Cody Rhodes Recalls Early Hollywood Acting Pursuit
“I didn’t book any roles. I didn’t go on an audition. I got my Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen book, and I attended Comprehensive Technique with Howard Fine, and then instead of moving on to scene study, I became a stage manager at the Howard Fine Studio just to do Comprehensive Technique again, because I needed the kindergarten level, the first grade level.— Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes moved to Hollywood at age 19 to pursue an acting career. He obtained an acting book by Uta Hagen and attended Comprehensive Technique classes with Howard Fine. Instead of advancing to scene study, he took a position as stage manager at the Howard Fine Studio to repeat the foundational course.
Rhodes explained that he required basic level training to build his skills from the beginning. He expressed a desire to continue exploring new opportunities in order to develop his abilities further.
He noted that wrestling provides strong storytelling experience, yet the shift to acting presents distinct challenges. Rhodes cited the transitions made by other wrestlers into film roles as examples of the difficulties involved. He found his work in Street Fighter particularly demanding and emphasized the need for repeated practice.
Despite his early attempt at acting, Rhodes has maintained that wrestling remained his primary interest and top priority. He followed his father Dusty Rhodes into the profession, starting his wrestling career in 2006 and debuting on WWE Raw the following year against Randy Orton.
Rhodes stated that he typically declines other opportunities because of his lifelong passion for wrestling. He recalled a childhood desire to win the WWE title. While some past comments from age 19 suggested acting as an initial dream, he affirmed that wrestling was always his first love in entertainment.
Source: Wrestling Observer
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