His Mother Was Jewish
Lesser-known facts about Harrison Ford are his descent and religion. While his father is Catholic and of German and Irish descent, his mother was an Ashkenazi Jew from Minsk. When asked about the place religion holds in his life, he joked that he and his younger brother Terence were raised, Democrats.
He has also said that “As a man, I’ve always felt Irish, as an actor, I’ve always felt Jewish.” We are not sure what exactly this means. What does a Jewish actor feel like that a non-Jew doesn’t? Or was he joking? Anyhow, it doesn’t bother us where he comes from, we only notice where he is going.
He’s Quite the Builder
Harrison Ford's life before becoming a Hollywood star significantly differed from the glamorous lifestyle he now leads. He was living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and building his own ranch house at the time. He constructed the house himself, carefully paying attention to detail and focusing on flawless execution. From the cabinetry to the window framing, everything was done with his own hands.
This simple, hardworking lifestyle may have contributed to the actor's down-to-earth persona. Even though he's now a celebrity, he still maintains that "everyday man" charm, which is part of his appeal to fans. His experience of building his own home also shows his resourcefulness and his willingness to take on a challenge, qualities that have undoubtedly helped him in his career.
Ford Crashed His Plane
Harrison Ford's talents don't just extend to the big screen - he's also a licensed pilot and owns his own plane. However, flying is a dangerous hobby, and the actor has had some close calls. During a regular flight, Ford experienced engine failure and was forced to make a crash landing on a grassy patch of land. Despite sustaining numerous injuries, including a broken pelvis and ankle, the actor remained determined to get back in the air.
He credits his wife, actress Calista Flockhart, for motivating him during his recovery. She encouraged him to overcome his fear and continue pursuing his passion for flying. Their supportive relationship is an inspiration to many and speaks to the strength of their bond. Despite the risks involved, Ford remains passionate about flying and continues to enjoy it to this day.
He Saved Lives As a Pilot
Harrison Ford's heroic actions aren't just limited to the silver screen. He's also been known to lend a helping hand in real life. One instance of this occurred when he used his helicopter to locate and rescue injured hiker Sarah George near his Idaho ranch.
In addition, Ford has rescued several boy scouts who had gotten lost in the woods. The actor's willingness to help those in need highlights his compassionate nature and desire to positively impact the world. It's clear that Ford is not only a talented actor but also a genuine hero both on and off the screen.
Cases of Heroism
Ford always jumps right in and helps with his hands. In 2017, he was driving along the highway in California when he heard a car roll off the highway and crash. The actor didn’t hesitate and immediately jumped out to help. Ford and several others quickly got the driver safely out of the vehicle and took care of him until paramedics arrived at the scene.
This ended up putting the beloved actor on the news, making him even more popular than he already was. It's clear that Harrison Ford is not only a talented actor but also a true hero.
He Declined Many Film Opportunities
Ford used to be one of the most demanded actors in Hollywood and would get invited to play in major blockbuster films. Despite his abundance of opportunities, the actor is known for being very picky when it comes to his roles. Just some examples of some of the films Ford chose to pass up on over the years include Vanilla Sky, The Perfect Storm, and The Patriot.
All of these films ended up becoming successful blockbusters. We wonder if Ford ever regretted it. Regardless, his impressive career and iconic performances in films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones have secured his status as a Hollywood legend.
Ford Has False Teeth
The actor has been known for some pretty daring action scenes over the years. He was lucky for most of his career, but his luck ended one day when he fell over a prop gun and lost most of his teeth. Due to an accident, many of his teeth were pulled out and replaced with false ones. You’ll never know by looking at him, though, as the actor could easily afford the best dentistry out there on his salary.
Despite this setback, Ford's professionalism and commitment to his craft never wavered, and he continued to deliver top-notch performances. Today, he looks as confident and charismatic as ever, a true testament to his resilience and dedication.
Chin Scar
Ford is quite a handsome guy but far from flawless. The actor has a very distinct scar below his lips. He received it back in 1968 after crashing his vehicle. The accident occurred when Ford was trying to put on his seat belt in mid-drive. There’s quite a lesson to be learned here about seat belts and safety.
At least the actor managed to use the scar to his advantage, as it was mentioned in some of his films, including The Last Crusade and Working Girl. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seatbelt safety and how even the most unexpected accidents can have lasting consequences.
The One Role He’d Never Forget
Harrison Ford became a worldwide phenomenon for his iconic role as Han Solo in Star Wars, but his most famous role to date is still Indiana Jones. When asked which role is his proudest and which one is his favorite, he answered “Indiana Jones” to both. The media has had plenty of time to interview Ford.
When asked who he would choose to take over the character, Ford quickly responded, saying, “Nobody is going to be Indiana Jones. I’m Indiana Jones.” Despite his many accomplishments, Ford remains humble and appreciative of his fans, who have supported him throughout his illustrious career.
He Improvised Many of His Iconic Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes in the entire Star Wars franchise was when Han Solo was frozen alive by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. Solo received a final farewell from Princess Leia, who confessed to him, “I love you.” We expected him to say it back, but the actor confidently stared at her and replied, “I know”.
This famous scene was apparently an improvisation by Ford. He was originally supposed to say, “Just remember that, ‘cause I’ll be back,” but went off-script without telling anyone. The actor felt it would be more appropriate for Solo’s character to react as he did, and his improved moment made the cut into the final film.
He Believed Han Solo Should Sacrifice Himself
Throughout the original trilogy, Han Solo went from the lone carefree captain of the Millennium Falcon to a loving and moral person. This transformation ended up turning him into one of the most iconic characters of the entire Star Wars franchise.
However, this transformation wasn’t enough for Ford, who believed that Han Solo should sacrifice himself at some point during the trilogy for the good of the others. This never quite materialized, as he had to settle for being killed in Star Wars: The Force Awakens by his son Ben sending him to his untimely death.
Ford Used to Work as a Carpenter
Ford initially moved to LA in pursuit of an acting career but was turned down by many studios before finally scoring his first big role. In the meantime, the aspiring actor had to pay the bills to support his then-wife and two young sons. Ford taught himself to become a professional carpenter and used the profession as a way to continue auditioning for various roles.
Nowadays, the actor is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but he can also build you a damn good dresser. It's clear that Ford's talents go beyond acting and flying planes, and his commitment to hard work and craftsmanship is just one more reason why he is so beloved by fans all over the world.
Conservation Work
Ford has done a great deal over the years to help conserve various exotic and endangered species. He was honored for his work by having two Central American insects named after him. The first is the Pheidole Harrisonfordi ant, and the second is the Calponia Harrisonfordi spider. Unlike many activist actors, Ford doesn’t only stand on stage and speak about helping animals but also takes many personal actions to help them.
He has done extensive work both in the wild and in boardrooms to help these helpless creatures. In recognition of his efforts, Ford was awarded the Jules Verne Award for his contributions to conservation and exploration. Despite being a Hollywood icon, Ford continues to prioritize his work to protect the environment and encourages others to do the same.
Commercials in Japan
Ford became a huge movie star during the ‘70s and ‘80s, a time when the Japanese TV and film industry was booming. Ford was approached by various Japanese companies and offered big commissions for participating in various ads. Ford appeared in Japanese commercials for many products, most notably Kirin Lager, a Japanese beverage. You can thank the internet, especially YouTube, for sharing with us the incredibly entertaining outcome of his work.
Ford has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including his support for the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that works to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals through DNA testing. The actor has also lent his support to the United Nations World Food Programme and serves on the board of directors for the non-profit organization, The Ocean Foundation.
Small Beginnings
It took Ford a few years of hard work and bold efforts before he finally scored his first few big roles. One of the first jobs he got when moving to LA was when he signed up for the New Talent Program at Columbia Pictures, which netted him about $600 a month.
The program found various small film roles for him, which helped the aspiring actor start off on the road to fame. Eventually, his connection with George Lucas helped him get the role of Han Solo, and from there, the rest is history.
Discovering His Passion in College
Ford always described himself as a "late bloomer" when it came to developing his love of acting. He began his career in college by doing some radio and sportscasting gigs while majoring in English and Philosophy at Ripon College in Wisconsin. It was only by chance that Ford decided to pursue drama and only did it to help him become more extroverted.
Ford's talent and dedication propelled him to the top of his field, and his legacy as a legendary actor continues to inspire generations of aspiring performers. He has used his celebrity status to raise awareness and advocate for causes he is passionate about, earning him respect not just as an actor but also as a humanitarian.
His Love of Aviation
Ford is a licensed pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In March 2004, he officially became chairman of the Young Eagles program of the Experimental Aircraft Association. The actor and pilot appears in many advertisements that advocate safe flying for aircraft owners and pilots.
While we all know him for his acting, Ford is extremely active in the aviation scene and helps promote the rights of pilots. He also donated substantial amounts of money to The Bob Hoover Academy, which educates at-risk teens in central California and teaches them how to fly.
His Famous Affair
When Star Wars came out, Han Solo and Princess Leia were one of the most talked-about potential couples in film history, and fans hoped to see their romance materialize. In a 2016 interview with Carrie Fisher (who portrayed Princess Leia in the films), the actress confessed that, apparently - it actually did!
Despite being just 19 years old at the time, she and Harrison Ford had a famous affair. Ford was more than 30 years old and married with two children at the time. He has not commented publicly about the affair since it was first revealed.
Married Three Times
Throughout his life, Ford was married three times. His first marriage was to his college sweetheart, Mary Marquardt. The marriage began in 1964, around the time the aspiring actor moved to LA to pursue his acting career, and resulted in two children. They separated fifteen years later in 1979.
It took Ford four years to find and marry Melissa Mathison, a popular screenwriter. This marriage lasted 21 years and resulted in one of the most expensive divorces in Hollywood history, which we’ll cover shortly. The actor has since been married to actress Calista Flockhart, and the two are still going strong.
A Costly Divorce
One of Ford's less fortunate titles at the time was that of the most expensive divorce in Hollywood history. He and Melissa Mathison decided to end the deal after more than two decades together, with two kids and no prenup in place. This resulted in a long legal battle, which ended up costing Ford more money than he made in all of Star Wars.
The divorce settlement had Ford pay Mathison a whopping $85 million dollars. The actor was also required to give her a portion of his royalties from various films he made while they were still married.
Not the Best Decisions
While Ford has worked hard to keep his private life as guarded as possible, there were a few leaks, especially from actress Carrie Fisher. She claimed that the two had the opportunity to party with The Rolling Stones back when they were shooting The Empire Strikes Back.
Ford and Fisher did the responsible thing and chose to party all night with the popular band and get extremely drunk. The two had to get back to work early the following morning, so instead of going to sleep and waking up with a hangover, they decided to stay awake together and came to work drunk.
Famous Earring
Fans of Harrison Ford are usually surprised to discover that the veteran actor has a small earring on his left ear, which he wears almost everywhere he goes. He originally had it pierced back in 1997 when he was already 55 years old. The actor was sitting at lunch with his friends one day and noticed that he was the only one without an earring. This prompted him to get his ear pierced later that day. Since then, he has been making up for lost earring time.
His rebellious spirit and unique sense of style have helped make him one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. From his signature fedora in "Indiana Jones" to his rugged leather jacket in "The Fugitive," Ford has always managed to make even the simplest outfit look effortlessly cool.
His Secret Relationship
Calista Flockhart is a popular American actress. She and Ford began a secret relationship after meeting at the Golden Globe Awards on January 20, 2002. Seven years later, the couple got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2009. They were married one year later in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on June 15, 2010.
Ford's personal life has also garnered attention over the years, particularly his relationship with actress Calista Flockhart, whom he married in 2010. Despite a more than 20-year age gap between them, the couple's enduring love and support for each other have been an inspiration to many.
Friendship with Roman Polanski
Ford appeared in famous director Roman Polanski's 1988 mystery thriller, Frantic, and the two have become great friends ever since. The director got in legal trouble, has since been hiding abroad from U.S. law enforcement, and currently resides in France.
In 2003, Ford accepted the Oscar for “Best Director” on behalf of Roman Polanski, a move that drew much support and applause from the Hollywood crowds but was heavily criticized by fans all over the world. Nevertheless, Ford's loyalty and dedication to his friends and colleagues have earned him the respect and admiration of many in the industry.
First Feature Film
Ford finally got his chance to be seen on the big screen in a film titled Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round. He had a very short and small role and was not credited for his performance. If that wasn’t bad enough, he actually did receive some pretty bad feedback from producers.
One of the executives that saw Ford’s performance went as far as to advise him to quit while he was ahead. He told the young actor that he had no future in the film industry and that it would be best to just stop trying.
Friendship With George Lucas
Harrison Ford and esteemed film director George Lucas were first introduced by a mutual friend just a few years before Lucas began creating his Star Wars film franchise. Both were relatively unknown at the time and had pretty good chemistry from the beginning. After their fantastic work in Star Wars, the two continued working together in films such as American Graffiti and Indiana Jones. Lucas is largely responsible for Ford's fame, and the two are great friends to this day. They also had a very unique working relationship.
Lucas often entrusted Ford with improvising his lines, allowing him to add his own style and humor to the character he was playing. This creative freedom led to some of the most memorable moments in film history, such as Indiana Jones' nonchalant reaction to the swordsman in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
An Iconic Improvised Scene
You might recall the iconic scene from Indiana Jones, which literally made the phrase “Don’t Bring a Sword to a Gun Fight“ famous. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy runs into a large menacing Egyptian with a sword. The master swordsman begins showing off his skills and waits for Indy to make the first move.
Instead of fighting him, Indy just looks at him with a tired expression and proceeds to shoot him. This was originally meant to be a long action fight, but Ford was sick and weak that day, so he decided to make it short instead. This scene ended up becoming one of the most beloved and best-remembered in the franchise’s history.
He Was Given a Hollywood Star
One of the greatest honors for any Hollywood actor is their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although Ford has never received an Academy Award for his work, he was extremely excited about receiving this very high honor. The actor can be seen here during the iconic signing of the star. It was a moment he dreamed of for decades, which finally became a reality. And he couldn’t have been happier about it.
For Ford, the star was not only a recognition of his achievements but also a testament to the hard work and dedication he had put into his craft over the years. It was a moment that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Getting Injured on Set
Ford has seen quite a few injuries while filming his various movies. Many of these failed stunts involved him receiving the type of damage that would normally end a career, but he magically recovered from all of them.
In 1983, the actor herniated a disc while riding elephants for Temple of Doom. Just a few years ago, a door crushed him and broke his ankle while filming The Force Awakens. Ford was airlifted from Buckinghamshire to a hospital in Oxford so he could get emergency surgery. He later sued the studio and won.
Not Quite a Father
Indiana Jones was an extremely successful action franchise and ended up spawning three films during the '80s. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which came out in 1989, the main character spent some of the film with his father, Henry, who was played by Sean Connery.
Ford initially rejected the idea of having the James Bond actor portray Indie’s father, mostly because Connery is just 12 years older than him! The two ended up having great chemistry, and their performance was largely well-received. Connery was even nominated for both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award for his performance.
Sexiest Man Alive
Ford was quite a handsome and beloved actor back in his prime and saw his fair share of nominations in “Sexiest” and “Best Looking” lists at the time. For example, in 1997, Ford was chosen as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.
Then, in 1998, Ford got his moment to shine when he was chosen as the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. This meant that he beat other superstars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and even Antonio Banderas. Could this be his most noteworthy achievement to date?
A Silent ‘J’
Ford used to have a very tough time getting cast in his first few years as an actor. He also almost never got credited for his minor roles, which meant that producers couldn’t even find him if they liked his performance. Things only got worse when the aspiring actor discovered that he shared the exact same name as a silent film actor.
Ford decided to add a middle letter to his name, which is why in some of his earlier credits he’s listed as “Harrison J. Ford”. He claims that the letter was just a random pick. Since then, the actor has become much more famous than his predecessor, and could finally drop the silent ‘J’ and returned to his given name.
Answering an Age-Old Fan Question
Ford definitely likes to keep to himself and only does interviews when it’s time to promote another big movie. When the actor first announced he was going to do an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the popular discussion site Reddit, fans prepared questions that were on their minds for years.
One Reddit user took the opportunity to ask him one of the Star Wars franchise’s oldest questions, which is “Who shot first, Han or Greedo?”. Ford was quick to settle the question and responded with, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” You have to respect the actor’s straight-shooting attitude. Clearly, he’s got some of that Indiana Jones temperament still left in him.
Lead Role in Blade Runner
Other than his roles as Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones in the franchise by the same name, there is one film that fans of Harrison Ford absolutely adore. We’re obviously talking about 1982’s Blade Runner, the legendary sci-fi film by director Ridley Scott. The dystopian movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has a cult following even today.
Blade Runner is set in a dystopian Los Angeles in 2019 and features Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who is responsible for killing androids that escape from off-world colonies. The actor’s performance was highly praised by many critics and ended up cementing Ford’s status as a science-fiction acting legend.
A Much-Needed Sequel
Fans were initially skeptical when Warner Bros. Pictures announced a sequel to the legendary Blade Runner was due for release in 2017. After more than three decades since the original's release, the film's many cult followers were worried that studios were merely trying to bank on the franchise's reputation.
The sequel, Blade Runner 2049, starred Ryan Gosling and Jared Leto and even featured Ford in a surprise performance later during the film. It ended up being one of the most beloved and highly awarded films of 2017 receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.
Chemistry With Ryan Gosling
Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling did many interviews together to help promote Blade Runner 2049 in the months before its release. They got asked many different questions by reporters ranging from funny personal questions and anecdotes to mind-wrecking inquiries by hardcore fans of the franchise.
What was clear throughout many of the interviews was that Ford and Gosling had extremely natural chemistry together. The two made were seen laughing hysterically in almost all of their interviews. We’d love to see a comedy starring the two, as it would be a perfect break from their regular film genres!
His Large Net Worth
While Ford initially had to take up carpentry just to support his family, the actor has since built a substantial net worth of over $200 million. He uses his money to buy expensive cars, motorcycles, and aircraft and also helps support various humanitarian and animal causes.
Like many of his fellow Hollywood actors, it seems that the richer Ford gets, the less he cares about proper grooming. This inexplicable trend has been going on for the last decade or two. Despite his casual style, however, there is no denying that Harrison Ford is one of Hollywood's most beloved and accomplished actors, with a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
His Role as Indiana Jones
While Han Solo made for a great supporting character in George Lucas’s Star Wars franchise, he was only able to attain this legendary status when coupled with the rest of the cast. Unlike Solo, Indiana Jones is known by many as Harrison Ford’s most iconic role and managed to successfully lead three different films from the ‘80s and even one in recent years. Many young boys and girls were deeply inspired by Indie’s courage, assertiveness, and ability to solve problems.
Jones was a hero who faced danger head-on, always ready to tackle whatever obstacles lay in his path, and the success of the Indiana Jones franchise is a testament to Harrison Ford's talent as an actor and his ability to bring this iconic character to life.
Working on a Handshake
Harrison Ford and director George Lucas were friends, but the nature of their relationship was so trusting that the two worked exclusively on a handshake basis when it came to the making of the three original Star Wars films.
The trilogy ended up grossing almost $1.8 billion in box-office revenue, anywhere from $5 to $25 billion on merchandise. Ford alone made over $6.5 million for his role in the film and turned from broke into a millionaire practically overnight. He then made an additional $27 million for his brief role in The Force Awakens, which came out more than three decades later.
Empire’s #1 Movie Star of All Time
Many fans of Harrison Ford honestly consider him one of the best classic actors from the last few decades. Despite having only a brief list of classic, iconic characters, his roles as Indiana Jones, Han Solo, and Rick Deckard made him one of the most recognized actors of all time. The actor was ranked first place in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list.
While there are many other actors who carried famous lead roles, almost none of them are as memorable as Ford’s. What sets Ford apart from other actors is his ability to imbue his characters with a sense of authenticity and realism that resonates with audiences. He is equally adept at portraying action heroes as he is at delivering nuanced dramatic performances.
Ford’s Beach-Front Property
Ford was approached by British director Richard Loncraine to take up the lead in 2006's action thriller, Firewall. Despite the movie being a disappointment both in terms of reviews and based on revenue, it had a silver lining, at least for Ford. During the filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ford was so impressed by the location that he decided to purchase a $13-million waterfront property on Bowen Island.
The property, which boasts stunning views of the mountains and the ocean, has become a beloved retreat for Ford and his family. He has spoken publicly about his love for Bowen Island and his deep connection to the area, which has become a sanctuary for him away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
His Support of Archaeology
Harrison Ford was always interested in unique fields such as aviation and zoology. When he portrayed Indiana Jones, these interests also expanded to the field of archaeology. Since then, the actor has supported researchers in the field and serves as a General Trustee on the Governing Board of the Archaeological Institute of America.
Ford assists the organization by helping them spread awareness of the field, as it’s not usually on people's minds. He also promotes one of archaeology's main goals, which is preventing illegal looting and trading of antiquities around the world. Through his passion and dedication, Harrison Ford has become an advocate for archaeology and a champion for preserving our past for future generations.
His Political Views
Harrison Ford doesn’t like to share his political views too much and keeps his opinions mostly to himself. Although he portrays himself as the everyday rural American in most of his films, the actor is actually a lifelong Democrat. Or at least, that’s what he gave up when he was finally pressed a little on the topic. Ford jokingly claims "Democrat” was the religion in which he and his brother were raised.
Ford's reserved approach to discussing politics may be due to his desire to avoid alienating any of his fans or detractors, or it could simply be a personal preference to keep his opinions to himself. Regardless, the actor's commitment to social and environmental causes has been well documented, and he continues to use his platform to bring attention to issues that he cares about.
Ford Played a Fictional U.S. President
Speaking of politics, Ford had the chance to portray a president during his acting career. Sure, it was a fictional one, but still cool, don't you think? The actor played President James Marshall in 1997’s Air Force One. Ford's serious demeanor and everyday-man look definitely make him appear presidential, but the actor prefers to stay as far away from politics as humanly possible.
While he has used his celebrity status to advocate for various causes and organizations, he has been relatively quiet when it comes to political issues. This could be because he prefers to maintain his privacy or because he believes that his job as an actor is to entertain, not to espouse political opinions.
Work With the Dalai Lama
Ford has taken a keen interest in the various controversies and issues that regarded the independence of Tibet. On September 7, 1995, the actor testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of the Dalai Lama. In 2007, he narrated the documentary Dalai Lama Renaissance.
The film was produced and directed by Khashyar Darvich and documents the meeting between the Dalai Lama and the self-titled "Synthesis" group, whose members were 40 Western "renaissance" thinkers who thought the meeting would help them brainstorm solutions to fix all the world's problems. It won twelve awards and was well-received both locally and abroad.
The World’s Highest-Grossing Actor
For a brief period of time, Ford actually became the world’s highest-grossing actor of all time. This was right after the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which ended up grossing more than $2 billion in movie theaters. The actor has since been in a close rivalry with Samuel L. Jackson, who beat him with his revenues from all the Avengers films.
Ironically, the two have both appeared in the Star Wars franchise. Ford is also set to appear in the coming Indiana Jones film, while Jackson is a regular in Marvel’s cinematic universe, so the ball might change courts just yet.
His Childhood
You’d think that someone like Harrison Ford was always a hero, but this is far from the truth. When asked about his childhood, Ford claimed that he was picked on at school. When asked why he thought that happened, the actor responded: "I was kind of short and geeky, I guess.” Can you imagine Ford being geeky? He's gotten famous for being anything but a nerd, so the joke is actually on those who bullied him.
Despite this, Ford refused to let the bullying define him and instead used it as motivation to succeed. He worked hard to develop his talent and ultimately went on to become one of the most famous actors in the world.
Sharing Sets With the Lord of the Rings Cast
Thanks to his long career as an actor, Ford has appeared in quite a few films over the years. Throughout his acting years, the actor has appeared in films with four actors from the legendary Lord of the Rings cast. Harrison Ford was in the same films as John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Bean (Boromir), and even Miranda Otto (Éowyn). The movies were Raiders of the Lost Ark, Patriot Games, and What Lies Beneath, respectively.
It's no surprise that these actors have become such icons in the film industry, given their incredible talent and dedication to their craft. For Harrison Ford, the chance to work with such legendary performers has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of his impressive career.
His Parents
Harrison Ford was blessed to have been born to two parents who loved him and supported him throughout his life. His mother, Dorothy Ford, was a radio actress, and his father, Christopher Ford, was an actor turned advertising executive. The young actor regularly appeared with his mother in film premiers until she passed away in 2004 at age 87.
It has been rumored that she was quite affectionate and responsible for the actor's softer side, while his dad was an extremely hard worker who taught him various business skills. The combination of their influences likely significantly shaped Harrison Ford into the person and actor he is today.
First Children
Ford has a total of five children from his three marriages. His first marriage to Mary Marquardt bore him two sons. The first is Benjamin Ford, a chef-restaurateur who co-owns Ford's Filling Station, a gastropub with two locations. The second, Willard Ford, is the owner of Strong Sports Gym, Kim Sing Theater, and the Ludwig Clothing Company.
We wonder if he used Daddy's money in order to acquire these three businesses. We bet he did, but we can't blame him, we'd probably do the same. Regardless of how they got started, they have both carved out successful careers in their own right and have undoubtedly made their father proud.
Actor Children
His second marriage resulted in two more children, who both ended up becoming actors. The first is Malcolm Ford, and the second is Georgia Ford. Since then, the famous actor remarried a third time. When he met Flockhart, it was just after she adopted a child. Ford adopted her child, making himself the proud father of five.
Ford currently lives with his third wife and Liam in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They enjoy spending time outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, and despite his busy career and high profile, it's clear that family is always a top priority for this legendary actor.
He Could Have Been in Jurassic Park
Back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Harrison Ford was one of the most highly sought-after actors in Hollywood. In 1992, director Steven Spielberg approached Ford and asked him to portray Dr. Alan Grant, one of Jurassic Park’s leading characters. He seemed like the perfect choice for the role, as he resembled Indiana Jones in many ways.
Unfortunately, Harrison turned down the role, probably unaware of what a major phenomenon the movie would end up becoming. It was later decided that Sam Neill would portray the character instead. The new actor had less than a month to get ready for the role but ended up doing a fantastic job.
Missed Acting Opportunities
Harrison Ford is known for declining some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. In 2000, he chose to let Russell Crowe take the lead in the romance-action film Proof of Life. Later that year, he was approached to act in The Patriot but declined the role, which ended up being played by Mel Gibson. Ford has some strict principles and rules when choosing the films he agrees to act in.
Many of his declined opportunities stem from various moral stances, such as his choice to skip The Patriot due to its violent and simplistic nature. He has been quoted as saying that he's not interested in just doing another "Indiana Jones" or "Star Wars" movie unless the story and character development are compelling enough to pique his interest.
He Likes to Point
Many actors are remembered for having weird quirks in their on-screen performances. For example, Tom Cruise ends up running in almost all of his movies. Perhaps one of the things that makes Ford so unique and memorable is his tendency to point angrily at other characters, which seems to repeat itself from film to film.
Many interviewers and fans questioned Ford as to what makes his point so often in his roles. Based on the actors’ reactions and comments, it seems that he does it unconsciously and only notices it later. Whatever the case may be, this is just one of the quirks that end up making Ford the relatable and lovable actor that he is.
He Loves Driving Adventures
If there’s one thing that Ford loves almost as much as acting, it’s taking one of his vehicles (whether land or air-based), and traveling around while enjoying the warm breeze and some old-school music. The actor claims to own "eight to nine motorbikes, four or five BMWs, a couple of Harleys, a couple of Hondas and a Triumph; (and a few) sports touring bikes."
Ford worked hard and took many risks to reach his current state and net worth, so his fortune is well earned. The almost 80-year-old actor still acts and takes the time to go on adventures. This is definitely one standard that everyone can aspire to.
Friendship With Liam Neeson
Ford’s personal life and friendships have been quite private, as the actor takes great measures to keep them out of the mainstream. However, he often appears with famous actor Liam Neeson at many events and occasions, and the two appear to be quite comfortable with each other. The two have only starred in one film together, which was 2002's historical thriller, K-19: The Widowmaker.
The film ended up being a huge disappointment both in terms of box office revenue and for having mostly negative reviews. Despite the film's failure, Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson's friendship has continued over the years. They have been spotted attending events and award ceremonies together, and they even appeared on The Graham Norton Show together in 2017.
Baby Boy. Baby. Evil.
Harrison Ford accidentally created an extremely popular meme during an interview with Le Petit Journal. The reporter held a series of photographs and asked Ford to say what first came to his mind. When shown a poster of Han Solo, the actor responded by saying, "Baby boy, Baby." He was then shown a picture of Darth Vader and promptly said, "Evil."
Although the moment didn’t get much media attention, it became a phenomenon with younger internet users. More than a thousand memes involving Ford’s interview were created. The meme became popular, and it was used in various contexts, ranging from politics to pop culture. Ford was surprised by the response and was amused by the sudden surge in popularity.
New Indiana Jones Film
Believe it or not, Walt Disney Studios announced that a fifth Indiana Jones film is set for release in July 2020. That did not end up happening. The film is now set to be released in 2023. The sequel will obviously star Ford, who publicly stated that he will never agree to give up the role for anyone younger.
Although many are skeptical about the potential for the film to actually work, Ford is already known for playing in a handful of highly successful sequels that were not originally set to take place. The best example of this is Blade Runner 2049, which ended up being a surprise hit and arguably the best film of 2017. We’re definitely holding our hands for Indy!
His First Voice Over Role
Despite being an active actor ever since 1966, it took Ford more than five decades before he appeared in his first voiceover for an animated film. His appearance was in Universal Pictures' animated comedy film, The Secret Life of Pets 2, where the actor portrayed a sheepdog named Rooster.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but ended up grossing more than $400 million against a budget of $80 million. Ford got a chance to act with various long-time comedy legends such as Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, and Dana Carvey.
He Loves BMWs
Harrison can occasionally be spotted driving down the streets of Los Angeles in his various custom-made BMW motorcycles. He usually wears a black bandana and special sunglasses to hide his appearance. However, he’s usually spotted by the paparazzi within an hour or two anyway. He can be seen here tending to one of his motorcycles, which we presume is a really fast BMW.
His passion for aviation has also led him to work with the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program, which introduces young people to the world of flying. We have to admit, the actor definitely looks like one of those motorcycle-riding grandpas at this point. But we definitely won’t mind if he was our grandpa.
His Athletic Build
Ford was never known as a super-athletic actor but has always maintained a relatively muscular build. In his role as Indiana Jones, the actor was at the peak of his physical prime, as the first three films required many stunts and shirtless moments from him. The actor was also seen shirtless in various other films, such as Blade Runner but sported a much more modest physique.
While his body doesn’t attract as much attention as some bulker and leaner Hollywood actors, many men and women prefer this kind of body type. Ford's commitment to his health and wellness has undoubtedly contributed to his longevity and continued success in Hollywood.
Maintaining Fitness
The actor has really kept himself in great shape throughout the years. Even today, he has maintained most of his muscle mass from his younger years, largely thanks to a regular training routine and being an active pilot and motorcycle rider. Despite being a senior citizen, his muscle mass is really starting to show as his body becomes leaner and leaner over the years.
While he’s not nearly as buff as Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor looks amazing for a guy born during World War II. His dedication to fitness is an inspiration to many and a testament to the benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
Worst Roles
The popular actor's luck seemed to run out during the late '90s when he started appearing in some disappointing films. These included Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), Random Hearts (1999), K-19: The Widowmaker (2002), Hollywood Homicide (2003), Firewall (2006), and Extraordinary Measures (2010).
Despite a string of disappointing films, Harrison Ford remained one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, and in 2001, the Guinness Book of World Records named him the richest male actor in the world, with an estimated net worth of $450 million. Guess you don't have to star in good movies to be rich, you just have to get paid for them.
His Worst Film
1999’s Random Hearts is considered by many to be his worst film by far. Maybe it's because the film isn't an action but a romantic drama. Sometimes you just have to stick with what works for you. In the film, Ford's character discovers that before dying in a plane crash, his wife was actually cheating on him. Yikes.
Random Hearts holds a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and fans panned the film for having a dull plot, slow pacing, and almost sleepy acting from the actor. The movie was panned for its lack of chemistry between the lead actors and its inability to build real tension or excitement. Despite this, the film was not a complete disaster, as it did receive some positive reviews for its cinematography and music score.
A Recent Flop
One of Harrison Ford's worst films of all time actually came out in 2013, called Paranoia. Despite starring acting powerhouses Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, and Harrison Ford, the movie only managed to draw $16 million in box office revenue against a budget of over $35 million. Paranoia currently has a 7% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Ford's worst-rated movie of all time. .
You might have noticed by the picture that the actor even had to shave his head for the role, but luckily he later grew it back. Ford had previously expressed excitement about the project, stating that he was drawn to the script and the character of Nicholas Wyatt. However, the movie's dismal box office performance and negative reviews made it clear that it was a misstep for Ford's career
Friendship With Chewbacca Actor
Ford and the rest of the original Star Wars gang were great friends with the tall guy who played Chewbacca. His name is Peter Mayhew, and he was quite a large man. The actor, who stood at 7 ft 2 inches tall, was one of Ford’s best friends and ended up appearing with the actor in 2015’s "The Force Awakens."
The two immediately got along on and off-screen, becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable duos. Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, was not only one of Ford's closest friends but also his travel companion. The two used to travel to various comic book conventions together, where they were always the center of attention.
Saying Farewell to Their Friend
Harrison Ford eulogized his dear friend, Peter Mayhew, who sadly passed away at age 74 in mid-2019. The actor died of a heart attack but had a long and fulfilling life. Fans of the Han Solo and Chewbacca duo got one last chance to see them together in action during 2015’s hit film, "The Force Awakens."
The movie wasn’t only a much-needed reunion but also ended up being their highest-grossing film of all time. Peter Mayhew’s passing was a significant loss for Harrison Ford, who had worked closely with the actor for decades. In his eulogy, Ford spoke about his friend's gentle nature and his ability to convey so much emotion through the Chewbacca character, despite not having any lines.
Filming the Fifth Indiana Jones Film
Filming for the next installment of the Indiana Jones franchise began in June of 2021. The plot was set in many different cities across the world, as you'd expect from an Indiana Jones movie. Some of the rumored locations are London, Glasgow, and Sicily. The filming in Sicily included some actors dressed as Roman soldiers. This led to a lot of speculation about the secret storyline of the new film. Did it include time travel?
The movie is also said to be Harrison Ford's final appearance as the iconic adventurer, adding to the excitement and anticipation among fans. With filming underway, we can only wait and see what surprises and thrills the fifth Indiana Jones installment has in store for us.
Injured Again
If you take into account the number of times Harrison was injured, it's surprising he is still intact. Is there a chance he's secretly Superman? While filming the 2023 Indiana Jones film, he was wounded yet again. Sadly, this was during a rehearsal before the film even began shooting. This meant the entire production schedule had to be changed in order to accommodate his recovery. At his age, we would really not hold it against him if he used a stunt double.
Ford is known for his dedication to performing his stunts, which makes him such a beloved action star. He has a reputation for being tough as nails, and this latest injury is just one of many he has sustained throughout his career.
A Star Wars Cameo
In 2019, to the excitement of many fans, a new Star Wars movie hit theaters. Titled "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Han Solo," this was the 9th installment in the beloved sci-fi series. It was a well-kept secret, but Ford returned as Han Solo yet another time. In his scene, he appears in front of Ben, played by Adam Driver.
This directly references his scene in "The Force Awakens." This time, the scene has a happier ending, which we were surprised and moved to see. Ford has expressed mixed feelings about his involvement in the "Star Wars" franchise over the years, but his love for the character of Han Solo has always been evident.
The Call of the Wild
In 2020, Harisson starred in an adaption of a Jack London novel titled "The Call of the Wild". While London is better known for his "White Fang" novels, "The Call of the Wild" has actually been adapted into nine movies and two TV shows in the last one hundred years. Unfortunately, the movie failed miserably.
The studio lost about 50$-100$ million as even with a big name like Ford's, the movie did not return the investment. While the movie may have underperformed commercially, it did receive praise for its use of CGI technology to create the animal characters.
Razzie Nomination
Ford's 2020 movie "The Call of the Wild" wasn't a success story. But, despite not grossing enough money, the critics did not completely hate the film. They did hate the CGI, saying it was distracting. Still, some said it was a nice film to watch with kids, as more adult parts of the novel were removed. In 2021, it was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award but lost.
This film just couldn't succeed, not even in earning an award for being bad. Despite the lukewarm reception, Ford remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, with a career spanning several decades and a multitude of iconic roles to his name.
Committed to Climate Change
In recent years Harrison Ford became more vocal about his views on climate change. In 2019, he gave a speech for Conservation International, an American environmental organization. He spoke about how the obliteration of the Amazon rainforest changed the world's climate.
While many view climate change activists as angry young people, Ford said it's important to listen to these angry young people and let them do their work instead of getting in their way. Ford has also been involved in initiatives to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. He has been a vocal advocate for sustainable living and reducing our carbon footprint.
Getting Political
In 202o, Ford got involved in politics. While we could imagine him running for president, he was actually just vocal about who he is voting for. At his age and with his status, we bet he doesn't have to worry about how speaking politics would affect his career. His motive for supporting Biden over Trump was an environmental one.
He said he believes Biden would do more to combat climate change. In addition to his activism and involvement in politics, Harrison Ford has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, and in 2016, he sold his iconic Han Solo jacket from "The Empire Strikes Back" and donated the proceeds to epilepsy research.
Donating Land
Despite being well above the age bracket of most climate activists, Ford is very much committed to preserving the environment. It's a well-known fact that he and his wife, Calista Flockhart, live on a ranch in Jackson, Wyoming. A lesser-known fact is that he lived there since the 80s.
He also donated about half of his land to a nature reserve. It's clear that Ford practices what he preaches and is an excellent role model for anyone looking to positively impact the environment. Could you imagine being so rich that you could have enough land to donate to a nature reserve? Neither can we.
A Bad Childhood Memory
We all have bad or weird memories from our childhood, but we think this one takes the cake. When Harrison was a teenager, he witnessed his father having a home accident involving cutting plywood in his home studio. The father's finger was injured, and Ford had to help him get to the hospital.
He claims the experience did not traumatize him, but could it be the reason he's known for pointing his finger? While it's hard to say for sure if this incident influenced his finger-pointing habit, it's certainly possible, and whether or not it has anything to do with it, it's certainly a fun fact to ponder.
His Wife's Weird Name
Since 2010, Harrison has been married to fellow actress Calista Flockhart. You have to admit she has a name so peculiar no one can forget it. But where did the name come from? Apparently, it was her mother's way of preserving her own last name. While her father's surname is Flockhart, he mother's is Calista. But naming her daughter Calista she made sure her surname would be passed on. It actually has a nice meaning — it means "the most beautiful" in Latin.
That's a fascinating tidbit! It's always interesting to learn the stories behind people's names. Speaking of names, did you know that Harrison Ford wasn't actually born with that name? He was born with the name "William Ford" but later changed it when he began his acting career.
Trending on His Birthday
The actor started his career before the word trend could be turned into a verb and have it mean something. But he is still relevant in the age of social media. On July 13th, 2020, he celebrated his 79th birthday. Despite it not being a big round number, he was still mentioned all over the internet.
People took the chance to talk about his most iconic roles and about what the actor means to them. Harrison Ford's legacy has endured, making him a true icon in the entertainment industry. Even today, he continues to be a source of inspiration for new generations of actors.
His Mother Was Jewish
Lesser-known facts about Harrison Ford are his descent and religion. While his father is Catholic and of German and Irish descent, his mother was an Ashkenazi Jew from Minsk. When asked about the place religion holds in his life, he joked that he and his younger brother Terence were raised, Democrats.
He has also said that "As a man, I've always felt Irish, as an actor, I've always felt Jewish." We are not sure what exactly this means. What does a Jewish actor feel like that a non-Jew doesn't? Or was he joking? Anyhow, it doesn't bother us where he comes from, we only notice where he is going.
K-19: The Widowmaker
What is K-19, exactly? Well, it's the title of a 2002 movie Harisson Ford participated. The movie was a huge failure. Yes, even an actor with an impressive career, such as Ford's, can take part in movies that flop. It was shot with a budget of $90 million but raked in only $65 million. The film was based on true events, telling the story of a Russian Submarine.
Many attacked the movie for failing to present the story accurately and spreading misinformation. Despite the negative reviews and criticism, some praised the movie for its depiction of the Cold War and the tension between the United States and Russia.