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How Did Harrison Ford Go from Full-Time Carpentry to Han Solo in 'Star Wars?'

Joe Akins
Dec 13, 2020
04:20 P.M.

Harrison Ford is one of the most legendary actors of his generation. However, like many actors, he started from a pretty humble background. Once, he opened up about his life's journey.

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In 2014, "Star Wars" actor Harrison Ford spent time with some of his fans at an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit. In the session, he detailed his career trajectory ad how he ended up where he is today.

The session began with Ford speaking on his time on the "Star Wars: A New Hope" project and how he was approached to play a role in the movie.

Harrison Ford at the world premiere of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" on December 16, 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

Harrison Ford at the world premiere of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" on December 16, 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

The actor then explained that while he played the iconic role of Han Solo in 1997, he was working as a carpenter. As Ford explained, carpentry was his principal profession at the time.

Ford wanted to remodel a house, and he had put some money into the project. Sadly, he could not afford the materials to proceed with the remodeling. So, he decided to go into acting to get some side money.

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Ford added: "I had helped George Lucas audition other actors for the principal parts, and with no expectation or indication that I might be considered for the part of Han. I was quite surprised when I was offered the part."

The "Star Wars" role was not the first time that Lucas and Ford had worked together. However, it would mark their most iconic collaboration. Lucas and his "Star Wars" brand have become household names.

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Ford has also cemented his status as one of the world's most iconic actors. Ford has never particularly been shy about his humble beginnings – especially now that he has made a life for himself.

Ford, the actor, might have been a heartthrob, but he had those good looks from his pre-fame days.

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His unconventional path into acting has also been pretty well documented. For instance, sources revealed that he never took any major acting classes.

The actor reportedly only attended a drama class in his senior year at college because he wanted to overcome his shyness. Pictures of the actor's younger self-working as a carpenter have also surfaced on the internet.

In 2015, Sérgio Mendes, a Brazilian musician, shared a picture of Ford in his carpenter days. Ford, the actor, might have been a heartthrob, but he had those good looks from his pre-fame days.

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That man has aged like fine wine. Beyond his time on "Star Wars," Ford has also landed roles in some other iconic movies.

From "Air Force One" and "American Graffiti" to "Blade Runner" and "Indiana Jones," Ford is a bonafide box office hitmaker. For someone who grew up wanting to be a carpenter, Ford definitely has turned his life around.

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