Harrison Ford Biography Harrison Ford born July 13, 1942 is an iconic American actor with a career spanning over seven decades, known for his roles in several landmark films. His movies have grossed over $5.4 billion in North America and more than $9.3 billion worldwide. Ford has received numerous accolades, including the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an Honorary César, and an Honorary Palme d’Or, along with nominations for an Academy Award, BAFTA, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Golden Globes. Ford’s acting career began with an uncredited role in Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round (1966), followed by small roles in films throughout the 1970s. His breakthrough came with supporting roles in American Graffiti (1973) and The Conversation (1974).
Harrison Ford Biography
Harrison Ford was born on July 13, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy (Nidelman), a radio actress, and Christopher Ford (born John William Ford), an actor turned advertising executive. His father was of Irish and German descent, while his maternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Minsk, Belarus. Harrison was not a standout student at Maine Township High School East in Park Ridge, Illinois, where he struggled academically, never rising above a C average and not excelling in athletics. After leaving Ripon College in Wisconsin, where he dabbled in acting and participated in summer stock theater, Ford initially signed a contract with Columbia Pictures and later Universal Studios. His early roles in television shows like Ironside (1967) and The Virginian (1962) were minor and unremarkable. Discouraged, he briefly switched careers to professional carpentry. However, Ford made a major comeback in 1973 with his role as Bob Falfa in American Graffiti.
Harrison Ford Biography Details 2025
| Born | July 13, 1942 (age 82) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouses | Mary Marquardt (m. 1964; div. 1979) Melissa Mathison (m. 1983; div. 2004) Calista Flockhart (m. 2010) |
| Children | 5 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
About Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is an American actor. Regarded as a cinematic cultural icon, he has starred in several notable films over seven decades. His films have grossed more than $5.4 billion in North America and more than $9.3 billion worldwide.
- Born: 13 July 1942 (age 82 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Upcoming movies: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*
- Spouse: Calista Flockhart (m. 2010), Melissa Mathison (m. 1983–2004), Mary Marquardt (m. 1964–1979)
- Children: Liam Flockhart, Ben Ford, Willard Ford, Georgia Ford, Malcolm Ford
- Height: 85 m
Early Life
Harrison Ford was born in Chicago, Illinois, at the Swedish Covenant Hospital, to Dorothy (née Nidelman), a former radio actress, and John William “Christopher” Ford, an advertising executive and former actor. He has a younger brother, Terence, born in 1945. Ford’s father was of Irish Catholic descent, while his mother was an Ashkenazi Jew with roots in Minsk, Belarus (then part of the Russian Empire). Ford has humorously said that he and his brother were raised “Democrat” but more seriously stated they were brought up as “liberals of every stripe.
When discussing his mixed heritage, Ford quipped, “As a man I’ve always felt Irish, as an actor I’ve always felt Jewish.” Ford was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Life Scout, working as a counselor at Napowan Adventure Base Scout Camp. This experience inspired the depiction of young Indiana Jones as a Life Scout in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Ford graduated in 1960 from Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, where he was the first voice broadcast.
How Did Harrison Ford Become Famous?
Ford once described himself as a “late bloomer,” taking his first acting class in college to overcome shyness. Despite being a poor student, Ford found solace in theater. After moving to Los Angeles in 1966, he worked in various small roles but struggled financially, even taking up carpentry to support his family. His big break came when he met producer Fred Roos, who introduced him to George Lucas, leading to his casting in American Graffiti. However, it was his role as Han Solo in Star Wars (1977) that made him a household name. He reprised the role in multiple sequels, with his most recent appearances in The Force Awakens (2015) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
How Much Does Harrison Ford Make per Movie?
Ford’s salary per film ranges between $12 million and $65 million. His contracts often include backend deals on top of his base salary, varying depending on the studio and role. For example, Disney paid him $15 million for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, with an additional $10 million based on the film’s box office performance. For K-19: The Widowmaker, Ford reportedly earned $1.25 million per day on set.
Harrison Ford’s Salary for Key Roles
- A New Hope (1977): Ford earned about $10,000 for playing Han Solo in the original Star Wars, a sum that seemed small at the time considering his unproven status.
- The Force Awakens (2015): His pay jumped to $15 million upfront, plus an estimated $10 million from box office profits, totaling around $25 million for his return to the franchise.
- Indiana Jones Franchise: Ford earned $5.9 million for Raiders of the Lost Ark, and his pay grew to $65 million for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2007). He’s reportedly made over $80 million from the Indiana Jones films, with rumors suggesting he earned $25 million for the latest installment.
How Much Does Harrison Ford Make in Royalties?
While Ford’s exact earnings from royalties remain unclear, his share would likely depend on the specifics of each film’s contract. Notably, his Star Wars co-star, Mark Hamill, only receives royalties from theatrical releases but not from video, TV airings, or streaming.
Highest-Earning Roles and Movies
Ford’s highest-grossing film is Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($2.06 billion), followed by Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ($787 million). For his role in The Force Awakens, Ford earned $25 million, thanks to his salary and backend points.
Salary for Recent Projects
- Indiana Jones 5: Ford reportedly made $25 million for starring in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, thanks to a 2016 contract, ensuring payment regardless of production challenges.
- 1923: Ford earned a staggering $1 million per episode for the first season of the Yellowstone prequel, with his role as Jacob Dutton set to continue into the second season in February 2025.
- Shrinking: While Ford’s pay for his role as Dr. Paul Rhoades on Apple TV+’s Shrinking hasn’t been disclosed, he’s said that he values the experience and human connections more than the paycheck.
Other Notable Earnings
- American Graffiti: Ford earned $500 per week for his role in George Lucas’s 1973 film.
- The Fugitive: Ford reportedly earned $6.6 million for playing Dr. Richard Kimble in the 1993 thriller.
- Cowboys & Aliens: Ford was paid around $10 million for his role in this 2011 action film.
- Expendables 3: His paycheck for appearing in this action-packed sequel was reportedly $6.9 million.
- Captain America: Brave New World: It’s unclear exactly how much Ford earned for portraying Thaddeus Ross in this 2025 MCU movie, but he likely received a substantial sum given the role’s significance.
Harrison Ford Net Worth in 2025
Harrison Ford net worth in 2025 is estimated at $300 million. His wealth stems from his extensive career in blockbuster films, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Additionally, his image has been used in merchandise for these franchises, contributing to his financial success.