Mari-Koda
Mari Koda | Biography

Quick Wiki

  • Full Name Mari Koda
  • Ethnicity Asian
  • Nationality American
  • Birthplace Japan
  • Birth Date Aug 03, 1986
  • Age 38 Years, 4 Months
  • Zodiac Sign Leo
  • Occupation Actress, Dancer, Comedian
  • Relationship Status In a Relationship
  • Height 5feet 3inches (1.6 m)
  • Net Worth Undisclosed
Cast of 'Step Up' Film Franchise

Mari Koda | Biography

Appeared as Black-Eyed Pea's Dancer in the TV show 'CW Now'

The Step Up film franchise first introduced Koda as Jenny Kido in its second installation, 'Step Up 2: The Streets,' in 2008. Koda has reprised her role in all three follow-up sequels in the series. She appeared in 'Step Up 3D' in 2010, 'Step Up Revolution' in 2012, and 'Step Up: All In' in 2014.


Mari Koda is a professional dancer and actress. Her fans mainly recognized her for her appearance in the dance film franchise, Step Up (2008-2014).

Who is Mari Koda?

Mari Koda is a Japanese American actress, comedian, and dancer. She first rose to prominence after appearing as Jenny Kido in the 2008 dance film, Step Up 2: The Streets.

Koda was born in Japan on 3 August 1986 as the only child in the family. She has not provided her parents' information to the media. However, her mother passed away because of cancer when she was only 11 years of age.

Although born in Japan, Koda has spent most years of her youth in the United States. She first traveled to New York, USA, to learn to speak English. Moreover, after arriving in New York, she began dancing professionally.

Koda made her acting debut in 2004 as Fujiko in the film The Overlookers. It followed her role as a dancer in 50 Cent's 2005 music video, 'The Massacre- Special Edition.' Later, she also played the parts of a dancer in Across the Universe (2007 film), Two Lovers (2008 film), etc.

Besides acting, she has appeared on several reality TV shows and dance competitions. She was at the 2001 and 2003 'MTV Video Music Awards.' She also appeared as Black-Eyed Pea's Dancer in the TV show CW Now in 2007. 

She Landed the Role in an Open Call Audition for 'Step-Up'

The Step Up film franchise first introduced Koda as Jenny Kido in its second installation, Step Up 2: The Streets, in 2008. Koda has reprised her role in all three follow-up sequels in the series. She appeared in Step Up 3D in 2010, Step Up Revolution in 2012, and Step Up: All In in 2014.

Koda talked about appearing on Step Up and her character in the film in an interview with defpen.com in July 2014. She landed the role after getting selected in an open call audition in New York. 

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However, she did not know what the audition was for, and she also had to attend her friend's wedding in Los Angeles the same weekend. Thus, she initially rejected the job. But again, after her friend told her that it was for a movie, she called them back and joined the cast of Step Up.

According to her, Jenny Kido (her character in the movie) is a friendly, fun-loving person. She cares about her friends and always makes sure that they are happy.

On the part that Jenny Kido never had a love partner in all four sequels of the film, Koda said that she never had a love interest. However, she hinted that she could come up with a boyfriend in Step Up 6 if the movie is ever made.

Who is Mari Koda's Partner?

As of now, the Step Up actress seems to be in a relationship with a man. Koda shared a romantic picture with him on Instagram on Valentine's Day 2021. She captioned the photo, "My Valentine." However, she did not reveal his name/identity. It was the last time she posted his picture on her social media.

Mari Koda Partner
Mari Koda With Her Partner in February 2021 (Photo: Instagram)

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