Harrison Ford was born July 13, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. His father was an advertising executive, producer of TV commercials, and sometimes radio actor. Harrison was a somewhat awkward child who was very shy and never seemed to fit in. After graduating high school, he headed off to Ripon College in Wisconsin where he majored in English. The conservative college wasn't an easy place to be for the young beatnik and Ford was bounced from Ripons R.O.T.C. program for refusing to cut his long hair.

It was a bold step for Harrison to take up acting since he was so shy, but it was a profession that he could see himself in. During the summer of 1964 he joined the Belfry Players for a season of summer stock. He then headed out to Los Angeles with his college sweetheart and new wife, Mary Marquardt.

It soon became clear that finding and keeping work in his chosen profession would not be easy. Ford, a relentless perfectionist, was ejected from talent stables at both Universal and Columbia for his refusal to cooperate with directors and producers who apparently did not share his standards of excellence. One studio executive told him that he was seriously lacking in "star quality".

Money was soon drying up and Ford and his growing family (he now had 2 children with Mary) were in trouble financially. After taking a book about carpentry out of the library, Ford figured he knew enough about the profession to get by. Exaggerating and lying about his expertise, he found work building a recording studio. He found that he had a natural talent for the trade and would supplement his acting income in the years ahead by working as a carpenter.

Ford landed his first big break in 1972 in George Lucas' "American Graffiti". Not only was Ford fortunate enough to be involved with the sleeper hit of the year, the friendship that was made with Lucas would pay off in bigger ways.

When Lucas was casting for "Star Wars", he asked his friend to read for the part of Han Soso. Everyone was impressed, and Ford was soon starring in one of the biggest blockbusters of all time. Then, a few years later, when Tom Selleck had to pull out of "Indiana Jones", Lucas and director Steven Speilberg once again called on Harrison to fill the part.

With two major success' under his belt, he began taking on more challenging roles. In films like "Blade Runner", "Witness", "Reguarding Henry", and "Clear and Present Danger", to name a few, Ford proved his diverse range and true talent for his craft.

As an aging leading man, Harrison Ford continues to preserver. He has shown that he can still be sexy over 40, and has even pulled off some stunning action hero roles in films like "Air Force One". He is always at his best as an everyman grappling with extraordinary circumstances, which is why he appeals to so many of us-and will continue to do so for years to come.