Harrison Ford still soaring at 82: Finds joy in new roles

He is 82 years old, has received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, boasts an extensive filmography in his resume, and has millions of fans worldwide. Now, he reveals why he is not planning to retire.

Harrison Ford is a Hollywood icon. He began his career in the 1960s, making his screen debut in the feature film "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round." Although he wasn’t lacking in roles, appearing in movies like "The Conversation" by F. F. Coppola and "American Graffiti" by George Lucas, he once considered giving up acting to pursue carpentry.

Everything took a different turn with the groundbreaking role of Han Solo in George Lucas’s "Star Wars" (1977). Soon after, he reunited with Coppola on the set of "Apocalypse Now" (1979), and in 1981, he created one of his most famous characters, Indiana Jones in Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark".

Other notable productions featuring Ford, which have left a lasting mark on the history of cinema, include "Blade Runner," "The Fugitive," and "What Lies Beneath". Today, in his ninth decade of life, he could rest on his laurels and indulge in his hobby: aviation. Fortunately for viewers, he continues to act.

His latest project is the series "Shrinking" on a platform that doesn’t prioritize promoting its titles, even with such stars - Apple TV+. Why does Ford continue to work instead of retiring?

Although Ford is primarily recognized for his serious roles, he conveyed a strong appreciation for comedy, explaining that his love for humor stems from his father, who frequently told jokes. He also pointed out that every character he plays has its own distinct sense of humor, as he believes humor is present in everyone, even if it’s not always apparent.

"Shrinking" focuses on the character Jimmy (played by Jason Segel) – a therapist who, after experiencing personal tragedy, starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks, regardless of professional ethics. Ford plays Dr. Paul Rhoades, the head of the cognitive-behavioral therapy practice and also Jimmy's colleague.

Despite being best known for serious roles, Ford expressed his deep appreciation for comedy, mentioning how he has always had a fondness for humor, influenced by his father who often told jokes. He noted that each character he portrays carries a unique sense of humor, believing that everyone has some form of humor, even if it’s not always obvious.

Ford revealed that the "Shrinking" project perfectly fit his professional needs because the atmosphere on set was friendly and, above all, fun. The actor values working with people who enjoy themselves, which further convinced him to participate in the comedy series. "I don't like to be too serious," he emphasizes.