Harrison Ford, known for iconic roles like Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, has been a Hollywood mainstay since the 1970s. Despite his long career, at 82 years old, Ford revealed in a recent interview with Vanity Fair that acting continues to provide him with something meaningful.
Speaking on October 10 about his role in the hit comedy series Shrinking, now entering its second season on Apple TV+, Ford explained why he remains passionate about acting. “Oh man, I get out of it essential human contact,” Ford said. “I get to imagine with people that have great skill and experience. It’s fun to work with these people.”
Ford’s return to Shrinking, where he stars alongside Jason Segel and Jessica Williams, has fans excited. The show’s second season premiered with two episodes on October 16. Reflecting on comedy’s influence on his career, Ford shared that he views it through a personal lens rather than as a professional actor. “I always enjoyed humor. I loved jokes. I loved the construction of jokes,” Ford explained. “My father was a joke teller. The wordsmithing and the ideas behind jokes have always interested me.”
For Ford, acting—whether in drama or comedy—doesn’t feel all that different. “I think I approach a joke the same way I approach a serious or emotional scene,” he said, emphasizing that the core of both is rooted in authenticity.
Ford’s career didn’t start in Hollywood. In fact, the actor has spoken openly about his early odd jobs, including working as a carpenter, which famously led to his audition for Star Wars. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this month, Ford joked about some of his lesser-known gigs, including a brief stint as a cook.
“My first job was as a cook at a hospital,” Ford said, laughing. “I don’t know what I told them, but they gave me a knife and some carrots, and I cut part of my finger off within minutes.” Ford joked that luckily, the hospital had a department nearby to sew it back on.
He also shared a humorous memory about working on a yacht in Chicago for a wealthy family. “In Chicago, I was working on a yacht owned by the youngest bank president in Chicago. He was heir to the Swift meatpacking company, so all I had to do was buy expensive beef and grill it,” Ford joked.
Ford’s humility and humor are evident in how he recounts these stories, a trait that has endeared him to fans throughout his decades-long career. Despite his many achievements, Ford remains grounded, attributing much of his success to hard work and his willingness to embrace opportunities.
Shrinking season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, and Ford’s ability to balance serious roles with comedic charm continues to captivate audiences.
