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MARISSA Bode made history as the first actress with a disability to play Nessarose in Wicked.
Taking on the role of Elphaba’s younger sister, Marissa is set to become a pivotal role in part two of the blockbuster film.
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During Wicked’s press run, fans were delighted to see that Marissa had a plus one – her girlfriend Lauren Brooks.
Who is Marissa Bode’s girlfriend Lauren Brooks?
Lauren ‘Wren’ Brooks who is also disabled and describes herself as a “wheely hot writer”.
In her Instagram bio, she says she’s a journalist and has worked for several publications, including Cripple Media – the first media company run by and for disabled people.
Wren uses she/they pronouns and regularly shares adorable photos of her and Marissa together.
They attended the Wicked’s premiere together, both wearing white gowns.
They appear to be a new couple after first appearing on each other’s social media in 2024.
Who is Marissa Bode?
Marissa made her debut as the “tragically beautiful” younger sister of Wicked Witch Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo.
She landed one of the most romantic scenes in the movie with Boq Woodsman, played by Ethan Slater.
In an interview with The Times she spoke about the importance of disabled representation in film.
“I love seeing disabled characters be played authentically by real disabled people, because no one knows us better than us,” she said.
“Representation for authentically disabled people is already quite minimal, so to have the opportunity and make a point of it, especially in a huge project that’s beloved by so many people, that’s incredibly important, especially in terms of sending a message to other projects that it’s possible to include disabled people in your casts.”
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