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. He is one of the highest-grossing actors globally, starring in numerous notable films. His achievements include nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Award and Golden Globe Awards. Ford has also received accolades such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, Cecil B. DeMille Award, and was honored as a Disney Legend.

Sections (4)

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

1977: Roman Polanski's charge for drugging

In 1977, Roman Polanski was charged for drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl.

August 22, 1987: Emergency Landing in Bangor, Maine

On August 22, 1987, while traveling as a passenger with Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke on a Gulfstream III from Paris to L.A., Harrison Ford experienced an engine fire and landing gear malfunction, leading to an emergency landing in Bangor, Maine.

1992: Public Service Messages for EarthShare

Since 1992, Harrison Ford has lent his voice to a series of public service messages promoting environmental involvement for EarthShare, an American federation of environmental and conservation charities.

1993: Spider Species Named After Ford

In 1993, the arachnologist Norman Platnick named a new species of spider Calponia harrisonfordi after Harrison Ford.

1994: Ranked by Cigar Aficionado

In 1994, Harrison Ford was ranked by Cigar Aficionado as the 30th most notable cigar smoker of the 20th century.

September 7, 1995: Testimony Before U.S. Senate on Tibet

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

October 23, 1999: Helicopter Crash near Santa Clarita

On October 23, 1999, Harrison Ford crashed a Bell 206L4 LongRanger helicopter near Santa Clarita, California, during a training flight. The helicopter was seriously damaged, but neither Ford nor the instructor pilot were injured.

2000: Donation to Presidential Campaigns

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

2002: Ant Species Named After Ford

In 2002, the entomologist Edward O. Wilson named a new ant species Pheidole harrisonfordi after Harrison Ford in recognition of his work as Vice Chairman of Conservation International.

2003: Condemnation of 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 "more akin to video games" and called for more gun control in the United States.

2009: Petition for Roman Polanski's Release

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

September 2013: Environmental Documentary Filming in Indonesia

In September 2013, while filming an environmental documentary in Indonesia, Harrison Ford interviewed the Indonesian Forestry Minister, Zulkifli Hasan. Afterwards, Ford and his crew were accused of "harassing state institutions" and publicly threatened with deportation but he was later provided an audience with the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to express concerns regarding Indonesia's environmental degradation and the government efforts to address climate change.

March 5, 2015: Emergency Plane Landing on Penmar Golf Course

On March 5, 2015, Harrison Ford's plane, believed to be a Ryan PT-22 Recruit, experienced engine failure and made an emergency landing on the Penmar Golf Course in Venice, California. Ford suffered a broken pelvis, broken ankle, and other injuries.

February 13, 2017: Taxiway Landing at John Wayne Airport

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

2019: Speech at United Nations' Climate Action Summit

In 2019, on behalf of Conservation International, Harrison Ford gave a speech at the United Nations' Climate Action Summit in New York, addressing the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and its effect on climate change.

April 24, 2020: Runway Crossing Incident at Los Angeles Hawthorne Airport

On April 24, 2020, at the Los Angeles Hawthorne Airport, Harrison Ford, while piloting his Husky, crossed a runway where another aircraft was landing. The FAA stated the planes were about 3,600 feet apart and there was no crash danger. Ford's representative claimed he misheard air traffic control instructions.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden and Anti-Trump Ad

In 2020, Harrison Ford endorsed Joe Biden's presidential campaign against Trump, citing his desire to support candidates who would support the environment. He also worked with The Lincoln Project to produce and narrate an ad attacking Trump's disparaging of Anthony Fauci.