The Life Story You May Not Know

When it comes to leading men in Hollywood, Harrison Ford regularly lands at the top of the list.

Known for bringing numerous iconic genre characters to life, Ford shot to fame in 1977 after portraying charismatic smuggler Han Solo in George Lucas’ smash-hit space opera Star Wars. Also known for his work in films like the Indiana Jones franchise, Blade Runner, and Witness, his magnetic star turns have left an indelible mark on American cinema.

Though Ford is now in his 80s, his career isn’t slowing down. The actor is reprising his titular role in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (his last as the character), which hit theaters on June 30, and he is also joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ford will play Thunderbolt in two upcoming Marvel movies: Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, replacing the late William Hurt. In addition to that action-packed movie lineup, Ford has also transitioned to the small screen. He stars in the Paramount+ series 1923, a prequel to the Western drama Yellowstone, and he earned acclaim for his comedic turn in the AppleTV+ dramedy Shrinking.

To commemorate Ford’s prolific life and legacy, Stacker compiled a list of 25 facts from his life story you may not know, consulting biographies, news accounts, magazines, and more.

Although he’s best known for his acting career, Ford is much more than just a movie star. Throughout the years, he’s become a well-known pilot, pulling off heroic real-life rescues and suffering a severe plane crash in 2015. The actor is also a passionate activist, advocating for environmental conservation, progressive politics, and American archaeologists. The guy has even had spider and ant species named after him.

More than 60 decades into his career, Ford’s legacy as an actor and activist has established him as one of the most legendary living American leading men. Read on to learn more about him.