Early Life and Education of Harrison Ford: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Harrison Ford, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Harrison Ford is a highly successful and iconic American actor with a career spanning seven decades. Known for starring in numerous notable films, he is one of the highest-grossing actors globally. His achievements include nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Award and Golden Globes. Ford has also received lifetime achievement awards such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, Cecil B. DeMille Award, and honorary awards from César and Palme d'Or, cementing his status as a cinematic legend.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

August 22, 1987: Emergency landing in Bangor, Maine

On August 22, 1987, Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood, and Sondra Locke were passengers on a Gulfstream III jet that experienced an engine fire and landing gear malfunction during a flight from Paris to L.A. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangor, Maine. A replacement jet was dispatched, and the group continued their journey the next day.

September 7, 1995: Testimony before U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

On September 7, 1995, Harrison Ford testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, advocating for the Dalai Lama and an independent Tibet.

October 23, 1999: Helicopter Crash in California

On October 23, 1999, Harrison Ford crashed a Bell 206L4 LongRanger helicopter near Santa Clarita, California, during a training flight. The helicopter failed to recover power during an autorotation attempt and landed hard, flipping onto its side. Ford and the instructor pilot were uninjured, but the helicopter sustained significant damage.

2000: Donations to Presidential Campaigns

In 2000, Harrison Ford donated $1000 to the presidential campaigns of Bill Bradley, Al Gore, and John McCain.

2003: Public Condemnation of the Iraq War

In 2003, Harrison Ford publicly condemned the Iraq War and called for "regime change" in the United States. He also criticized Hollywood for making movies similar to video games and advocated for increased gun control in the United States.

2009: Petition for Roman Polanski's Release

In 2009, Harrison Ford signed a petition requesting the release of film director Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland concerning his 1977 charge for drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl.

September 2013: Interview and Allegations in Indonesia

In September 2013, while filming an environmental documentary in Indonesia, Harrison Ford interviewed the Indonesian Forestry Minister, Zulkifli Hasan. Ford and his crew were later accused of "harassing state institutions" and threatened with deportation. He expressed environmental concerns to the Indonesian President.

March 5, 2015: Plane crash-lands on golf course

On March 5, 2015, Harrison Ford's plane, believed to be a Ryan PT-22 Recruit, crash-landed on the Penmar Golf Course in Venice, California, after experiencing engine failure. He was hospitalized with a broken pelvis, broken ankle, and other injuries.

February 13, 2017: Taxiway landing at John Wayne Airport

On February 13, 2017, Harrison Ford landed his Aviat Husky on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, instead of the runway. He flew over a Boeing 737 that was holding short of the runway.

April 24, 2020: Runway incursion at Los Angeles Hawthorne Airport

On April 24, 2020, while piloting his Husky at Los Angeles Hawthorne Airport, Harrison Ford crossed a runway where another aircraft was landing. The FAA reported that the planes were approximately 3,600 feet apart, and there was no risk of a collision. Ford's representative stated that he "misheard" instructions from air traffic control.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Harrison Ford endorsed Joe Biden's presidential campaign, citing a desire to support candidates who prioritize the environment. He also collaborated with The Lincoln Project to produce an ad criticizing Trump's treatment of Anthony Fauci. Mark Hamill also worked on the ad.