Debby Porter was born in Hollywood, California, the daughter of a professional race car driver, who also owned his own auto-body shop, building custom cars. She was influenced at an early age by many celebrities associated with her father's profession, including James Dean and Steve McQueen. She was introduced to many music and movie producers, directors, and stunt coordinators. Surprisingly, it was a stunt coordinator that gave Debby her first break, where she did stunt work for the movie, North Dallas Forty (1979). During her career as a stunt woman, she has doubled such stars as: Glenn Close, Beverly D'Angelo, Suzanne Somers, Barbara Eden and Cassandra Peterson (aka "Elvira").