Cody Lightning has acting in the genes. His mother Georgina and siblings Crystle and William have all made their mark, whereas Cody himself has been performing in front of the camera since he was a small child in productions like TNT's Geronimo and Smoke Signals. Most recently, he's earned a lot of positive buzz for his role as Cufe Smallhill in Sterlin Harjo's Four Sheets to the Wind. Read on as Misty and Cody dish about making movies, soap operas, typecasting, and well…you'll see. ~CML

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What film did  you enjoy making  the most?
It had to be   Smoke Signals.    It was my first time working with Adam Beach and we had soooo much fun.

Ever had one that sucked?
No…. but there have been a few that I could have been ok passing up. Student films. I love the work, however, the inexperience gets annoying at times. 

Tell us, in your opinion, the most positive and negative aspects of this business.
The positive thing for me would have to be the traveling. I’ve been all over the US and Canada and have been able to meet lots of really good people. The negative is keeping busy. At times it’s easier than others to find work. When there isn’t anything it can be stress full.   

How long does it take you to learn your lines, or do you just do it while getting make-up on the day of?
It depends on what scenes are going to be shot and how many lines there are. I usually read the script a couple of times and make notes on the dialogue. I always go over the material the night before and sometimes get together with the other actors to go over the material with them as well.  

What does a person need most to succeed, sustain and grow as an actor?
For me…. Listen as much if not more than you speak. You can learn a great deal about a person or situation by listening. Don’t be judgmental. People you may not like or want to be around could be a character you end up playing in the future. And read something everyday. Doesn’t matter what as long as you can read something and take something from it. 

Would you agree that you need a pretty hard shell for this industry?
Yes. There is a lot   of rejection in the industry, especially  in the casting process  you may feel like you nailed the role and you got the part and not get a call back. If that happens, I don’t take it personal. I just use that as a reason to try harder next time.  

Have there been any EXTREMELY embarrassing moments while working?
Um…. Not really embarrassing but awkward YES.  

Do you plan on becoming a director or screenwriter?
Yes. I wrote and produced my first short over the last summer. The One About Bikes.  I’m actually fine tuning it to send out to festivals this year. I love being apart of films in anyway that I can, not just acting. 

If yes then what kind of projects do you see yourself making in the next 10 years?
I want to write comedies. My friends and family have said for years that I should get into comedy. I feel if I write something that I think is funny, then other people will probably think so too.  

What would be your dream role?
The son of Wolverine…. Hey, it’ll happen sooner or later 

Does your hella good humor hold you back in efforts to play more dramatic roles?
Actually, most of my roles have been pretty dark or serious. I’ve only had a few chances to goof around and play funny characters. It doesn’t hold me back though. People aren’t funny all the time. Jim Carrey is a prime example  

Every actor gets type-cast at some point. What is yours?
Native teen with problems 

What was your worst audition ever?
It was an audition for All My Children.  I love to laugh at soap acting because it’s so over dramatic and cheesy. Anyway, I went way over the top and probably made a fool of myself. It was great. 

Is there anything else you would have liked to pursue as a career?
Snowboarding. I love to snowboard. I’ve done it for about 12 years and will never get sick of it. I used to ride all the time but after a couple bad injuries I had to settle down.  

What is life really like behind the scenes and off set?
Well, behind the scenes theres a whole lot of hurry up and wait. And off set….. BOY, don’t even ask!

Where’s your favorite place to party?
At home with family and friends. I’m big on BBQs. Clubs are ok but usually the same wherever you go, loud music and overpriced drinks. 

Who are your favorite actors?
Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Benicio Del Torro, and Gary Oldman 

Now the basics…. What is your favorite song & movie?  
Song- Mary Jane  by Rick James and Movie- Alice in Wonderland. 

Food?
Burgers.  Not just any burgers, Avocado Bacon Cheeseburgers. Mmmmmm 

Place to live?
The beaches of Cali in the summer and Park City, Utah in the winter. 

Color? 
Black and Grey

Drink?
Iced tea 

And for the lady fans out there…. Boxers or briefs?
MAN THONGS!!!  Just kidding.  Boxers