Marissa Bode
Plays “Nessarose” in Universal’s Wicked Duology, PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year & Inspirational Changemaker
Marissa Bode
Plays “Nessarose” in Universal’s Wicked Duology, PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year & Inspirational Changemaker
Biography
Marissa Bode is a groundbreaking actor and disability advocate who made her feature-film debut as principal character Nessarose in Universal’s Wicked duology, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh. As the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose on screen, she helped infuse a beloved cultural touchstone with fresh authenticity—shining new light on themes of identity, belonging, and the power of perspective.
An actor since age 8 and a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Marissa centers disability in everything she creates and champions. Her leadership was honored in 2025 when PRWeek named her Communicator of the Year, recognizing the way she leverages storytelling to advance access and representation. She is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and brings an intersectional lens to her work while keeping disability advocacy at the core.
Most recently, Marissa was announced to star alongside Tony-nominee Julia Lester in a slate of Visionary Fellowship short films produced by the Inevitable Foundation—an initiative that funds and elevates disabled filmmakers.
Her impact has been highlighted by outlets including Teen Vogue, People, Vogue, The Hollywood Reporter, and Gay Times, where she has spoken candidly about accessible sets, authentic casting, and the creative magic that happens when everyone can belong.
Off-screen, Marissa lives in Los Angeles, loves to cook, and shares her home with three charismatic cats. On stage, in classrooms, or at industry gatherings, she brings warmth, humor, and a powerful reminder that true inclusion isn’t a courtesy—it’s the engine of better art, better business, and a more humane world.
Speaker Videos
Marissa Bode opens up about her history-making role in 'Wicked'
Actress Marissa Bode of “Wicked” talks about breaking barriers
Marissa Bode on Being the First Disabled Actress to Play the Role of "Nessarose" for 'Wicked'
Speech Topics
What Wicked Taught Us: Storytelling, Humanity & the Power of Perspective
Wicked has become one of the most iconic stories of our time—challenging how we see good and evil, power and prejudice, and what it means to truly belong. Through her experience working on the film, Marissa reflects on the deeper lessons embedded in the story: how quickly we judge, how rarely we listen, and how often people are misunderstood. This program explores how Wicked invites us to reimagine the world through empathy, courage, and second chances. It’s a testament to the kind of change that can happen when we look beyond labels and choose to see each other fully.
Opportunity for All: Redefining What Access Really Means
In this program, Marissa offers a candid and refreshing perspective on access—not as a box to check, but as a pathway to possibility. Without relying on buzzwords or jargon, she explores the subtle ways society defines “normal” and how that definition often leaves people behind. As someone who moves through the world as a disabled and LGBTQ+ person, she invites audiences to consider how layered identities shape opportunity—and how inclusive environments benefit everyone. This program is about building a world where each person, regardless of ability or background, has a fair chance to thrive.
Rolling Forward: A Journey of Grit, Passion & Possibility
Marissa’s path has been anything but ordinary—from childhood performances in small-town theaters to a history-making role in a major motion picture. In this uplifting program, she reflects on the highs and lows of building a life in the arts while navigating a world that wasn’t built with her in mind. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and quiet rebellion against limitation. This program reminds us that progress doesn’t always happen in leaps—it often rolls forward, one brave choice at a time.
Art in Action: Creativity as a Tool for Visibility & Change
Marissa believes that every artistic choice is a chance to say something bigger. In this program, she shares how her lived experiences—particularly as a disabled and queer artist—have shaped the roles she’s played, the projects she’s chosen, and the stories she’s helped bring to life. From Broadway to Hollywood, she illustrates how art can move conversations forward and expand who gets to be seen. This program invites us to rethink creative work as more than expression—it’s activism in motion.
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