Bodie James Olmos was named after a California ghost town that his mother, Kaija Keel, visited during her childhood. He made his acting debut at the tender age of seven in the 1982 film, The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez. Prior to pursuing a career in acting, Bodie was an accomplished athlete, having participated in triathlons, cross-country running, and swimming. Although he still runs to this day, surfing has remained his favorite sport for nearly two decades.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Bodie is also a talented musician and skilled drummer. He often jams and sings with his brother, and his musical tastes are diverse, with traditional blues being a particular favorite. Carlos Santana is one of the artists he most admires.
Bodie's academic background is impressive, having graduated from the UCLA School of Theatre in Los Angeles in 2000. He also took additional courses in acting and received a degree from the Sanford Meisner Center. His passion for live theatre has led him to perform in several productions, including a revival of Luis Valdez's play, Zoot Suit, and War at the Latino Theatre Company in the Los Angeles Theatre Center.
In 2001, Bodie joined the cast of American Family, playing the role of Jess Gonzales. He has also completed several short films, including the UCLA Graduate short film, Capped, and the recently finished Manejar, which has been accepted for competition at the 9th annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival in October 2005.
