Steve Ford Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Steve Ford    

Son of President Gerald Ford, Former Actor, Motivational Speaker

The son of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, Steve Ford has successfully navigated a multifaceted career from the White House to Hollywood, and onto motivational speaking. Thrust into the limelight at a young age when his father assumed the presidency, Ford's early life amid political upheaval shaped his later work, emphasizing leadership and personal integrity.

Ford initially pursued a career as a cowboy, a dream that saw him working on cattle ranches out west, always accompanied by Secret Service agents. This period of his life gave him a unique perspective on privacy and public scrutiny, themes that recur in his speeches. Transitioning to acting, he starred for six years on the Emmy Award-winning daytime drama "The Young and the Restless," and appeared in over thirty feature films including "Contact," "Armageddon," "Starship Troopers," and "Black Hawk Down." Notably, he played Meg Ryan's boyfriend in "When Harry Met Sally...." His television credits also include hosting the NBC show "Secret Service," and guest leads on series such as "JAG," "Dr. Quinn," and "Suddenly Susan."

As a speaker, Ford draws on a rich tapestry of personal and historical anecdotes. He discusses his family's public struggles, including his mother Betty Ford's battles with alcoholism and breast cancer, and his own successful fight against alcoholism. He incorporates lessons from these experiences into his presentations, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity and making principled decisions. His keynote presentations, such as "Leadership with Character" and "Inside the White House & Hollywood: Getting to the Top with Character," reflect on his life in the public eye and the imperative of strong ethical guidance.

Ford's speaking engagements are enriched by historic photos, slides, and videos, creating a dynamic experience that blends educational content with personal storytelling. Described as a mix between The History Channel and The Book of Virtues, his presentations focus on the significance of character, integrity, and making the right choices. This unique approach not only sheds light on his journey but also offers transformative insights for audiences, encouraging them to embrace change and uphold values in both their personal and professional lives.

Speech Topics


Leadership with Character

What makes a great leader? History shows that those who have sought service over self interest in times of indecision, turmoil, and crisis are regarded as true leaders.

On August 9, 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford became the 38th President of the United States when President Richard Nixon resigned his office in disgrace because of the Watergate scandal. Today, most historians and political observers agree that President Ford's difficult and controversial decision to pardon Nixon was the right thing to do and was in the country's best interest. By leading with character, he helped heal a nation and restored confidence in the office of the President of the United States.

In this presentation, President Ford's son, speaker Steve Ford, talks about what it takes to be a good leader and lead with character.

Beyond the Limelight: Overcoming the Struggle

As a motivational speaker, Steve Ford has entertained and inspired audiences with anecdotes of how his famous family dealt with his mother's battles with alcoholism and breast cancer and how he overcame his own struggles with the bottle. He talks about the high price he paid for bad choices involving drugs and alcohol, the early habits he formed that led to his addiction, and his road to recovery. He will share many historic and never-before-seen photos, slides, and videos.

Inside the White House & Hollywood: Getting to the Top with Character

During this presentation, speaker Steve Ford will share the tools that led his parents, former President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford, to success in the White House as well as his own success in Hollywood as an accomplished actor.

He focuses on such issues as leadership, overcoming adversity, the value of a strong family unit, living with values and character, setting and juggling priorities, and making the right choices in life. His unique position as the President's son provides him a unique perspective in relating a broad range of experiences, such as being 18 years old and having ten Secret Service agents as constant companions, his father's leadership in taking over the reins of the presidency following the resignation of Richard Nixon, two assassination attempts on his father's life, and his mother's bouts with alcoholism and breast cancer.

Living Life With Character

Leadership and

Books


Related Speakers View all


More like Steve