Harrison Ford "I Love Being Older"

The screen legend opens up about his long path to success, ageing, and his final Indiana Jones film

- Vicky Dearden

IN A HOLLYWOOD JOURNEY filled with serendipitous twists and unexpected luck, few actors have experienced a career as diverse and prolific as Harrison Ford. From the fearless Indiana Jones to the sardonic Han Solo and the world-weary Rick Deckard, Ford’s portrayal of iconic characters has left an indelible mark on cinema and pop culture. Yet, the irony lies in how many of his career-defining roles fell into this self-proclaimed “late bloomer’s” lap by chance.

Born in Chicago to Dorothy, a radio actor, and Christopher Ford, an actor-turned-advertising-executive, Harrison got disillusioned with pursuing a career on the silver screen as a young man, having failed to land any significant parts after multiple attempts. Instead, he turned to professional carpentry as a means to support his then-wife and two young sons.

But fate had other plans. While working as a carpenter in Hollywood, Ford crossed paths with numerous celebrity clients such as Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne. One of them was legendary producer Fred Roos, who hired him to build a door in the American Zoeotrope offices, where director George Lucas was holding the casting call for Star Wars. Little did Ford know that this chance encounter would lead to his breakthrough role as the charismatic Han Solo. Lucas was captivated by Ford’s reading and offered him the iconic role, catapulting him to stardom.