27/01/2026
DISABILITY IS NOT FICTIONAL
IT'S REAL
This evenings spotlight š”is MARISSA BODE who recently starred in the role of Nessarose in WICKED FOR GOOD.
BODE is a Los-Angeles-based disabled actress who has been acting since age eight in a number of plays and musicals. "Little Shop of Horrors", "The Diviners", "Peter Pan" and "Mary Poppins" just to name a few. BODE trained in the arts and studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
BODE has also self-written, self-directed, self-produced short film called "You're Adorable" that was accepted into the 2021 Wisconsin Film Festival.
BODE was paralyzed at the age of 11, due to a car crash.Yes disabled in real life, as a result uses a wheelchair to aid mobility in everyday life.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are more than 65 million wheelchair users worldwide, which is just under 1% of the population. On our screens, large and small, they make up less than 0.01% of the characters in TV drama series or in movies, and when they do appear the roles are often played by non-disabled actors.
BODE was choosen as todays spotlight feature because her role in Wicked For Good marked the first time a disabled actress portrayed this character and she capitivated me.
Articles i've read spoke about producers working the set and environment around her disability related needs. There is something about disability being part of the integral planning, rather than an after thought that speaks to me and makes me smile.
In so many movies individuals act or play disabled characters. BODE is a reminder that disability is real life and can be the foundation on which you capture hearts and build greatness. BODE is not acting or playing at being disabled. The fictional character is Nessarose, BODE is real and her acting š„
Today, BODE is my reminder of the importance of that 'it' factor and what you can achieve by working on your craft. Additionally the fun you can have by leaning into being WICKED GOOD.