Harrison Ford Wiki: Everything To Know About Han Solo from 'Star Wars'

Harrison Ford is an American actor best known for his roles as Han Solo in the "Star Wars" series and Indiana Jones in the "Indiana Jones" franchise. The 75-year-old actor boasts of a career that's spanned six decades, with countless blockbuster movies under his belt, and an impressive net worth of $230 million dollars. Ford is one of the most well-known actors of his generation. Both new movie-goers and seasoned fans are familiar with Ford's films, proving his phenomenal talents are recognized by everyone, regardless of age.

Ford refers to himself as a late bloomer, because unlike many actors in the industry, acting wasn't immediately his passion. It wasn't until his final semester of college, when he took a drama class to get over his shyness, that he became fascinated with acting. In 1964, after completing a summer of theater work in Wisconsin, Ford made the move to California in hopes of furthering his acting career. He appeared in a numerous films; although his parts were often uncredited and the majority of the time, he didn't even have any lines! Throughout the late 1960's and early 1970's Ford also played minor roles in multiple television shows.

Ford didn't get his big break until 1973, after nearly a decade of playing non-speaking parts and simply filling in the background for scenes. Casting director Fred Roos took a liking to Ford, seeing potential in the young actor despite the small roles he was given. Roos scored Ford an audition with George Lucas for the movie "American Graffiti" and the rest is history. "American Graffiti" gave Ford his first opportunity to truly shine on the big screen and led to his close relationship with filmmaker George Lucas.

Ford's first starring role is also one of his most iconic; Han Solo in "Star Wars." George Lucas was so impressed with Ford's work in "American Graffiti" that he brought him in to read lines with auditioning actors for his upcoming space opera. While Ford wasn't initially set to play the role, Ford's performance during the line reads convinced Lucas there was no one better for the part. "Star Wars" launched Ford into super-stardom almost immediately. The movie is widely regarded as one of the best of all time, and Ford is a huge reason for the film's success. His performance was amazing, he made the handsome scoundrel incredibly lovable and there isn't a person in the world who isn't familiar with the character. Ford went on to reprise his role of Han Solo in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi", the original trilogy, then again in 2015 for "The Force Awakens". Ford wanted Han Solo to be killed off in "Return of the Jedi" but Lucas refused. In "The Force Awakens" Ford finally got his wish, and the infamous character shockingly met his demise.

Actors typically only play one character in their careers that are viewed as "roles of a lifetime", but in Ford's case he's played several. "Star Wars" may have been the movie to kick start Ford's career, but it was his work in "Indiana Jones" that really cemented his status as an A-list actor. Ford's role as the adventurous archaeologist is arguably more prominent than his role in "Star Wars". In "Indiana Jones" Ford is front in center, proving that he's not only a major talent, but he can carry an entire film franchise on his own. He's starred in four films playing the character and is rumored to return in a fifth film set to release in 2020.

When he's not playing a rope swinging hero or fighting off the empire in space, Ford is the perfect every-man. Ford has the rare ability to make each and every role he plays completely believable and realistic, no matter how dramatic the plot, making him the perfect film lead. He's played everything from the president in the political thriller "Air Force One" to the charming business executive in the romantic comedy "Working Girl", showcasing what a versatile actor he can be. While Ford can do just about anything, his real niche is in action thrillers. One of his most popular movies is "The Fugitive", where he starred as a man wrongfully convicted of a crime who's forced to go on the run, all while trying to prove his innocence. The fact that he can easily go from filming things like "The Fugitive" to turning around and appearing in romantic comedies is a testament to what a great actor Ford is.

Ford is one of the most private actors in Hollywood, often staying out of headlines and tabloids when it comes to his personal life. He prefers to keep his personal life guarded so that his family can live as normal a life as possible given his celebrity status. With a net worth as sizable as his it isn't the easiest task, but Ford's still managed to remain humble after all these years. Ford is a father of five and has been married three times. He had his first two sons, Benjamin and Willard with his first wife, a son and a daughter with his second wife, and has an adoptive son with his current wife - actress Calista Flockhart. Ford is one of many actors who uses his success and platform to do some good. He's eager to voice his opinion on the things he stands for, often speaking out about climate change, gun violence and the need for gun control. Ford's an activist, who's a member of multiple organizations and donates both his time and money in an attempt to make a difference. He willingly uses his net worth to try and make a change in the world.

Harrison Ford remains one of Hollywood's most iconic and talented stars, decades after making his debut. He's solidified himself as one of the silver screen's most beloved treasures, and is destined to go down in history as one of the greatest actors of all-time. While his most recent work, "Blade Runner 2049", the sequel to his 1982 film "Blade Runner", was a box office disappointment, Ford knows not to be discouraged. He's produced hit after hit over the course of his long career, and never lets the occasional failure get him down. There are no known future projects for Ford at the moment, but chances are that wasn't the last we'll see of him.