The role of Andy Richards originated with Steven Ford, the third child born to President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty. Steven was just 18 in 1974 when his father became the first person to become President of the United States without being elected — stepping into the role after the Watergate scandal.
The younger Ford originally had plans of becoming a cowboy before landing in Los Angeles and pursuing acting, according to the Los Angeles Times. His role on "The Young and the Restless" was one of the young actor's first big breaks and following that, he appeared on several popular shows such as "Columbo," "JAG," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Baywatch." Ford also had a small role in the classic romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally." He has been quoted as saying that growing up in the public eye of politics helped prepare him for acting and that he found the profession therapeutic, per Soaps.com. However, despite famous name, Ford did not find instant success in Hollywood and even lived in his car, per an interview with CNN.
He left acting in the '90s and now spends his time giving motivational speeches to young people about alcoholism — a disease he has been very public about having. Ford also owns a ranch in California, is the vice president of a horse racing track in Kentucky, and according to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, he also sits on their Board of Trustees.
