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Since 1966, Harrison Harry' Ford has been creating colourful characters on television and in theatres. Along the way, he has established a dedicated fan base stretching several generations. Many of these fans began watching Ford in the 1973 movie, American Graffiti, where he played Bob Falfa. Others learned his name when he played Han Solo, the reluctant hero, in Star Wars. Many others discovered his talent when he jumped onto the screen as the infamous Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. With the success of this movie, Ford had forever engraved his name in the hearts of many fans.

Like many mega stars, Ford's rise to fame was not an easy one. He had his share of poor days, working for dollars and cents and relying on his other skills to carry him through. When he decided to pursue acting, he knew he had to choose between New York and Los Angeles. Wise for his years, Ford knew he would be poor and hungry until he succeeded. He chose Los Angeles because he didn't want to add cold to his list of miseries.

In the early part of his career, Ford played roles in several episodes of various television sitcoms, including Ironside (1967), The Virginian (1967), The Mod Squad (1968) and Gunsmoke. (1972 and 1973). Unable to make ends meet as an actor, and with a growing family, Ford became a self-taught master carpenter. He worked in and around Los Angeles and soon became one of the best cabinetmakers in the city. It was while on a job building cabinets for George Lucas when he was cast for the supporting role in American Graffiti (released August 11, 1973). This was a pivotal moment in Ford's career.

When Lucas set out to make Star Wars (released May 25, 1977), he hired Ford to read lines with the actors doing their screen test. Since Lucas wanted relatively unknown actors for the movie, he told Ford he could not audition. However, Ford convinced Lucas he was the perfect Han Solo and as they say, the rest is history.

John Wayne had been offered the part of Tommy in The Frisco Kid (released July 13, 1979), but instead, it went to Ford. Although Wayne loved the role and wanted to star in the movie alongside Gene Wilder, he wasn't offered enough money and turned it down.

Another twist in circumstances occurred when Lucas and Steven Spielberg searched for an actor to play the now famous Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie (released June 12, 1981). Although Ford was interested in the part, Lucas refused to do another Harrison Ford Movie'. Tom Selleck

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