system and family on social media. She has been open about her relationships, both familial and romantic, and has expressed gratitude for the people who have supported her throughout her journey. She also frequently shares her progress on rehabilitation and prosthetic training, inspiring others with similar experiences to stay hopeful and motivated.
TikTok and Social Media
Ruth’s TikTok presence was a key factor in her rise to fame. Through short videos, Ruth not only entertained her followers but also educated them about living with a disability. Her authenticity resonated with many, and she quickly amassed a following that appreciated her openness and humor.
Ruth has since transitioned her social media following into a platform for advocacy, using Instagram and other channels to continue pushing the message of disability inclusion in all aspects of life, from media representation to daily accessibility.
Conclusion
Ruth Codd’s rise from TikTok creator to actress and disability advocate is an inspiring journey that showcases both her personal resilience and her growing influence in the entertainment industry. With her roles in The Midnight Club, The Fall of the House of Usher, and participation in Celebrity Traitors, Ruth has proven that disability does not define her ability to entertain and inspire. As she continues to advocate for better representation of disabled individuals in media, Ruth remains an important voice for inclusivity and authenticity.
Her career serves as a powerful example of how social media, talent, and advocacy can intersect to create real-world change, and she is likely to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards for what is possible in both entertainment and advocacy for years to come.
If you’d like more insights into Ruth’s journey, specific roles, or her future projects, feel free to ask!
