Marissa Bode Breaks Boundaries in Blockbuster 'Wicked' with Historic Role as Nessarose
Marissa Bode’s journey to stardom is nothing short of remarkable, with her recent role as Nessarose Thropp in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked marking a historic milestone. The Mazomanie native’s story is one of resilience, triumph, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. At the age of 11, Marissa’s life took a dramatic turn when she was paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. Despite the physical challenges she faced, her passion for acting remained unwavering, and now, at 24, she has made history as the first actor who uses a wheelchair to portray Nessarose, a character who also relies on a wheelchair in the iconic story.
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Bode’s road to the Wicked set was filled with both surprises and hard work. After auditioning for the role in 2022, she was working as an art teacher and mentor at a Boys and Girls Club in Santa Monica when she received a call that would change her life. Despite the early morning Zoom call with Wicked director Jon M. Chu and producers in London being intimidating, Marissa remained determined and overjoyed. The moment she found out she had secured the role was a dream come true. In an emotional twist, Chu revealed that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda, were behind the door, holding a sign that read, "Welcome to Oz, will you be our Nessarose?" This heartfelt moment sealed her place in the cast, and from there, Bode’s journey into the magical world of Oz began.
Filming Wicked has been a dream come true for Bode, who describes the sets as whimsical and magical. She had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. As a disabled actor, Bode’s involvement in the film is not only groundbreaking but also provides a platform for people with disabilities to be represented more inclusively in Hollywood. Beyond her disability, Bode’s personal identity as a bisexual woman of color further adds layers to her role in championing diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Marissa’s performance in Wicked not only makes waves for disabled actors but also offers a much-needed sense of representation for children and young adults, both disabled and non-disabled alike. In a world where visual representation is crucial, Bode’s role as Nessarose, paired with the release of Mattel dolls modeled after the movie’s characters, serves as an important step toward visibility and acceptance. For Bode, the importance of seeing disabled characters on screen and in toys is a vital way to foster understanding and empathy among diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, Marissa is excited for the release of Wicked Part Two and the continued journey her career will take. However, she remains steadfast in her desire to pursue roles that don’t solely focus on disability. For her, it’s about creating more opportunities where disabled characters are just part of the story, existing in the same way as any other. With her incredible performance and commitment to advocacy, Bode is well on her way to breaking even more barriers in the entertainment world.
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