Marissa Bode’s journey to stardom is a testament to perseverance. The 25-year-old actress, who began acting at age 8, finally achieved a major breakthrough in 2022 when she was cast as Nessarose in the highly anticipated movie musical Wicked. Notably, she is the first wheelchair user to portray the character, marking a significant moment for disability representation in film.
Advocating for Authentic Roles
Bode isn’t simply celebrating her success; she is leveraging her platform to challenge the status quo in Hollywood. She champions the idea that disabled actors should be cast in roles that don’t solely focus on their disability. “Something I—and several of my other disabled peers—have been advocating for is to be cast in roles that don’t focus on disability,” she explains.
This perspective stems from the understanding that art reflects and shapes reality. By showcasing disabled people living ordinary lives—simply “chilling, just kicking it”—we can foster greater understanding and acceptance, leading to increased equity and equal treatment.
A Glimpse into Marissa Bode’s Life
In a recent interview with Women’s Health, Bode shared personal insights into her life, revealing the habits and practices that contribute to her overall well-being and fuel her advocacy work.
Daily Rituals & Inspirations
- Morning Fuel: Bode starts her day with breakfast, often indulging in Trader Joe’s whole-grain waffles with vegan butter and either maple or date syrup.
- Early Spark: Seeing her brother perform onstage sparked Bode’s initial desire to act.
- Post-Workout Treat: To rehydrate and refuel after exercise, Bode enjoys homemade watermelon pops—a refreshing blend of watermelon, lemon juice, mint, maple/date syrup, and a touch of Tajín.
Career Highlights & Creative Outlets
- Proudest Moment: Seeing herself on-screen in the complete Wicked film was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
- Hype-Up Music: Bode turns to either the album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan or early 2000s music to boost her energy.
- Unwinding: Scrapbooking helps Bode de-stress and ground herself when feeling anxious.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
- Embrace Multifaceted Creativity: Bode advises aspiring actors to “create your own art,” highlighting the value of taking on diverse roles and exploring different aspects of the creative process.
Personal Reflections
- Emotional Trigger: Even seemingly unrelated shows like Supernanny can evoke strong emotions.
- Birthday Getaway: A recent trip to Las Vegas, complete with a small financial loss—a rite of passage, according to Bode—marked her birthday celebration.
With the release of Wicked: For Good on November 21, Bode continues to shine, not only as a talented actress but also as a vocal advocate for meaningful disability representation in Hollywood. > Her advocacy underscores a crucial shift: the desire for authentic portrayals that move beyond stereotypical roles and celebrate the full spectrum of human experience
