Debbie Hartner, a multifaceted and accomplished actress, has made Georgia her current residence, where she has collaborated with her sister Elsie Anderson Johnson to develop a distinctive cooking show on YouTube and Facebook, aptly titled "Two Sisters Southern Cookin'". This show, which has amassed a significant following of thousands of enthusiasts, originated from the sisters' cherished family night tradition, where they would come together to cook and share recipes.
Debbie, a multifaceted and accomplished actress, has consistently demonstrated her versatility by assuming a wide range of responsibilities within her projects, including the roles of co-director, editor, and cinematographer.
Her creative endeavors have been primarily based in the picturesque rural farm community of McRae, Georgia, where she has established a strong connection with the local environment and community.
Before relocating to Georgia, Debbie spent a significant period of her life in the northeastern region of the United States, where she had the opportunity to hone her craft by accepting a multitude of roles and receiving guidance from several esteemed acting coaches who have garnered numerous accolades for their work.
These experiences have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping her growth as an actress and have provided her with a solid foundation upon which to build her future endeavors.
Notable among Debbie's extensive acting repertoire is her captivating portrayal of Diane in the critically acclaimed and award-winning cinematic masterpiece, "Summer Daydream", alternatively titled "Technicolour Daydream", under the visionary direction of the esteemed Mitch Hudson. For her outstanding performance in this film, Debbie received not one, but two prestigious awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Film, a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft. Additionally, Debbie has had the privilege of taking on seven leading roles in national television series, as well as numerous principal and supporting roles in television, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Debbie has had the privilege of working alongside the renowned Hollywood filmmaker, Stephen Mitchell, on a multitude of projects, showcasing her versatility and expertise in the industry. One notable collaboration was the Amazon Prime series, "A Series of One", which demonstrates her ability to excel in a wide range of formats. Additionally, Debbie has also been involved in the creation of the satire comedy, "The Dearly Departed", a project that has garnered significant attention and acclaim. In fact, "The Dearly Departed" was submitted to two prestigious film festivals, the Cannes Film Festival and the NAFCA, also known as the African Oscars, further solidifying Debbie's reputation as a talented and sought-after collaborator.
Debbie is actively engaged in the post-production phase of multiple projects, with a diverse range of endeavors currently underway. Among these, she is involved in the completion of an independent film titled "Look Into Darkness", which promises to be a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Additionally, Debbie is also contributing to the post-production process of the Netflix original film "The Landlord, The Awakening", a project that is likely to captivate audiences worldwide. Furthermore, her expertise is being leveraged for the cable network DocuDrama "Lucky Jack", a production that is expected to educate and entertain viewers alike.
Debbie's life began as Debra Anderson, a name that would eventually transform into Debbie, in the charming town of Deland, Florida. As the youngest of three siblings, she was born to George and Jean Miller Anderson, her parents, and grew up alongside her two older siblings, Ronnie and Elsie.
As a child, Debbie spent her formative years on a small farm in Osteen, Florida, surrounded by the rustic beauty of rural life. This idyllic upbringing would later shape her perspective and influence her journey.
Fast-forward to her personal life, Debbie is now married to Ben Hartner, a union that brought her joy and a new sense of family. Although she has a son, Kyle, from a previous marriage, her current family dynamic is defined by her three step-children, Josh, Cory, and Lindsey, whom she loves and supports. Moreover, Debbie is a proud grandmother to three grandkids from her stepson Josh, a role that undoubtedly brings her immense happiness and fulfillment.
Debbie's remarkable career trajectory took an unexpected turn, as she transitioned from a dedicated and skilled registered nurse to a talented and accomplished actress, a journey that commenced when she was just 20 years old. For nearly a decade, she worked tirelessly in the high-pressure environment of the emergency room, honing her skills and building a reputation as a compassionate and capable nurse.
However, in 2012, her life took a dramatic turn, as her nurse recruiter, in a bold and unconventional move, submitted her to a reality TV show about experienced ER travel nurses. This unexpected opportunity led to Debbie being cast in the MTV show "Scrubbin In" season II, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of acting.
Despite her newfound passion for acting, Debbie has chosen to maintain a balance between her full-time nursing career and her burgeoning acting pursuits. She currently resides in the Atlanta area with her husband, Ben, and continues to divide her time between her two passions, ensuring that her dedication to both professions remains unwavering.
