Birthday Special: 10 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is one of the most loved actors in Hollywood. The star rose to fame after playing Han Solo in the Star Wars and hasn’t looked back ever since. Among other iconic characters played by him such as the title character in the Indiana Jones films, Rick Deckard in Blade Runner, and John Book in 1958 thriller Witness, the star earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His movies have grossed more than USD six billion and USD 4.7 billion in the US market, making him one of the most successful domestic box-office star in the US.

As the actor-producer celebrates his 75th birthday, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts about him.

#1. He Was Paid Only USD 10,000 For The First Star Wars

Though paid a nominal amount, it was still a hefty raise from what he was paid to play Bob Falfa in American Graffiti (1973). For Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, the star received a paycheck worth USD 43.3 million.

(Image Courtesy: Newsweek)

#2. He Loves To Fly

The actor not only loves to fly but has a pretty decent plane collection as well. In 2010, the actor confessed, 'I'm so passionate about flying, I often fly up the coast for a cheeseburger.”

(Image Courtesy: People)

#3. He Was Stagehand For 'The Doors'

Harrison Ford worked as a carpenter to support his family which led him to work as a cameraman and stagehand with 'The Doors'. When asked about why he quit, he answered in an interview that he “couldn’t keep up with those guys.”

(Image Courtesy: iOldies)

#4. He Was Not The First Choice To Play Indy

One of the most memorable roles played by the actor, Indiana Jones was first offered to Tom Selleck, who had to refuse it due to other work commitments.

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#5. He Is Too Picky

Allegedly, the actor is quite picky and has turned down several legendary roles, such as the protagonist in Schindler’s List and Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. Other movies he turned down are Alien (1979), Syriana (2005) and Terms of Endearment (1983).

(Image Courtesy: Jurassic World)

#6. He Has Species Named After Him

Harrison Ford is a well-known environmentalist, who also has one ant and one spider species named after him. The species of spider discovered in 1993 is called Calponia Harrisonfordi, whereas the species of ant is named Pheidole harrisonfordi.

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#7. He Saves Lives

In 2000, he saved the life of Sarah George, a hiker stranded in the Idaho mountains. He found George through his helicopter, picked her up himself and brought her to safety. The next year, he used the same helicopter to rescue a lost boy scout, Cody Clawson.

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#8. He Improvised The Famous “I love you/I know” Scene

The famous scene where Princess Leia confesses her love to Han as he was about to be frozen in a carbonite mold, he was supposed to say “I love you too”. However, Harrison found it to be out of Han’s character and instead replied with “I know”, which is, to say the least, had a lasting effect on movie buffs and Star Wars fans.

(Image Courtesy: StarWars.com)

#9. He Got The Chin Scar In A Car Accident

The famous scar on Ford’s chin, which the actor is seen explaining how he got it in different movies like Working Girl, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was actually left after the Air Force One-star suffered a car accident when he was 20.

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#10. He Wanted Han Solo To Die

Yes, that’s right. Ford wanted Han Solo to die and pushed George Lucas to kill the character, who thought it would be a bad idea. He thought that Han Solo should sacrifice himself for the greater good; this way the character would be remembered throughout the franchise.

(Image Courtesy: Movie Pilot)

Let us wish the American culture icon a very happy birthday and more happy years ahead. We have an interesting poll for you below, do not forget to vote.

(Feature Image Courtesy: Snopes)