Cody Lightning-Intresting Facts About A Cree Actor

Cody Lightning is a Canadian actor better known for his role in Smoke Signals (1998) and Four Sheets to the Wind (2007). His role in the latter even earned him the American Indian Film Festival award for best actor. Besides, Cody who began acting as a child belongs to a family of actors since his mother Georgina Lightning, and a sister Crystle Lightning are also known faces in the industry.
Let’s talk in-depth about his career, his education, and his personal life in the article below.
Key Takeaways:
- Cody Lightning is the elder brother of actress Crystle Lea Lightning. He also has a brother.
- Lightning is a Canadian actor born on August 8, 1986.
- Lightning had to take a pause from his education because of his father’s illness.
- His mother Georgina Lightning is a producer and actress.
- Cody is the father of three daughters: Sage, Kyrie, and Malia.
Who Is Cody Lightning?
Born on August 8, 1986, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Cody is not only the sibling of Crystle Lea Lightning but also an actor, director, and writer. He began acting as a child actor with his debut role as Young Daklugie in the TV movie Geronimo in 1993.

He is well known for his performance in movies like Four Sheets to the Wind (2007), Brick (2005), and Smoke Signals (1998). Over the years, Lightning has played in over thirty on-screen projects and directed one. Some of his credits are listed below;
Previous Movies | Upcoming |
Hey, Viktor! (2023) | Echo |
Run Woman Run (2021) | Rez Ball |
American Evil (2008) | Dusk & Dawn |
Tecumseh: The Last Warrior (1995) |
Just for a fact, Lightning would appear on Echo along with Chaske Spencer, Zahn McClarnon, and Alaqua Cox.
Awards & Nomination
He received the American Indian Film Festival’s Best Actor award in 2007 for his outstanding performances in the movie Four Sheets to the Wind. Additionally, back in 1999, the then-young talent was nominated for a Young Artist Award in the category of Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actor for his role in Smoke Signals (1998).
Cody Was A Drug Addict As a Young
Moving to Los Angeles and growing up there, Cody had exposure to the big city which led him to addiction just at the age of 15. He was sent to a rehabilitation center for treatment and this turned his life.
After coming out of the center, Lightning started schooling at Yakima Valley College. He was so influenced by the care the actor received during his recovery at the center. As a result, Cody took Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program at his college.
His Father’s Illness Made Him Forfeit His College
Cody was improving and was doing good in college taking different types of theater classes, but sadly the Edmonton native had to stop his education because of his father’s illness. Additionally, financial support from his tribe also posed a challenge.
But after that, he returned back to his home country, Canada, and started working with the tribal youth. He taught them the tools he learned in his college YVC’s programs that helped boost life on the reservation by advocating and building resources.
Cody Lightning’s Mother Is An Executive Producer & Actress
Cody is the son of Georgina Lightning. His mother Georgia is the Executive Producer at Pat To Freedom Films. Besides this, Lightning is also an actress and director. She is well known for movies like Older Than America (2008), Ghosts of the Heartland (2007), Trickster (2020), and DreamKeeper ( 2003).

Lightning completed her bachelor’s from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles in Arts(B.A.) and went to multiple other institutions for her theatre and Film Making studies like the Academy Repertory Theatre, National Academy of Songwriting, and others.
As of now, the actress resides in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Siblings; Cody’s Sister Crystle Lightning Is Also an Actress
He has two siblings; a sister, Crystle Lightning and a brother William Lightning. Among two of his siblings, his sister, Crystle is a famous actress. Born on February 5, 1981, his sister is better known for her works on movies and TV shows like Death Factory (2014), Trickster (2020), and Three Pines (2022). She also won “Best Actress in a Drama Series” in 2021.
Like his sister, Cody’s brother William is also an actor. He is well known for My Brother (2000), 18 Money (2003), and Renegade (2004).
How Is His Relation With His Sister Crystle?
Needless to say, Cody and Crystle have good bonding. She is proud of her brother and calls him baby big brother. In 2015, Crystle said “He’s the funniest dude I’ve ever known. I could call him anytime and say, ” Cody makes me laugh” and from anywhere we are in the world we connect and laugh. I miss you, baby bro.“

Besides this, Crystle was also there on the promotion of Cody’s film ” HEY VIKTOR” in 2021. Similar to his relationship with his sister, Cody is quite close to his mom and brother. They often flaunt their utmost love and support through their social media posts.
Who Is Cody Lightning’s Wife?
Cody has been married to his wife Steph for a long time now probably since the early 2010s. The duo has not revealed much about their love life but they live together in Los Angeles with their three babies.

Even though Cody and Steph do not post about each other on any social media platform, Cody’s mother and sister often post about them on their Facebook and Instagram.
Lightning Has Three Daughters With His Partner
Cody has three daughters with his long-term partner Steph. The names of his daughters are Sage, Kyrie, and Malia. Malia is the youngest among all as the baby girl was born on February 13, 2018. She was born with 8 LBS & 30Z at 8:13 pm, in Los Angeles, CA.

In 2021, Cody’s mother Georgina wrote on her Facebook “I love to see how much medicine and joy she brings you Cody – you have so much love and good parenting to give your girls.”
Net Worth Of Cree Actor Cody Lightning
Cody’s net worth, as of 2023, is $5 million. He earned his fortune from his career as an actor, director, and producer.

Meanwhile, his sister Crystle Lea Lightning, a film actress, DJ, and musician, has an estimated fortune of around $6 million.
FAQs
No, Lightning isn’t Native American. He belongs to a Canadian native tribe.
Full Name | Cody Lightning |
Popular Name | Cody |
Birth Place | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Birthday | August 8, 1986 |
Age | 37 years |
Zodiac | Leo |
Nationality | Canadian |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Mother | Georgina Lightning |
Siblings | Crystle Lightning, William Lightning |
College | Yakima Valley College |
Profession | actor, director, and writer. |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Height | 5ft 7in |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Sexuality | Male |
Children | Three daughters Sage, Kyrie, and Malia |