Cody Key may be young, but his talents make him wise beyond his years.
With an actor for a father and a costume designer as a mother, Key tapped into the industry at the mere age of five and has grown into a multi-hyphenate entertainer.
Cody can be most recognized for his role as “Nico” in Netflix’s No Good Nick, which starred Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, Siena Agudong, Kamala Epstein and Lauren Donzis and ran on the streaming platform for two seasons. In addition, Key can also be seen in the Nayip Ramos film Keep Moving, and his charismatic personality shines in commercials for Yubo and Total Insight.
In addition to acting, Cody pursues voice-over acting and singing, all while using his platform to promote causes he is passionate about, which include the Special Olympics and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
“We always need to look back and give back,” Key emphasizes.
The actor, singer, activist and influencer expresses that at the end of the day, he hopes to embody a “positive message and [for] those who follow [him] to feel empowered and important.”
Keep scrolling to see our full Q&A with Cody, where he talks about his time on No Good Nick, future projects, and social initiatives he’s participated in. You can connect with Cody Key by giving him a follow on Instagram at @codymkey.
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CS: When did your pursuit of entertainment begin? I know that your family has a history working in the industry; is this what rooted your interests?
Cody Key (CK): “I think my interests were rooted in my love for costumes and performing. From day one, I would get up in front of family and friends and sing. My brother and I would always think of ways to put on a show. I remember one time we pretended we were puppies for the entire day.”
CS: Your “big break” came from Netflix’s “No Good Nick.” Talk to us about your experience from working on the show and maybe anything you’ve learned from being on set.
CK: “Working on set was literally the most amazing experience. Being around others who share your love for acting is amazing. Being able to meet an icon like Sean Astin was also incredible. He was able to transition from child star to adult actor and that is my hope.”
CS: Of the roles and opportunities you have had in the past, which resonated the most with you? Do you have a favorite?
CK: “My favorite role so far was this past summer… I can’t really talk about it in detail, but it was a film with Steven Spielberg. It was a period piece, so getting to dress in wardrobe I’d never worn or even seen was super cool.”
CS: You are a true multi-hyphenate: influencer, actor, musician and voice-over artist. What interests you about each of these crafts and which do you like the most?
CK: “I absolutely love being an actor first and foremost. I love the craft and I love where ech script takes you. I am working on my music, slowly but surely, and being an influencer is fun but also challenging. I want to be an influencer with a positive message and those who follow me to feel empowered and important.”
CS: Influencers using their platform to spread awareness is incredibly important, and this is something you do! Your team highlights your passion for supporting the LGBTQ community and charities such as the Special Olympics. How do you hope to incorporate these values into future works?
CK: “I am all about giving back. We always need to look back and give back. I want to support and honor those who are oppressed, that is why I want to be a light for the LBGTQ community. Love is love. I also am very passionate about Special Olympics and when I was 5, I actually participated in a Santa Monica Pier event that congratulated the athletes. I am passionate about Special Olympics for two reasons — one reason being that my cousin Trevor is autistic. He and I grew up together; the second reason is I recently met the sweetest little girl named Averie. She has down syndrome and she touched my heart in so many ways, so being able to give back and love and support Special Olympics is from my heart.”
CS: You have taken to social media to post about an upcoming project, “Without a Doubt.” Can you tell us about this film?
CK: “‘Without A Doubt’ is a short film about how teens view daily life. I play a bully which for some reason has been a go to casting for me lately. I am not sure when it will be released. I also worked on a feature with director Steven Spielberg and the TV show Hunters with Al Pacino. Small parts but amazing experience.”
CS: Do you have a favorite celeb that you look up to? Who do you dream to collaborate with one day?
CK: “I absolutely look up to Robert Downey Jr. He is a mega star but aside from that he overcame so many obstacles and he never gave up. He worked through and persevered. That is what makes him someone I admire. I would love to collaborate with him at some point. I would also like to collaborate musically with Tim McGraw, I love his music and his platform.”
CS: What is your dream role and what would you bring to the part?
CK: “My dream role is to be in a Marvel movie or series. I would love to work alongside those amazing actors. I also think it would be amazing to see all the special effects and combat training!”
CS: What can your fans and new audiences expect next from Cody Key?
CK: “Expect the unexpected…. I am hoping to land a series regular role in a show, that is my end goal. But things that are expected to come out are in 2022”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, what is a secret that people don’t know about you? It could be about yourself, or projects you have worked on!
CK: “My secret is that I am fluent in American Sign Language. I have been learning ASL since I was 3. I love the language and I want to pursue some sort of degree within Deaf Studies.”
