Cody Fern

Cody Fern – Life, Career, and Notable Insights

Explore the journey of Cody Fern (born July 6, 1988) — Australian actor and director known for his roles in American Horror Story, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, House of Cards, and more. Discover his background, signature performances, personal philosophy, and the impact he’s making in entertainment.

Introduction

Cody Fern is an Australian actor and director whose distinct presence, versatility, and collaborations with visionary creators like Ryan Murphy have garnered him attention in high-profile television and film projects. From portraying Michael Langdon (the Antichrist) in American Horror Story: Apocalypse to embodying David Madson in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Fern’s trajectory reflects bold artistic choices, reinvention, and a willingness to explore darker, challenging roles.

Early Life & Education

• Birth: Cody Fern was born on July 6, 1988, in Southern Cross, a rural area in Western Australia.

• Schooling: He attended Merredin Senior High School as a boarding student.

• University: He studied commerce at Curtin University of Technology, graduating with honours in 2009.

Before acting became his full path, Fern once considered working in finance — a career he eventually realized did not suit him and left behind.

Acting Training & Early Career

Though Fern’s formal degree was in commerce, he pursued acting and performance:

• He trained with acting coaches such as Ellen Burstyn, Larry Moss, and Susan Batson.

• In theatre, he played roles including Romeo in a Shakespeare WA production, Lindsay in Jandamarra (Black Swan Theatre Company), and the Earl of Southampton in The Enchanters at the State Theatre of Western Australia.

• He also starred in the stage production War Horse (National Theatre in the UK) as Albert.

His early screen appearances are modest: short films such as Hole in the Ground (2008), Still Take You Home (2010), The Last Time I Saw Richard (2014).

In 2014, Fern was awarded the Heath Ledger Scholarship, which provided support and opportunity for his acting career.

Breakthrough & Signature Roles

The Tribes of Palos Verdes (2017)

Fern’s feature film debut came in 2017 when he starred as Jim Mason in The Tribes of Palos Verdes.

He also wrote, directed, and starred in the short film Pisces (2017), collaborating with actor Keir Gilchrist.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018)

In 2018, Fern gained broader recognition for his portrayal of David Madson, the companion of serial killer Andrew Cunanan, in Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story.

This role earned him critical acclaim, award nominations, and opened doors to more major TV roles.

American Horror Story & House of Cards

Also in 2018, Fern took on the role of Michael Langdon — the Antichrist — in American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
He also appeared as Duncan Shepherd in the final season of House of Cards (six episodes).

Fern continued his association with the American Horror Story franchise:

• In 2019, he starred in AHS: 1984 as Xavier Plympton.

• He also appeared in American Horror Stories and AHS: Double Feature.

Recent Work & Projects

• In 2025, Fern appeared in Foundation (Apple TV+), portraying Toran Mallow (season 3).

• He is attached to make his feature film directorial debut with Mother Courage, starring notable actors such as Sarah Paulson, Toni Collette, Dianne Wiest, and Toby Wallace.

Acting Style, Persona & Public Image

Fern is known for his expressive eyes, brooding charisma, and ability to portray morally complex or dark characters with nuance. His collaborations with Ryan Murphy suggest trust in his capacity to bring layered, darker figures to life.

He also expresses a desire to push boundaries. His fashion statements and red carpet appearances reflect a willingness to challenge masculine norms in style.

Though he does not frequently dominate the press with personal quotes, his choices of roles and projects reflect a drive toward complexity, transformation, and artistic risk.

Notable Quotes & Perspectives

While Fern is relatively private, a few public statements reflect his mindset:

• On fashion and gender expectations: he criticized the repetitive black suit + tie look on red carpets and argued for more freedom in what men wear.

• In interviews, he has spoken about the dissatisfaction he felt working in finance, acknowledging that his earlier path felt “not what I wanted my life to be” before choosing acting.

These statements show his awareness of identity, image, and the importance of authenticity.

Lessons from Cody Fern’s Journey

1. It’s okay to pivot
   Fern’s shift from a commerce path toward acting shows that discovery often comes later; it’s valid to change direction.

2. Talent + opportunity = risk
   Accepting roles that challenge moral or psychological boundaries can define a career, but require courage.

3. Collaborations matter
   His ongoing partnership with creators like Ryan Murphy point to the value of building trust with bold makers.

4. Diversify your craft
   Fern not only acts but writes and directs — investing in multiple skills can open doors.

5. Image is expression
   His fashion choices reflect that one’s public persona can be part of storytelling — pushing against norms can be a creative statement.

Conclusion

Cody Fern is an actor of intriguing dualities: rural Australian roots and big-budget horror anthologies; commerce education and artistic risk; public darkness and private restraint. His body of work — from Versace to American Horror Story to Foundation — shows an artist unafraid to inhabit morally ambiguous or supernatural roles.

As he ventures into directing, his journey suggests he is not content just to appear in stories, but to help shape them. For fans, creators, and curious readers, Fern’s career offers a model of transformation, daring, and evolving purpose.