Meet Trent Ford & Natalie Cohen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trent Ford & Natalie Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trent Ford & Natalie Cohen, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
After Trent received a life-saving liver transplant during the height of Covid, throughout the process, we found ourselves rather isolated and alone, as countless other people in similar situations do.

Merely getting Trent to be considered for transplant due to his alcoholism was a monumental task, strewn with roadblocks of denials and misinformation given the inherent prejudices that surround people’s opinion as to whether such people are capable of profound and lasting change.

Trent threw himself into his new life full of gratitude- a new man, working tirelessly to help others. As the workload grew, we realized that there was a bigger picture- a bigger purpose at stake. Alcohol is the third most common preventable cause of death in the US, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) accounts for half of worldwide liver-related deaths.
Alcohol and substance use (AUD & SUD) has rapidly become the main cause for liver failure and need for transplantation. Out of this, our nonprofit RELIVE was born and we have not looked back.

RELIVE helps save lives each day by providing free, direct services to patients and caregivers affected by liver disease. Especially those marginalized due to addiction from alcohol and other substances. We partner with physicians and hospitals before, during, and after liver transplant surgery to strengthen and enhance recovery and destigmatize the often bleak outlook given to such patients.

Trent lost his mother to alcoholism when she was 46. We have both witnessed first-hand the massive ripple effect that can go both ways- the devastation of loss that crashes through all members, from generation to generation, or conversely, the rebirth and renewal of life and joy in not just the patient, but the life of the family unit itself.

Since RELIVE’s inception in 2023, we have been able to serve over 200 patients in dire need- some within days of death and not even yet at a facility that can give the proper aid. A total of over 500 served, including loved ones, families and caregivers to whom we offer guidance, hope and support. We offer comprehensive services- advocacy, a dedicated helpline, specialized online support groups, ongoing one on one counseling, a website that is incisive and comprehensive as a resource and also annual festive events to celebrate our growing community. We are the only such nonprofit that exists and RELIVE was created to fill this desperate need.

RELIVE is certified Platinum for Seal of Transparency on GuideStar. We are recognized by UNOS (the nation’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the federal government) as a valued resource, and recognized by the American Liver Foundation as the definitive resource for transplant care pertaining to AUD & SUD. We have assembled a Medical Advisory Board of the highest caliber from the worlds of hepatology (liver), nephrology (kidney- closely related), transplant surgery, addiction medicine and psychology, coordinating nurses and case managers- many of which from the incredible institution that transplanted Trent- UCLA, ranked #1 in Los Angeles and California for the 35th consecutive year.

We work toward the day when our high-impact supports are available at every liver transplant center at no cost to patients and their caregivers. If you or a loved one are ever suffering in a way that we may be able to offer assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

RELIVE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, please visit us at: www.wearerelive.org

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Trent:

I’m a bit of a mongrel- ‘bi-accentual’ is what I’d like to say! I was born in Akron, Ohio and raised mainly in the West Country of the UK to parents from both sides of the pond. My Dad is from Ohio- a Navy test pilot, my Mum was a Brummy and a head air stewardess when they met and fell in love in Kuwait of all places. So, I roll with a Brit accent on Saturdays for Footie (up the Baggies- West Brom) and American on Sunday with the Browns.
I’ve been an actor for 26 years. Through thick and thin. I couldn’t shake it if I wanted to. I love my craft so very dearly. I was blessed early on in my career- my first credit was a lead role opposite Kirsten Dunst, and also included the Oscar winning film Gosford Park- all while I was more bent on completing my degree from Clare College, University of Cambridge in English Lit!

I was honored to lead in films like How to Deal with Mandy Moore, and work with the incredible cast of the West Wing. Directors I’ve been blessed enough to work with include Robert Altman, James Burrows, Clare Kilner & actors such as Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, Jon Voight, Allison Janney, Elisabeth Moss, Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Scarlett Johansson amongst so many others. I was able to work with the world’s finest photographers also- Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh, Bruce Weber and others.

It was that underlying motivation that gave me power then- that I had other things in my life; desperation’s rank odor was never near. As I progressed, I pressed more- wanting. Thinking I deserved. I watched others succeed and felt I was due. I trained hard and I also lived hard.

I never uttered out loud how dearly I loved film, how much it was a part of the fiber of my soul- the magic of light. I daren’t let people know this dear truth.

My health began to fail. Dejection and desolation swelled. I gave up on any pretence of Justice. In the arms of my Love Natalie and the compassion of UCLA, I found redemption in a beautiful Mercy.

I was blessed with a new life. Again, here I stand- unbeholden to vicissitudes of favor. I know myself, I am grateful and have all the truest blessings- health, contentment and love. The rest is icing on the cake.

I am stiller and deeper in my craft now than I have ever been and look forward to the days when I am called upon to lend myself to a project that I might leave a little better through what I am graced to give.

I used to think it was a combination of blessings and traits that made me special- a varied and turbulent past, a good intellect, a sensitive soul, looks inimitably my own and a devilish sense of humor. Now I know- what I am: I am. Just me. I need not present anything. Just be open and sincere. Give good lines to others. Listen. But above all else- Be Kind.

Thus seen and said, the industry is fickle and constant both. It is never any harder or less kind than what I am to myself. Let the world carry you and go along for the ride and occasionally, as you laugh, the world will come with you.

Natalie:

I was born and raised in Southern California. I’ve been an actress for almost 20 years. To say I have always loved film and the art of storytelling would be an understatement. It consumed my imagination and captivated my heart from a very young age. Like Trent, I couldn’t deny it- my passion, a lifelong pursuit.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry. Filmmakers including Ben Stiller, Todd Phillips, Shawn Levy and Jonas Akerlund. It’s been a tremendous education and privilege to work with stellar performers like Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Day, Tina Fey and Bob Odenkirk, amongst many others.
In the beginning, I portrayed the stereotypical blonde bombshell. It was a start and I was thrilled to be a part of the magic. An actor’s wheelhouse is both a blessing and a curse; the dreaded ‘typecasting’! I still believe firmly to this day, that dedication- training and simply playing the part and playing it well, always wins through. Those limits are not set in stone; my favorite actresses had to endure far more paving the way, and for that I am grateful and indebted to them- from Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe, to Goldie Hawn and Catherine O’Hara.

One of my proudest moments was working with Jennifer Coolidge on 2 Broke Girls. I admire her so much, and working alongside her, I saw the wit, the tenacity, the poise. But above all, she was kind and resilient- I saw an actress who reveled in who she was and she has continued to do so more and more- we’ve seen where that’s taken her recently.

So here I am- at an age where some see opportunities and the world shrinking, I see it opening up to me. I’ve been asked to read for deeper, more complex roles in bold comedies and exciting dramas. A lot of the old boundaries are falling away and each day I challenge myself to grow a little more.

Being forced into a situation where My Love was dying- working to save him and then building and running the nonprofit we have created to support others like us, I know with absolute certainty that in the heat of the moment, I flourish now. I never would have thought that before.

Life is so fragile, fleeting and beautiful. And when least expected, it can be very funny too. I want to share that in my art. I know what I am and I don’t have to chase it. I hope to continue and grow with my work, but I know now, I have everything already within me. I’m ready when the opportunity arises.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You’ve gotta embrace the whole city for sure!

A favorite day for us, is to go to the top end of Lechuza Beach with a nice picnic. It’s secluded with rock pools and a lot of greenery abutting the beach. You can pick up great food from the excellent Vintage Grocers Supermarket too. After a lovely afternoon, wind back to the iconic Paradise Cove and enjoy dinner and drinks with your toes in the sand.

We love The Greek in Griffith Park- we enjoyed an evening there with Sylvan Esso performing- even saw a shooting star. Magical. Great staff, drinks and food really round out that experience.

A special place for us is Priscilla’s Coffee in Burbank. We love to spend a morning there. Warner Bros is nearby, a studio we both love dearly and being near it rekindles the fire of why we do what we do.

Further East, perhaps a day at Santa Anita Park and lunch at a Michelin Star noodle house, Lao Xi- super affordable, hidden in a strip mall in Arcadia. All of Arcadia and Alhambra is very rich in diverse Asian cuisine- Trent loves places that have non-translated menus; you just smile and trust the owners! Huntington Gardens is unique- the first Thursday of every month is free day! Natalie loves Teppanyaki- Shogun Restaurant in East Pasadena is great!

The Monrovia Street Fair & Market is a lot of fun- Myrtle Avenue, often used as a filming location, overflows with vendors, performances and the local shops and restaurants so vibrant all throw their doors open wide.

As art lovers, our top three would be:
1. The Norton Simon Museum- an amazing and incisive collection with many masters. Perfect for an afternoon out, followed by Old Town Pasadena in the evening- check out the Ice House for a great Comedy Show.
2. LACMA. A powerhouse punching at a global level. Grab lunch there or mosey over to the fantastic Grove Farmers Market, before some shopping along Trent’s old neighborhood on Melrose Avenue, and this time The Improv for a legendary night of laughter.
3. The Getty Museum. The Hampton Court Palace of Los Angeles- incredible architecture, gardens and a solid permanent collection with always stimulating rotating exhibits lets you swan away for a day high above the hustle and bustle- roll down into Westwood, Brentwood or Pacific Palisades for dinner and savor the atmosphere, or go big and do a day by the pool at the hotel Bel Air.

Want to catch a ball game? We love Angels Stadium. Trent’s an American Leaguer and the on-the-day price of a 3rd baseline seat is $50, outfield is $3! That’s too good to beat and the stadium is warm and inviting with very lovely staff. Downtown Disney is nearby if you want to take a stroll or grab a bite before or after a game.

Overnight trips- Jalama Beach, North of Lompoc, is very special. You can camp right on the beach and the burgers are legendary. Combine with a stay at the Back Bay Inn in Los Osos or Santa Barbara for the win.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Andrew Baird, RN, MSN, CCTC, and the entire UCLA medical staff in Hepatology, Nephrology and IR for saving Trent’s life- for their incredible mercy and compassion. Also, for their tireless support and guidance with our ongoing efforts.

Richard A. Schofield, LMFT, Addiction Specialist- a therapist beyond compeer who has guided Trent and helped him grow so splendidly from transplant to the present day.

Website: https://www.wearerelive.org

Instagram: @thetrentford; @natalieacohen; @wearereliveorg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relive-organization/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wearereliveorg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearereliveorg

Other: Trent Ford IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0285913/

Natalie Cohen IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3545397/

Image Credits
Trent’s headshots by Jonny Marlow.
Natalie’s Headshot by Jamie Luca. Yellow bikini shot by Adrian Jon Photography.
Selfies are our own.