'Wicked' Actor and Disability Advocate Marissa Bode to Deliver Bucknell Student Lectureship

Marissa Bode — who made her feature film debut while becoming the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose Thropp in the film adaptations of the musical Wicked (2024) and its sequel Wicked: For Good (2025) — will appear at Bucknell University's annual student lectureship on Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m. in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. Bode will participate in a moderated discussion with student Krystin Ipina '26, animal behavior, at the event, sponsored by the Bucknell Student Lectureship Committee.

Bode has been acting since the age of 8 and trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In addition to her work on screen, she is widely recognized for her advocacy for authentic disability representation in Hollywood. 

She is proud to be the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose. The highly successful Wicked films were directed by Jon M. Chu and featured an ensemble cast including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh.

"The Student Lectureship Committee is especially excited to welcome Marissa Bode," says Erin Paschal, dean of student life. "Her work and advocacy for authentic disability representation will offer an important and inspiring perspective for our campus community."

Each year, the Student Lectureship Committee hosts a speaker to engage students, faculty, staff and community members in timely and meaningful conversations. Past speakers have included prominent figures from entertainment, media, public life and sports, including Bill Nye the Science Guy, actor Josh Peck, comedian Chelsea Handler, businessman Jerry Greenfield, Olympic gymnast Ally Raisman and NFL star Saquon Barkley.

Tickets are free and now available for Bucknell students, faculty and staff. Two hundred tickets will be available for the general public beginning at 6 p.m. at the Weis Center box office on the evening of the lecture.