Career Timeline of Harrison Ford: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Harrison Ford, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Harrison Ford is a highly successful and iconic American actor whose career spans seven decades. He is a box-office giant, with his films grossing billions worldwide. Ford has received numerous awards and nominations, including the AFI Life Achievement Award and nominations for an Academy Award and Golden Globes, solidifying his status as a major figure in cinematic history.
1923: Starring in 1923
In 1923, Harrison Ford starred in the Paramount+ western series 1923.
1964: Contract with Columbia Pictures
In 1964, after a season of summer stock, Harrison Ford traveled to Los Angeles and signed a contract with Columbia Pictures' new talent program.
1966: Screen Acting Debut
In 1966, Harrison Ford made his uncredited screen acting debut in the film Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round.
1966: Uncredited Role in Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round
In 1966, Harrison Ford's first known role was an uncredited one as a bellhop in Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round.
1967: Speaking Role in Luv and A Time for Killing
In 1967, Harrison Ford had a speaking role in Luv, though uncredited, and he was credited as "Harrison J. Ford" in the Western film A Time for Killing.
1968: Minor Television Roles and Camera Operator
In 1968, Harrison Ford appeared in Journey to Shiloh and worked as a camera operator for one of The Doors' tours.
1969: Chosen for Lead Role in Model Shop, Later Rejected
In 1969, French filmmaker Jacques Demy chose Harrison Ford for the lead role of his first American film, Model Shop, but he was later replaced due to studio concerns.
1970: Uncredited Role in Zabriskie Point
In 1970, Harrison Ford had an uncredited, non-speaking role in Michelangelo Antonioni's film Zabriskie Point.
1973: Breakthrough Role in American Graffiti
In 1973, Harrison Ford had a breakthrough supporting role in the film American Graffiti.
1973: Role in American Graffiti
In 1973, Harrison Ford played the role of Bob Falfa in American Graffiti after an audition secured by Fred Roos.
1974: Supporting Role in The Conversation
In 1974, Harrison Ford had a supporting role in the film The Conversation.
1977: Beginning of Lucrative Career Period
From 1977 to 1997, Harrison Ford appeared in 14 films that reached the top 15 in the yearly domestic box-office rankings, marking a lucrative period in his career.
1977: Worldwide Fame with Star Wars
In 1977, Harrison Ford gained worldwide fame for his role as Han Solo in the space opera film Star Wars.
1977: Star Wars Release and Recognition
In 1977, Star Wars was released, bringing Harrison Ford widespread recognition for his role as Han Solo.
1978: Star Wars Holiday Special
In 1978, Harrison Ford starred in the Star Wars Holiday Special.
1979: Role in Apocalypse Now
In 1979, Harrison Ford appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's film Apocalypse Now, playing an army colonel.
1979: Roles in Heroes, Force 10 from Navarone, Hanover Street, and The Frisco Kid
In 1979, Harrison Ford was cast in bigger roles in films throughout the late 1970s, including Heroes, Force 10 from Navarone, Hanover Street, and he co-starred alongside Gene Wilder in the buddy-comedy western The Frisco Kid.
1981: Starring in Raiders of the Lost Ark
In 1981, Harrison Ford began portraying the titular character in the Indiana Jones franchise, beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark.
1982: Starring in Blade Runner
In 1982, Harrison Ford played Rick Deckard in Ridley Scott's dystopian science-fiction film Blade Runner.
1983: Return of the Jedi Release
In 1983, Harrison Ford returned to star in the Star Wars sequel Return of the Jedi.
1984: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Release
In 1984, Harrison Ford reprised the role of Indiana Jones in the prequel Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
1985: Dramatic Role in Witness
In 1985, Harrison Ford played dramatic parts in films such as Witness.
1985: Academy Award Nomination for Witness
In 1985, Harrison Ford received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the thriller Witness.
1986: Dramatic Role in The Mosquito Coast
In 1986, Harrison Ford played dramatic parts in films such as The Mosquito Coast.
1988: Roles in Frantic and Working Girl
In 1988, Harrison Ford played a part in the film Frantic, as well as the romantic male lead in the comedy-drama Working Girl.
1988: Starring in Working Girl
In 1988, Harrison Ford starred in the film Working Girl.
1989: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Release
In 1989, Harrison Ford reprised the role of Indiana Jones in the sequel Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
1990: The Hunt for Red October release
In 1990, Alec Baldwin played Jack Ryan in The Hunt for Red October.
1990: Starring in Presumed Innocent
In 1990, Harrison Ford played a straight dramatic role in Presumed Innocent.
1991: Starring in Regarding Henry
In 1991, Harrison Ford played a straight dramatic role in Regarding Henry.
1991: Quitting Night Ride Down
In late 1991, Harrison Ford quit the film Night Ride Down over script changes, leading to Paramount Pictures shelving the project.
1991: Vice Chair of Conservation International
Since 1991, Harrison Ford has served as the inaugural vice chair of Conservation International.
1992: Portrayal of Jack Ryan in Patriot Games
In 1992, Harrison Ford portrayed Jack Ryan in the action thriller film Patriot Games.
1993: Starring in The Fugitive
In 1993, Harrison Ford played a leading role in The Fugitive.
1994: Starring in Clear and Present Danger
In 1994, Harrison Ford played Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger.
1995: Starring in Sabrina Remake
In 1995, Harrison Ford played another romantic lead role in Sabrina, a remake of the 1954 film.
1997: End of Lucrative Career Period
From 1977 to 1997, Harrison Ford appeared in 14 films that reached the top 15 in the yearly domestic box-office rankings, marking a lucrative period in his career.
1997: Leading Roles in The Devil's Own and Air Force One
In 1997, Harrison Ford played leading roles in the action-based thrillers The Devil's Own and Air Force One.
1998: Six Days, Seven Nights Release
In 1998, Harrison Ford starred in "Six Days, Seven Nights", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
1998: Starring in Six Days, Seven Nights
In 1998, Harrison Ford starred in the film Six Days, Seven Nights.
1999: Random Hearts Release
In 1999, Harrison Ford starred in "Random Hearts", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
2000: What Lies Beneath Release
In 2000, Harrison Ford starred in "What Lies Beneath", a commercially successful film that grossed over $155 million in the United States.
2000: Starring in What Lies Beneath
In 2000, Harrison Ford starred in the film What Lies Beneath.
2002: K-19: The Widowmaker Release
In 2002, Harrison Ford starred in and served as an executive producer for "K-19: The Widowmaker", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
2002: Starring in K-19: The Widowmaker
In 2002, Harrison Ford starred in the film K-19: The Widowmaker.
2003: Hollywood Homicide Release
In 2003, Harrison Ford starred in "Hollywood Homicide", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
March 2004: Chairman of EAA's Young Eagles
In March 2004, Harrison Ford became the chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)'s Young Eagles program.
2004: Chaired Aviation Education Program
From 2004 to 2009, Harrison Ford chaired an aviation education program for youth.
2004: Declined Syriana Role
In 2004, Harrison Ford declined a role in the thriller "Syriana", a role that later earned George Clooney an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
July 2005: Agreed to another two years as chairman of Young Eagles
In July 2005, at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh gathering, Harrison Ford agreed to accept the position as chairman for another two years.
2006: Firewall Release
In 2006, Harrison Ford starred in "Firewall", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
2008: Crossing Over and Dalai Lama Renaissance
In 2008, Harrison Ford appeared in "Crossing Over" and narrated the documentary "Dalai Lama Renaissance".
2008: Previous Role as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross
In 2008, the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross was previously played by William Hurt in earlier Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
2009: Internet Ads for Aviation
As of 2009, Harrison Ford appeared in Internet advertisements for General Aviation Serves America.
2009: End of Aviation Education Program
From 2004 to 2009, Harrison Ford chaired an aviation education program for youth.
2009: Filming Extraordinary Measures
In 2009, Harrison Ford filmed the medical drama "Extraordinary Measures" in Portland, Oregon.
2009: Stepped down as program chairman
In 2009, Harrison Ford stepped down as program chairman and was replaced by Captain Chesley Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles.
January 22, 2010: Extraordinary Measures Release
On January 22, 2010, the film "Extraordinary Measures", starring Harrison Ford, was released.
2010: Extraordinary Measures Release
In 2010, Harrison Ford starred in and served as an executive producer for "Extraordinary Measures", a film that was critically derided and commercially disappointing.
July 2011: Cowboys & Aliens Release
In July 2011, Harrison Ford starred in "Cowboys & Aliens" and appeared at San Diego Comic-Con to promote the film.
2011: Starring in Cowboys & Aliens
In 2011, Harrison Ford starred in the film Cowboys & Aliens.
2013: Supporting Roles in Paranoia, Ender's Game, 42, and Anchorman 2
In 2013, Harrison Ford began accepting more diverse supporting roles, including in "Paranoia", "Ender's Game", "42", and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues".
2014: Appeared in The Expendables 3
In 2014, Harrison Ford appeared in "The Expendables 3".
2014: Flying the Feathered Edge Release
In 2014, Harrison Ford appeared in the aviation documentary, "Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project".
February 26, 2015: Announced to Reprise Role in Blade Runner 2049
On February 26, 2015, it was announced that Harrison Ford would reprise his role as Rick Deckard in "Blade Runner 2049".
2015: Living in the Age of Airplanes Release
In 2015, Harrison Ford appeared in the aviation documentary, "Living in the Age of Airplanes".
2015: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Release
In 2015, Harrison Ford reprised his role as Han Solo in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens".
2015: Starring in The Age of Adaline
In 2015, Harrison Ford starred in the film The Age of Adaline.
February 2016: No Reprisal of Han Solo Role
In February 2016, it was indicated that Harrison Ford would not reprise his role as Han Solo in Episode VIII of Star Wars.
July 28, 2016: Flew the Two Millionth Young Eagle
On July 28, 2016, Harrison Ford flew the two millionth Young Eagle at the EAA AirVenture convention.
October 2017: Blade Runner 2049 Release
In October 2017, "Blade Runner 2049" was released to critical acclaim, with Harrison Ford's performance being very well received.
2017: Blade Runner 2049 Release
In 2017, Harrison Ford reprised his role as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049.
2019: First Voice Role in The Secret Life of Pets 2
In 2019, Harrison Ford had his first voice role in an animated film, as a dog named Rooster in "The Secret Life of Pets 2".
2019: Uncredited Appearance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
In 2019, Harrison Ford made an uncredited appearance as a vision in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker".
February 2020: The Call of the Wild Release
In February 2020, Harrison Ford headlined "The Call of the Wild", which had its theatrical release shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Previous Role as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross
In 2021, the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross was previously played by William Hurt in earlier Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
December 2022: 1923 Series Premiere
In December 2022, the Paramount+ western drama series "1923", starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, premiered to positive reviews.
2022: Starring in 1923
In 2022, Harrison Ford starred in the Paramount+ western series 1923.
January 2023: Shrinking Series Premiere
In January 2023, the Apple TV+ comedy drama series "Shrinking", starring Harrison Ford, premiered to positive reviews.
2023: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Release
In 2023, Harrison Ford reprised the role of Indiana Jones in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", marking his last appearance as the character.
2023: Starring in Shrinking
In 2023, Harrison Ford starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking.
February 2025: Captain America: Brave New World Appearance
In February 2025, Harrison Ford is set to appear as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross in the film "Captain America: Brave New World".
2025: Upcoming Role in Captain America: Brave New World
In 2025, Harrison Ford is scheduled to appear in Captain America: Brave New World.
2049: Blade Runner 2049 Release
In 2049, Harrison Ford starred as Rick Deckard in the science fiction film Blade Runner 2049.
2049: Future Release of Blade Runner
In 2049, the anticipated release of the futuristic film Blade Runner is set to occur.
