Deborah Smith Ford was born in Sodus, New York, and spent her childhood on an apple farm in Wolcott, where she developed a strong connection with nature. Her parents, Richard Charles Smith and Betty Jane (née Pike),played a significant role in shaping her early life. Richard, a chemical engineer turned apple farmer, was of English-Dutch descent, while Betty, a homemaker, was of English-Irish-Scottish ancestry.
Ford's interest in acting began in the 1960s, and she went on to attend college, where she pursued a degree in dental assisting. She worked as a certified dental assistant for Dr. Archie Meekins in Bradenton, Florida, before putting her acting career on hold to focus on her education and family.
In the 1970s, Ford married Alton Ford, a veterinarian, and the couple settled in SW Florida, where they owned and operated a veterinary practice, South Trail Animal Hospital. They raised two daughters, Courtney and Leah, and Ford obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1988.
Ford's education continued, and she pursued studies in communications and acting at the University of South Florida and Florida SouthWestern State College. In the late 1980s, she and her husband worked part-time as volunteer missionaries with World Concern, primarily in Kenya, Africa, and Honduras.
Ford's acting career gained momentum in the 1990s, as she worked as a lifestyle model and continued her training. She became known for her celebrity lookalikes, including her iconic portrayal of Trinity from the Matrix films. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the 2019 Woman of Distinction in Creative Arts and the 2019-2020 Story Monsters Ink awards for her book series, Allie's Adventures.
Ford's current projects include film, TV, and music ventures, such as Listen Like its Gospel, S.O.L.I.S., Love Song and Power, Fostering Dad, and Every Second Counts. She has been honored for her work with United Film & Television Artists (UFTA) and continues to be active with the organization.
In addition to her acting career, Ford is a passionate writer. She has authored the Allie's Adventures Book Series, with six books published and two in production. Ford also writes short stories for Kindle Vella, showcasing her versatility as a creative individual.
