subject: The Biggest Ever Break In Hollywood History Was Caught By Harrison Ford -- While He Was Fixing A Doo [print this page] Mega-hit movies like Star Wars, Air Force One, Patriot Games, Blade Runner, Witness and, of course, the incredibly popular Indiana Jones series have made Harrison Ford a household name and one of the most bankable actors in the world.
But, like all struggling actors -- he first needed a big break.
Indiana Jones - The Class Wimp
By his own admission, Harry was the class wimp. He took up acting in college because it didn't require a lot of guts or strength.
By age 21 Harrison was in Hollywood and his good looks had earned him a contract as a studio player for $150 a week. Unfortunately this was for bit parts and the pay was very small even in that era.
Harry's First Small Roles - Including One You Have Definitely Seen
Ford landed a few small roles, including a memorable cameo in American Graffiti. His early credits include guest roles on TV series, Gunsmoke, Dynasty, Kung Fu, The Mod Squad and, even, Love American Style.
But was still making ends meet by picking up carpentry jobs around LA.
It was at one of these odd jobs that the 35 year old Ford finally got the break that all actors dream of.
The Mother-of-All-Breaks - The Stuff of Hollywood Legend
Harry was fitting a door for director Francis Ford Coppola (pretty nice carpentry job) when a visiting studio executive asked him to read a few lines with some actresses they were auditioning for a new film by a young director.
Harry took a small break -- and got his big break.
The young director was George Lucas and his new film was Star Wars. And even though none of those actresses they auditioned that day got a part, the executives loved Harrison and asked him to play Han Solo.
