Biography
Kody Christiansen is an actor, award-winning published author, filmmaker, and social justice advocate. His story is one of resilience, having overcome addiction, homelessness, and personal heartbreak to become a powerful voice for change. Through his platform, Kody inspires others, particularly in addressing issues of homelessness and addiction.
Kody Christiansen was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 1st. Early in life, Kody faced significant early challenges, including the loss of his mother to cancer. His dreams led him to pursue a career in entertainment, and he moved to Los Angeles soon after high school. However, the allure of Hollywood led him into addiction, resulting in years of instability and despair.
After reaching rock bottom, Kody relocated to New York City in search of a fresh start. Life in New York was fraught with challenges, including nearly two years spent in homeless shelters while battling addiction. In 2015, he made the life-changing decision to get sober, marking a turning point that set him on a transformative new path.
This journey is chronicled in Kody's first memoir, Hollywood Heartbreak / New York Dreams, which explores his struggles with addiction and homelessness. His second memoir, One Week in LA / Two Years Later, focuses on his return to Los Angeles a year into sobriety and his confrontation with the city that once represented his darkest moments, now seen through clear and sober eyes.
Kody is also deeply passionate about education. He earned an Associate in Arts degree from NYU in 2020, where he served as undergraduate student body President, founded the NYU SPS Rainbow Alliance, and championed inclusivity. At Harvard University, he graduated with honors in 2023, earning a Bachelor of Liberal Arts as a Faculty of Arts and Sciences Special Student. As President of the Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA), Kody advocated for non-traditional students, organized a Winter Supply Drive that raised over $20,000 for the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and launched the "I Deserve ID" program to help unhoused individuals obtain identification.
In 2024, Kody earned an MPhil in Film and Screen Studies from the University of Cambridge. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Film Studies at UCL and applying to PhD programs at leading institutions. His research focuses on the representation of homelessness in cinema, continuing his mission to use film as a tool for social change.
Kody frequently speaks on topics such as addiction recovery, homelessness, and resilience, and he remains open to opportunities to inspire others. Looking ahead, he plans to continue acting, teaching, and advocating for his community. His future aspirations include running for West Hollywood City Council and, one day, potentially serving in the U.S. Senate.
