Marissa Bode – The Rising Star Making Waves in Hollywood and Changing Representation for Disabled Actors
What is Marissa Bode’s disability? Marissa Bode uses a wheelchair due to a car accident she had when she was 11 years old, which left her with a permanent disability. Marissa Bode is an actress and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, recognized for her advocacy for disabled representation in the arts. Bode’s most significant role to date is as Nessarose in the upcoming "Wicked" film adaptation, where she is the first actress to authentically portray the character while using a wheelchair. She began acting at a young age and has a background in both theater and film, including her short film "You're Adorable," which was shown at the 2021 Wisconsin Film Festival. As a wheelchair user since the age of 11, Marissa is challenging Hollywood’s approach to disability representation by showcasing the talents of disabled actors in leading roles. Marissa Bode's Background and Career Marissa Bode was born and raised in Los Angeles. She began acting when she was just eight years old, developing a love for the arts early on. Her passion for theater grew as she took on roles in various school and community productions, leading her to pursue a formal education in the arts. In 2021, she graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she honed her skills in both acting and musical theater.
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