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Cody Rhodes Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth30 June 1985

Age38 Years

BirthplaceMarietta, Georgia, United States

ProfessionWrestler, Businessman, Actor

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpouseBrandi Alexis Reed

FamilyFather: Dusty Rhodes; Half-brother: Dustin Runnels; Daughter: Liberty Iris Runnels

Cody Rhodes Biography

Cody Rhodes is an American professional wrestler, businessman and actor from Marietta, Georgia. The son of Dusty Rhodes, he has competed for WWE, AEW and a

Early life and background

Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes was born on June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia. Raised in a family with deep ties to professional wrestling, he is the son of Dusty Rhodes and grew up around the sport. He attended Lassiter High School and competed in amateur wrestling as a youth, earning recognition in Georgia state tournaments in the early 2000s. After high school Rhodes spent some time in acting school before committing to a professional wrestling career.

Career

Rhodes made his professional debut in Ohio Valley Wrestling on June 16, 2006, and joined WWE's main roster the following year. Early in his career he performed under several ring names and personas, including Stardust and Fuego 2, before adopting the Cody Rhodes and Cody identities used on the independent scene. Over time he developed a repertoire of signature moves—such as the Alabama slam, Disaster Kick (Beautiful Disaster), moonsaults and the springboard cutter—and used a theme song titled "Kingdom" by Downstait.

Across multiple promotions, Rhodes has collected numerous championships and honors. His accomplishments include Intercontinental Championship reigns in WWE, multiple tag team titles, a Royal Rumble victory in 2023, and major singles gold outside WWE: the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, and the ROH World Championship. In All Elite Wrestling he became a three-time AEW TNT Champion and won the 2020 TNT Championship Tournament. He has also held titles on the independent circuit and in regional promotions.

Rhodes left WWE in 2016 and wrestled broadly on the independent scene and for several promotions from 2016 to 2019, including appearances at marquee events worldwide. In 2019 he and his wife joined All Elite Wrestling as performers; Rhodes served in an executive vice-president role for the company during his tenure there. In 2022 he departed AEW and later returned to WWE, making a high-profile comeback at WrestleMania 38 where he defeated Seth Rollins. Following his 2023 Royal Rumble victory he went on to another WrestleMania program.

Acting and other media

Alongside his in-ring work, Rhodes has pursued acting and media projects. He voiced or performed as Stardust in animated wrestling crossover projects and has appeared on episodic television and reality formats. Credits include guest appearances on Arrow, a role in Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon, and participation in television series and web shows related to wrestling and entertainment. He and his wife starred in the reality series Rhodes to the Top, which documents aspects of their personal and professional lives. Rhodes has also been featured in multiple WWE video game titles under both Cody Rhodes and Stardust identities.

Public profile

Cody Rhodes is known by several nicknames used at different points in his career, including "The American Nightmare," Stardust and simply Cody. Standing 6'2" and listed at approximately 220 pounds, he is characterized by blond hair and blue eyes. His in-ring trainers have included Al Snow, Danny Davis and his father, and Triple H has been cited as a mentor. Outside the ring he enjoys hobbies like playing video games, reading comics and travel.

Personal life

Rhodes is married to Brandi Alexis Reed, a performer and television personality who has worked alongside him professionally. The couple have one daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, born in June 2021. Rhodes comes from an extended wrestling family; his half-brother is Dustin Runnels (known as Dustin Rhodes or Goldust), and other relatives and in-laws have connections in the business.

Latest updates

In recent seasons Rhodes returned to WWE after a long run on the independent scene and leadership role in AEW. His comeback at WrestleMania 38 and subsequent 2023 Royal Rumble victory have been prominent milestones in the latest phase of his career. He continues to appear on WWE programming and to take part in media projects tied to his wrestling persona.
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Recent Work

Wrestling: Return at WrestleMania 38

Made a comeback to WWE at WrestleMania 38 and defeated Seth Rollins.

2022
2023 Men's Royal Rumble

Won the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match and advanced to WrestleMania 39.

2023
Rhodes to the Top

Reality series starring Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi Rhodes, focusing on their personal and professional lives.

2021
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Career Highlights

  1. WWE Intercontinental Champion
  2. Three-time AEW TNT Champion and 2020 TNT Tournament winner
  3. NWA World Heavyweight Champion (2018)
  4. IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion (2019)
  5. ROH World Champion (2017)
  6. Winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cody Rhodes born?

30 June 1985

What is Cody Rhodes known for?

Wrestler, Businessman, Actor

What is Cody Rhodes’s marital status?

Married

Who is Cody Rhodes married to?

Brandi Alexis Reed