If you happen to run into Harrison Ford on July 13, be sure to wish him a happy 82nd birthday. Born in Chicago, Harrison’s mother was a radio actress and his grandfather worked in Vaudeville. He was a philosophy major at Ripon College when he became involved in summer stock. Ford not only learned a few things about acting but also developed some carpentry skills by building stage sets.
In 1964 Ford travelled to Hollywood in search of voiceover work. He honed his carpentry skills by studying woodworking books and practiced on an empty house before accepting any paying jobs. He developed a reputation as one of the best cabinetmakers in Los Angeles and was hired by some famous clients including directors Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.
Lucas cast Ford in 1973’s “American Graffiti” and Coppola cast him in the 1974 classic, “The Conversation”. Because of his success as a carpenter, Ford could be selective about his screen roles. He was offered the role of Michael Stivic (Meathead) in “All in the Family” but turned it down because of Archie Bunker’s bigotry.
Many Hollywood actors auditioned for the role of Hans Solo in 1976’s “Star Wars” including Jack Nicholson, Robert de Niro, Burt Reynolds, Kurt Russell, Billy Dee Williams, Christopher Walken and Nick Nolte. Harrison Ford prevailed as Lucas wanted a new face and the production crew members were enchanted by Ford’s charm.
Lucas was reluctant to cast Ford in 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” because he did not want every George Lucas film to be a “Harrison Ford movie”. However Lucas’ first choice, Tom Selleck dropped out because of his “Magnum PI commitment” and Ford became Indiana Jones.
The actor insisted on performing his own stunts for the Indiana Jones trilogy. One of the best scenes in the original was fortuitously created by Ford because he was suffering from dysentery. The script called for a long fight with the swordsman in black but the ailing Ford asked director Steven Spielberg if they could shorten the scene. The duo quickly agreed that Ford would take out his gun and shoot the villain- to the great surprise of most who were on the set.
Hits and Misses
Ford auditioned for the role of Joe Buck in 1969’s Midnight Cowboy but was passed over for Jon Voight. Since that time he has seemingly won every role he sought.
Ford declined Tom Skerritt’s role in 1979’s “Alien” and turned down Jack Nicholson’s role in Terms of Endearment. He rejected Kevin Costner’s roles in “The Untouchables” and “JFK”. He turned down the role of Jack Ryan in The Hunt for Red October” but eventually starred as Ryan in “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger”. Ford also turned down Liam Neeson’s title role in “Schindler’s List”, Warren Beatty’s role as “Dick Tracy”, Mel Gibson’s role in “The Patriot” and George Clooney’s role in “The Perfect Storm”.
Real Life Hero
Ford’s heroic exploits aren’t reserved solely for the screen. Because of his flying skills, he’s always volunteered for search and rescue missions. In 2000 Ford landed a helicopter onto Wyoming’s Table Mountain and rescued a hiker who had fallen ill. In 2001, he rescued a lost boy scout in the Wyoming wilderness.
Closing Tidbits
Fords’ films have grossed over $10 Billion. While he is one of history’s most beloved actors, he has never won an Oscar. His only nomination was for 1985’s “Witness”.
He had a small role as a school principal in 1982’s “E.T.” but the scene was cut because Steven Spielberg felt that Ford’s presence would break the flow of the film.
His portrayal of Branch Rickey in 2012’s “42” marked the first time Ford’s played a real-life character.
We’ve already mentioned his exploits as Hans Solo, Indiana Jones and Jack Ryan but let’s not forget his great work in 1988’s “Working Girl” and 1993’s “The Fugitive”.
Finally, don’t believe everything you see in the movies. Harrison Ford is not afraid of snakes. In fact while serving as a counselor at a Wisconsin summer camp, Ford prepared boy scouts for the Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge.
Happy birthday to an American original.
Have a great weekend.
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