This dark-haired, suave American-born matinée idol of French ancestry
abandoned a medical career after receiving favorable reviews for his
performance in a school play at McGill University in Montreal.
He then went on to study drama at the Stanhope Wheatcroft School of Acting in
New York, toured in Vaudeville and with stock companies before
performing at the Winter Garden with his own troupe of players.
Cody's first appearance on screen was in short films with the Balboa Amusement
Company. He then worked for
Thomas H. Ince and
Mack Sennett, advancing to full-length
features by 1917, initially playing villains.
As his popularity soared, he gravitated to starring roles as amusing rogues and debonair bon
vivants in dramas and light comedies, often with a continental background.
He was a noted wit and much sought-after as a speaker at
Hollywood parties. Though slightly encumbered by his rather pronounced
French accent, Cody had just begun to make an impact in early talkies,
when he unexpectedly died in his sleep due to heart disease.
His first spouse was the famous silent screen comedienne
Mabel Normand, who also died prematurely.
Their short, rather unhappy union had reputedly been the result of a
practical joke.
