Quick Read
- Ruth Codd is recovering after her second below-knee leg amputation.
- Her first amputation followed complications from a football injury at age 23.
- Codd gained fame on TikTok before starring in Netflix’s The Midnight Club and Celebrity Traitors.
- She played a limb-different Viking warrior in the 2025 live-action How To Train Your Dragon.
- Codd continues to advocate for disability representation in media.
Ruth Codd’s Journey: From TikTok to Television
Ruth Codd has never shied away from sharing her story. The Irish actress, known for her breakout role in Netflix’s horror series The Midnight Club and as a contestant on Celebrity Traitors, has become a beacon of resilience for fans worldwide. Recently, she announced on TikTok that she is recovering from her second below-knee leg amputation, a decision rooted in years of medical challenges.
Codd’s first amputation occurred when she was just 23, the aftermath of a football injury as a teenager. The injury led to eight years of complications and persistent pain, culminating in the life-altering surgery. In a candid post, Codd remarked, “Good news, we’ve had a full-circle moment. I’m back making TikTok content in my parents’ house. Bad news, I can’t do it upstairs, because I’ve just had my second below-knee amputation.” Her words reflect both her trademark wit and the gravity of the situation.
Facing Health Challenges with Determination
Living with a limb difference is not new for Codd. In a YouTube interview with FFTV’s Grace Neutral, she discussed her physical challenges and the impact on her daily life: “The way I use my crutches means I’m always up on my tippy-toes. With the second one, it was just the same situation. My quality of life, it’s never going to get any better from this point.” Despite the difficulties, she has maintained a remarkable sense of optimism. “I’ve been through it once before, so I think with two prosthetics, I’ll be pretty unstoppable,” she said.
Her experiences over the past year have been marked by ongoing health issues, but Codd has remained steadfast in her pursuit of both personal fulfillment and professional success. She acknowledges that the health problems haven’t stopped her from achieving her goals, but admits that they’ve made her job harder. Yet, her resolve to adapt and thrive is evident in every public statement she makes.
Breaking Barriers in Entertainment
Before her television debut, Codd built a loyal following on TikTok, sharing her life and experiences with authenticity and humor. This online presence paved the way for her casting in The Midnight Club, where she showcased her acting skills to a global audience. More recently, her role on Celebrity Traitors highlighted her keen instincts and competitive spirit, as she correctly identified fellow player Jonathan Ross’s tactics before her own exit from the show.
2025 marked another milestone: Codd starred in the live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon, playing Phlegma the Fierce, a Viking warrior who, like Codd, has a limb difference. The significance of this casting was not lost on her. Around the film’s release, she stated, “I’m proud to play a strong, capable character with a limb difference.” Her portrayal was celebrated as a powerful example of representation in mainstream media, challenging conventional ideas of ability and heroism.
Community, Recovery, and Looking Ahead
After her recent surgery, Codd has been staying with family, finding comfort and support in her parents’ home. She continues to engage with fans on social media, offering glimpses into her recovery process and daily life. “There’s a lot to unpack for everyone involved,” she acknowledged, recognizing the emotional and practical complexities of her situation.
Her openness has resonated with many, especially those who face similar health challenges. By sharing both the difficulties and the triumphs, Codd has become a role model for resilience and self-acceptance. Her journey reminds us that recovery is not just a physical process, but a deeply personal one—shaped by family, community, and the drive to keep moving forward.
As Codd embraces life with two prosthetic legs, she is determined to continue her acting career and advocacy for disability representation. Whether on screen or online, she demonstrates that adversity can be met with courage and creativity. Her story is not just about overcoming obstacles, but about redefining what it means to live fully and authentically.
Ruth Codd’s experience underscores the complex intersection of health, identity, and visibility in contemporary media. Her refusal to let physical limitations dictate her ambitions sets a powerful example for audiences and industry alike, challenging us to reconsider what true strength looks like.