Hollywood icon Harrison Ford is a father to five children and a husband to fellow actor Calista Flockhart.
At 59 with four children, Ford, who wasn’t expecting to have another child, met Flockhart, a single mom.
The two made an instant connection, and Ford stepped up to the role of the boy’s father with grace, raising him as his own.
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. They have been together for more than two decades, raising their son Liam and balancing their successful careers. But their love story was not something that either of them expected or planned.
Ford, who is one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood, was already a father of four children from his previous two marriages when he met Flockhart at the 2002 Golden Globe Awards. He was 59 years old, and having another child wasn’t in his plans. Flockhart, who is 22 years younger than Ford, was a single mom who had adopted Liam as a baby in 2001.
The then 36-year-old actress was ecstatic when she announced the adoption. Despite her busy schedule, she was committed to spending a lot of time with her son, even bringing him to the set of her Emmy-winning Fox comedy “Ally McBeal.” She expressed her joy and awe at becoming a mother, stating her hopes to give birth someday and possibly adopt again.
She said, “I’m completely enchanted and awe-struck.” Flockhart was best known for her roles in “Ally McBeal,” “Brothers & Sisters,” and “Supergirl.” The two made an instant connection at the awards ceremony despite the rumors that Flockhart had spilled a glass of wine on Ford. In fact, it was Ford who had spilled the wine during their conversation.
They soon started dating and moved in together earlier in 2003. By June of the same year, Ford, usually reserved, had begun speaking openly about his love for Flockhart. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and understanding, transcending the 22-year age gap between them.
Flockhart stated that she sometimes forgot about the age gap, adding, “It doesn’t factor into our relationship at all. I like the way he looks first thing in the morning.” Ford embraced his role as a father figure to Liam and treated him as his own son. In a 2010 interview, Ford spoke about his unexpected role as a father figure to Flockhart’s adopted son, Liam.
He shared, “I wasn’t expecting it at all. The unexpected part was certainly true and the joy part is also true. I think Liam was about 6 or 8 months old when I met him and Calista.” He admitted that his four children had taught him a lot about parenting and that he was much better at it now than when he first became a father at 25.
He joked, “I’m good at changing diapers. No sense letting that experience go to waste.” Ford and Flockhart have a happy and harmonious family life in Wyoming, where they enjoy spending time with each other and their son. He also shared how he makes time for his family, doing whatever Flockhart and Liam want to do on the weekends, saying, “On the weekends, I do whatever Calista and Liam want to do. We’ll take a couple of hours on Sunday morning to go motorcycle riding or go for a hike.”
In 2020, Ford shared that besides spending time with his wife, his days were filled with a mix of work and play, from flying and biking to house maintenance and spending quality time with Flockhart. They also support each other’s passions and dreams, such as Ford’s love for flying and Flockhart’s involvement in charity work.
They have overcome their challenges, such as the age gap and media scrutiny, with mutual respect and understanding. Ford’s love for flying also had a positive impact on Flockhart and Liam. Flockhart overcame her fear of flying and finding freedom in the skies, and Liam developed a fondness for airplanes.
They have also continued to shine in their respective careers, earning accolades and recognition for their performances. Ford has starred in over 55 feature films, including the iconic roles of Han Solo in “Star Wars” and Indiana Jones in the eponymous franchise. He has received several awards, such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the honorary Palme d’Or.
Flockhart has also received the Golden Globe Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and the People’s Choice Award. The couple has shown their love and admiration for each other in public events, such as the recent 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards, where Ford received the Career Achievement Award on January 14, 2024.
They arrived hand in hand and shared a loving kiss before Ford walked to the stage. Flockhart watched him with tears in her eyes as he paid tribute to her in his acceptance speech. He said, “She supports me when I need a lot of support, and I need a lot of support.”
James Mangold, the director of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” introduced 81-year-old Ford, comparing his legacy to a “hypergiant star.” He described Ford as a star so big, unique, and bright that he has warmed the lives of many people. In 2023, at the world premiere of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” at the Cannes Film Festival, Ford was seen lovingly gazing at Flockhart.
He was later awarded an honorary Palme d’Or for his lifetime achievements in the film industry. In his speech, Ford expressed his gratitude to Flockhart, crediting her with giving his life purpose and meaning. He said, “My life has been enabled by my lovely wife, who has supported my passions and my dreams, and I’m grateful.”
Harrison Ford’s life is a testament to his adaptability and capacity for love. Despite his fame and success in Hollywood, he cherishes the tranquility and freedom of his ranch in Wyoming, a place he has called home for almost 40 years. This haven away from the limelight is where he hosts his family, including his children from previous marriages and Liam, his adopted son with Calista Flockhart.
