Kodi Smit McPhee

Birth Date:

June 13, 1996

Birth Name:

Kodi Smit McPhee

Birth Place:

Adelaide, Australia

Nick Name:

Koda Spekz

Film Debut:

Romulus, My Father 2007

Breakthrough Film:

Romulus, My Father 2007

Biography

Kodi Smit McPhee is an Australian actor known for his emotionally powerful performances, distinctive screen presence, and ability to portray complex, introspective characters. He was born on June 13, 1996, in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, into a family with strong connections to the entertainment industry. His father, Andy McPhee, is an actor and former professional wrestler, while his older sister, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, is an actress and singer. Growing up in an artistic household helped inspire Kodi’s interest in performing from an early age. He began acting as a child and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for portraying sensitive and emotionally demanding roles. His early experiences in Australian television and film provided a foundation for his future success, allowing him to develop his craft while working alongside established performers.

Smit-McPhee attracted widespread attention in 2007 when he starred as Raimond Gaita’s younger counterpart, Rai, in the Australian drama Romulus, My Father, opposite Eric Bana and Franka Potente. His performance earned him the Australian Film Institute’s Young Actor Award and established him as a promising young talent. He gained further recognition internationally for his portrayal of a young boy travelling through a bleak, post-apocalyptic world alongside his father, played by Viggo Mortensen, in The Road (2009). In 2010, he starred as Owen, a lonely boy who develops a friendship with a mysterious young girl, in the supernatural drama Let Me In. He subsequently lent his voice to Norman Babcock in the animated film ParaNorman (2012) and appeared in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). His portrayal of Kurt Wagner, also known as Nightcrawler, in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and Dark Phoenix (2019) introduced him to a wider blockbuster audience.

In 2021, Smit-McPhee delivered one of the most celebrated performances of his career as Peter Gordon in Jane Campion’s psychological western The Power of the Dog. His portrayal of an intelligent, reserved young man navigating a tense family environment received widespread critical acclaim. The performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination in the same category, significantly elevating his standing in Hollywood. He has since continued exploring diverse roles, appearing in films such as Elvis (2022), where he portrayed Jimmie Rodgers Snow, and Maria (2024). Recognised for his versatility, subtle acting style, and willingness to embrace challenging characters, Smit-McPhee has established himself as one of Australia’s notable contemporary actors.

Movie Portfolio