The Hollywood legend Harrison Ford celebrates 82 today
Ford’s big break came in the mid-1970s when he was cast by George Lucas in “American Graffiti” but it was his portrayal of Han Solo in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and later as Indiana Jones that made him a global icon
The Hollywood legend Harrison Ford celebrates 82 today
Harrison Ford was born on July 13, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a middle-class family, Ford had a modest upbringing. His father was an advertising executive, and his mother was a former radio actress. Ford’s interest in acting began during his college years at Ripon College in Wisconsin, where he took a drama class to overcome his shyness.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1964, Ford struggled to find steady work as an actor. He took small roles in films and television shows but remained largely unnoticed. To support his family, he worked as a carpenter, a job that he later credited with keeping him grounded and providing stability during the early years of his career. He also worked as a roadie and cameraman for the band The Doors during the late 1960’s.
Ford’s big break came in the mid-1970s when he was cast by George Lucas in “American Graffiti” (1973). His role as Bob Falfa caught the attention of Lucas, who later cast him as Han Solo in “Star Wars” (1977). The film’s immense success catapulted Ford to stardom and solidified his place in Hollywood.
The late 1970s and 1980s saw Ford’s career reach new heights. His portrayal of Han Solo in the original “Star Wars” trilogy made him a global icon. In 1981, he took on another iconic role as Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” directed by Steven Spielberg. The Indiana Jones franchise became a significant part of Ford’s career, with subsequent films “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984), “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (2008).
Ford’s versatility as an actor was further demonstrated in films such as “Blade Runner” (1982), where he played the role of Rick Deckard, and “Witness” (1985), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Other notable films from this period include “The Fugitive” (1993), “Air Force One” (1997), and “Patriot Games” (1992).
Harrison Ford has continued to work steadily into the 21st century, reprising some of his most famous roles and taking on new challenges. He returned to the role of Han Solo in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), a move that delighted fans worldwide. Ford also returned to his role as Indiana Jones in a fifth installment, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in 2023.
Ford has also taken roles in other films, including “42” (2013), where he played baseball executive Branch Rickey, and “The Call of the Wild” (2020), where he portrayed a prospector named John Thornton. His ability to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-changing film industry speaks to his enduring talent and appeal.
Harrison Ford has been married three times. His first marriage was to Mary Marquardt in 1964, with whom he had two sons, Benjamin and Willard. The couple divorced in 1979. Ford then married screenwriter Melissa Mathison in 1983, and they had two children, Malcolm and Georgia, before divorcing in 2004. In 2010, Ford married actress Calista Flockhart, and they have a son, Liam, whom Flockhart adopted before meeting Ford.
Outside of his acting career, Ford is known for his passion for aviation and conservation. He is a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft. Ford has also been involved in various environmental causes and serves as a vice-chair of Conservation International, an organization dedicated to protecting nature.
His characters, from Han Solo to Indiana Jones, have become cultural icons, and his films have entertained generations of moviegoers. With a career spanning over five decades, Harrison Ford’s legacy in Hollywood is unparalleled. Today he celebrates 82.
Watch Harrison Ford talking about some of his most memorable roles
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