Cody Simpson makes surprising career pivot after retiring from swimming

The life of pop-star-turned-swimmer Cody Simpson has taken another twist.

After failing to make the Australian Olympic team this year, Simpson has headed back to the entertainment industry, and the 27-year-old has just been unveiled as the lead role of Opera Australia’s Guys and Dolls.

Guys and Dolls is a five-time Tony award-winning musical, and was also made into a film in the 1950s, starring Hollywood icons Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra.

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Simpson has big shoes to fill, playing the character of Sky Masterson, the same character the legendary Brando played in the film.

Opera Australia’s version is set to debut at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in March.

Cody Simpson with the cast of Guys and Dolls, and director Shaun Rennie. Credit: Getty Images

Other Australian actors in the cast include Bobby Fox, Jason Arrow and Annie Aitken.

“The role of Sky has always been one of my dream stage roles ever since I was first introduced to the story and the soundtrack of Guys and Dolls,” Simpson said.

“I fell in love with the film as a teenager when I first developed a passion for musical theatre prior to my debut on Broadway.

“I’m drawn to 1940’s-50’s era, the music, the style, the fashion.

“I’m heavily inspired by the singers and crooners of the era and am excited to introduce this to the next generation.

“It’s probably why the Guys and Dolls movie is an all-time favourite and Frank Sinatra in particular, is a major inspiration.”

Since retiring from swimming, Simpson has kept himself busy and is still connected to sport.

He performed the national anthem at this year’s AFL grand final and was recently at the Marie Claire Women Of The Year Awards with partner and legendary swimmer Emma McKeon.

Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon at the Marie Claire Women Of The Year Awards in Sydney. Credit: WireImage

Simpson has no regrets after chasing his swimming dream. Credit: Getty Images

Simpson is not a total newcomer to musicals.

Although he has not been one in Australia, he played Dmitri in a Broadway production of Anastasia in 2018.

However, in 2019 he decided to chase his childhood dream and go back to the pool, having swum competitively as a kid, before music got in the way.

Simpson was a member of Australia’s 2022 Commonwealth Games team, but didn’t make Paris, effectively putting an end to his foray into the sport.

The move into musicals could set Simpson up for life and send him on a path wildly different from the days he was uploading cover songs on YouTube and touring with Justin Bieber.

The stage at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is Australia’s largest outdoor stage, and the musical — directed by award-winner Shaun Rennie — will run from March 21 to 20 April 20.