Harrison Ford Almost Had A Very Different Career

Before Star Wars, the actor was destined for the trade.

Harrison Ford is one of the greatest actors of his generation. When he wasn't fronting epics like Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Blade Runner, he was putting in focused, charismatic performances in the likes of The Fugitive, Witness and 42. Ford isn’t done with his career either and was recently seen starring in the much-loved Apple TV show, Shrinking. 

However, the period before his big break in Hollywood is rather well-documented. Ford might have always had his sights set on being a major actor, but that didn’t mean that the opportunities were falling at his feet in the early days. So, instead of complaining, he embarked on a completely different career trajectory. 

Becoming A Carpenter 

In Ford’s early career, it seemed that the stars were refusing to align. After his appearance in American Graffiti, it looked as if the young star was destined for greatness, yet his path remained largely the same. Thus far, he had been cast in several minor roles, often as a background player. Due to the uncertainty around his work, the actor wasn’t earning enough to provide for his young family. 

Instead of putting all of his proverbial eggs in one basket, Ford decided to teach himself a skill and turn his hand to a much-needed trade. So, he became a self-taught carpenter and quickly found success. Some of his biggest projects included a recording studio for the Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes and a custom cabin for music producer Paul Rothchild. Even though American Graffiti felt like a big break, it wasn’t long before the performer had to reach for his tools again. 

Flying Solo 

It was his career as a carpenter that would shockingly land Harrison Ford his most important role. Because it was during his working week that George Lucas rediscovered the talent. Now, Lucas had already worked with Ford on American Graffiti, but the two had not really crossed paths since. 

It was during a visit to Francis Ford Coppola’s office that Lucas, the Star Wars creator, came across Ford again. Coppola, the famed director known for The Godfather, had hired Harrison Ford to expand his office, installing a beautiful new door. While Lucas was in Coppola’s office for a meeting, he asked Ford if he would be kind enough to read lines with the actors auditioning for the part of Han Solo. If Ford hadn’t been in that office at that moment, then he would never have been called upon. 

The rest, as they say, is history. Harrison Ford, with his jaded, sarcastic delivery, auditioned with all those hopeful actors, never quite giving it his all. Yet, it was that very style that made Lucas realise the perfect Han Solo was sitting in front of him all along. While Ford moved away from the carpentry business after that chance encounter, he never abandoned his lifelong passion, even building himself a workshop and performing as a carpenter on camera!