Harrison Ford’s movies have made over $5 billion in North America and over $9 billion globally, according toBox Office Mojo. In addition to being nominated for an Academy Award and four Golden Globe Awards, he has received a number of honors, including the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Ford became well-known all across the globe for his lead part as Han Solo in the epic space opera movieStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and he returned to play the character in four sequels over the course of the following 42 years.
In addition, Ford is well recognized for portraying the role of Indiana Jones in theRaiders of the Lost Arkaction-adventure franchise as well as various roles in other franchises, most notably Rick Deckard in the dystopian science fiction moviesBlade RunnerandBlade Runner 2049. The actor has worked with some of the most well-known and significant filmmakers of his era, including George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, during the course of his six-decade career. But what was his first film role?
Related:Harrison Ford’s Best Dramatic Performances, Ranked
Harrison Ford’s First Credited Role Was A Western
Ford’s first two films, 1966’sDead Heat on a Merry-Go-Roundand 1967’sLuv, were uncredited roles where his name was not listed as an actor, although he does appear in small parts. As uncredited roles, they may have gotten his foot into the acting world, but they didn’t have an impact on his career at all.
His first credited film was actually in 1967 calledA Time for Killing, a Western set during the Civil War. In the movie, Confederate troops break out of a Union jail during the Civil War and flee toward the Mexican border. They murder a Union courier en route who is carrying news that the war is over. The Union search team, who is also ignorant that the war has come to an end, soon engages the Captain’s soldiers in combat when he orders his men to continue while keeping the message hidden.
Ford, who plays Lieutenant Shaffer, stars alongside acclaimed actors of that time period including Inger Stevens, Glenn Ford, and Paul Petersen. The film, based on the 1961 novelThe Southern Bladeby Nelson Wolford and Shirley Wolford, was directed by Phil Karlson and produced by Harry Joe Brown.A Time for Killingwent on to become an integral piece of Harrison Ford’s history and paved the way for his career to skyrocket.
Related:Witness: A Look at Harrison Ford’s Only Oscar Nomination
What’s Next for Harrison Ford?
Ford went on to star in many acting roles and has had tremendous success in his career. His work has influenced and encompassed the lives of many people who love his heroic adventure style. Ford’s next big project is the upcomingIndiana Jones 5film, whichFord says will be his lastas the iconic character. Of course, the actor doesn’t seem to be retiring anytime soon. He is also due to star in theApple TV+ seriesShrinking, as a heartbroken psychologist who, by being blatantly truthful, transforms people’s lives, according toDeadline.
