Cody Willis

Cody Willis
Peta Brady as Cody (1996)
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Amelia Frid (1989–1991) Peta Brady (1993–1996)
Duration	1989–1991, 1993–1996
First appearance	24 November 1989
Last appearance	29 March 1996
Introduced by	Don Battye (1989) Alan Coleman (1993)
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Student at Erinsborough High (1989–1991, 1994) Student at Eden Hills University (1995–1996) Receptionist (1995–1996)
Amelia Frid as Cody (1990)
Family Willis Father Doug Willis Mother Pam Willis Brothers Adam Willis John Willis Brad Willis Sisters Gaby Willis Husband Drew Grover (1992–1994) Grandfathers Bert Willis Seamus Beresford Grandmothers Moina Beresford Aunts Faye Hudson Nephews Zac Willis First cousins Cameron Hudson

Cody Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, originally played by Amelia Frid. She made her first on-screen appearance on 24 November 1989. The character departed in 1991, but returned in 1993 with Peta Brady in the role. Cody was last seen on-screen on 29 March 1996, following her death.

Amelia Frid successfully auditioned for Neighbours in 1989 and was cast in the role of Cody. Frid called the experience a "right time, right place thing", she also added that "it was all kind of surreal". Frid decided to leave when her contract was due to end. At the same time she was also studying for her VCE. Frid said that there was a lot of interest in renewing her contract, as her on-screen family had just been introduced. However, her Principal told her that the school could not support her if she wanted to continue with Neighbours and take her VCE. Frid and Cody departed on-screen on 30 July 1991. When the character was brought back in 1993, Frid was not asked to return and producers decided to recast the role.Peta Brady was a full-time student at Sydney University when she won the role of Cody.

Cody was one of the first members of the Willis family to arrive in Ramsay Street and she became Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid) girlfriend. Frid told Dawn Bebe from BIG! that Cody is "flirty and does her best to chase boys – especially Todd". Frid was embarrassed by her character's actions because she was completely unlike Cody. Cody was initially described as being "studious" and a "high achiever." Her parents were very proud of her. Cody became a "determined young woman" and she once wore a fake moustache, so she could play on the men's cricket team. Cody earned a scholarship to study in America and she "jumped at the chance" to leave. Of her character, Brady said "I think people have liked the down-to-earth qualities of Cody." She added that viewers have told her that they are happy to see "someone who isn't scarily beautiful" on the show.

When Cody returns from America she is a "changed person" and "clearly broken-hearted." The BBC said that Cody had gained a "broader outlook on life" due to her time away. Cody tries hard to establish her relationship with her family, but her "bizarre" mood swings alarm her parents.Doug (Terence Donovan) and Pam (Sue Jones) also find it hard to understand why Cody is steering clear of her "male admirers", Rick Alessi (Dan Falzon) and Michael Martin (Troy Beckwith). Michael falls for Cody as he believes that they are two of a kind.Inside Soap said "Both feel lonely and isolated after returning to their families after a long time away and initially they vow to stay just good friends." However, Michael's sister, Debbie (Marnie Reece-Wilmore), decides to play cupid to get them together. This does not sit well with Michael's stepmother Julie (Julie Mullins). When Rick first meets Cody, he thinks she is gorgeous and the girl for him. He tries to flirt with her at every opportunity, but Cody is determined to stay away from boys. She tells Debbie that she had her heart broken in America and that she is scared of getting hurt again. In her book, Neighbours: the first 10 years, Josephine Monroe said that Cody and Rick were "made for each other" because they shared the same sense of humour and they were ambitious.