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Harrison Ford is a man among man. Ford has been in the film industry for seven decades and is one of the most recognizable actors in the world. Ford is a cinematic cultural icon and has done it all in his career. Ford is Indiana Jones and Han Solo, two of the most iconic characters in film history. As a leading man, Ford’s film has grossed mores that $5.4 billion in North America and more than $9.3 billion worldwide. Making his debut in 1966, Ford’s career took off from there. Ford has the distinct honor of being a Disney Legend along with being an AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an Honorary César, and an Honorary Palme d’Or, in addition to an Academy Award nomination. Let’s honor the one and only, Harrison Ford.
Han Solo- Star Wars franchise (1977-2015)
Star Wars is an EPIC franchise from the mind of George Lucas. One of the major characters to help this franchise is Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Solo and his Wookiee friend Chewbacca are smugglers. Ford played Han as cool of a cucumber but someone who is looking out for his own ass. We will never know who shot first but this is the first role that shot Ford to ICONIC status. We love you Ford. His response is, “I Know.”
Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones Jr. – Indiana Jones franchise (1981–2023)
Who is the most famous archaeologist? It has to be the one and only Indiana Jones. The top two of famous roles by Ford, he plays the famous archaeologist who goes on adventures to retrieve famous artifacts from the past. Ford is awesome as Indiana Jones with his Fedora hat, whip and theme music. It is all about the theme music. Ford shows Jones’ fear of snakes but is willing to throw those fists when needed. Go on an adventure and maybe you will find the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail or anything else.
Dr. Richard Kimble-The Fugitive (1993)
I want to say that The Fugitive is one of the most entertaining and exciting movies that I honestly forgot about until I rewatched it. The acting by Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones was spot on. The cat and mouse game keeps you on the edge of your seat. Harrison Ford was a great Kimble. When he was interrogated, I learned that this scene was improvised, giving the viewers a look at his actual expression. He didn’t fake his frustration.
Rick Deckard- Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 (1982 & 2017)
Blade Runner is one of the best science fiction films. A movie that was before its time but can and needs to be appreciated today. Ford plays Rick Deckard (Ford) is a former blade runner, who is “called out of retirement” to hunt down four known replicants. Ford is great in this visually stunning role as he gets thrown around, beat up and almost killed liked tears in the rain as he tries to do his job. Even though Ford didn’t speak it, the film still has one of the best monologues in film.
John Book-Witness (1985)
In Ford’s legendary career, he has only been nominated for the Academy Award once and that was the film Witness. This is honestly one of Ford’s best performances as he plays Det. John Book. He is investigating the murder of an undercover cop. The only witness to the crime is an 8-year-old Amish boy who was waiting with his mom on a train platform. Fearing for the boy’s safety, Book escorts them back to Amish country but the killers are close behind. Ford was great in this role and it is a shame this is the only time he has ever been nominated.
President James Marshall- Air Force One (1997)
Air Force One was one of the most popular and thrilling movies back in the day. Ford plays President Marshall who is on Air Force One with his family. The plane gets hijacked by Korshunov, played by the one and only Gary Oldman. Ford is awesome in this film as he goes from President to ass-kicking machine as he remembers his ways and shows why he is a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran. Ford is at his best and seems calm when the bullets fly.
Dr. Norman Spencer- What Lies Beneath (2000)
What Lies Beneath might not be Ford’s best film but it does have him explore a new genre in his epic career. This time Ford decides to stick his toe in the horror genre and even playing a villain for the first time. Starring alongside the beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer, Ford plays Dr. Norman Spencer, an accomplished scientist and professor, at a small college. When Claire starts encountering a ghost things become strained between the pair. Ford is something as you don’t know if he is evil or a killer. I would say Ford needs to do more of these films but at least he tried something new.
Branch Rickey- 42 (2013)
Starring alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, Ford plays Branch Rickey, the man who decided to break the color-barrier and sign Jackie Robinson. Ford plays Rickey as a tough, cigar-smoking baseball executive wanted and succeeded in signing the first African American into baseball. Ford is almost unrecognizable in this film, but his performance was outstanding as a mentor to the great baseball player. Ford should’ve at least been nominated for an Oscar for this role.
Jack Ryan- Patriot’s Game & Clear and Present Danger (1992 & 1994)
Jack Ryan is an iconic character made by famed writer Tom Clancy. Ford took over for Alec Baldwin for the second and third films of the series. Usually, a new actor plays the character, but Ford is the only person to play the character twice. Ford is great and seems to be right at home as the calm and collective as violence goes on around him. When threatened and to protect his family, Ford shows that the character has no problem with whipping ass and taking names.
Jack Trainer-Working Girl (1988)
In this romantic comedy that follows an ambitious secretary who wants to make it to the executive level of the corporate world. An opportunity presents itself when her boss breaks her leg, and she pitches a profitable idea for a merger. Ford plays Jack Trainer, a financial executive, who is dating Katharine but really likes Tess. Playing second fiddle to the two lead actresses, Ford is charming with his good looks and friendly personality.
