Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Steele.
Hi Cody, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Cleveland, where people work hard and don’t expect shortcuts. Acting started out as a way to make sense of things, then turned into the thing that made me feel alive. I studied theater, did every kind of side job you can think of, and eventually packed up and came to LA with just enough money and a lot of stubborn faith.
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve scraped by, started over, and kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit. But every bit of it shows up in my work. That mix of heart, grit, and a little chaos is what I bring to every story I tell.
I’m not chasing fame. I just want to make work that hits people where they live. The kind that feels real.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but smooth. I got kicked out of college, lost jobs, and had to rebuild more than once. When I first moved to LA, COVID hit right after, and everything shut down. I ran out of money and had to move back home. It felt like the dream fell apart before it even started.
But I didn’t quit. I saved up, came back, and produced a feature film that ended up getting distribution. Since then, I’ve been putting in the work — mentally, physically, and creatively — to be ready for whatever comes next. Every setback taught me something, and I think that’s what gives my work its edge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, originally from Cleveland. I’m drawn to stories that feel real — ones that dig into what it means to be human, whether it’s through something dark, funny, or quietly heartbreaking. I’ve always been more interested in truth than perfection.
Recently, I starred in the LGBTQ+ horror film MEAT, which has been making its way through the festival circuit. It’s a project I’m really proud of because it pushed boundaries and gave me the chance to explore something raw and fearless.
What sets me apart is where I come from. Growing up in a working-class city taught me how to grind, how to stay grounded, and how to find beauty in imperfection. I bring that same energy into every role — a mix of grit, heart, and honesty. At the end of the day, I just want to tell stories that hit people where they live.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve learned that risk is kind of built into this life. Moving to LA with barely any money was a risk. Choosing acting as a career was a risk. But I’ve never been interested in playing it safe — on or off screen.
Even the roles I take usually push me out of my comfort zone. In MEAT, I did full frontal nudity because it felt honest to the story and the character. It wasn’t about shock value, it was about committing fully. I like putting myself in situations that scare me a little — that’s usually where the truth lives.
I wouldn’t call myself fearless. I overthink everything. My OCD makes sure of that. But once I decide something’s worth doing, I’m all in. I think real growth only happens when you’re willing to risk looking stupid, failing, or being vulnerable in front of everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.actorcksteele.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/codysteele__
Image Credits
Ian Argo
Cameron Thrower
Shannon Ahlstrand
