Harrison Ford was a skilled carpenter before becoming a successful actor. This job almost cost him a big George Lucas movie, and it is not Star Wars.

In the highly competitive acting industry, success is never guaranteed due to which a lot of actors initially struggle financially. To overcome this, many actors have side-jobs or a primary source of income while auditioning for their big break.

Harrison Ford in Star Wars | Twentieth Century-Fox

Star Wars fame, Harrison Ford, is remembered for his iconic role as Han Solo in the series, but not a lot of fans know that he had another identity. Before becoming a recognized actor, Ford worked as a carpenter to help earn a living for his family. This financial security enabled him to pick and choose his offers at will.

When Harrison Ford almost turned down this hit movie

Before Star Wars, Harrison Ford already gained a reputation due to his movie American Graffiti (1973). This George Lucas directorial helped put the skilled actor in the limelight and gained him the necessary exposure to kickstart his acting journey.

Harrison Ford in American Graffiti | Universal Pictures

But a lot of fans do not know that Harrison Ford almost turned down this movie offer due to unmatched expectations. The actor already had a serious carpentry job which paid him well enough to look after his family and their needs. The initial offer for the movie was $485 a week, but since he himself made $500 per week, he didn’t want to take the job.

Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark | Paramount Pictures
Fortunately after some negotiations and careful consideration, Ford signed on to the film and played the character of Bob Falfa. American Graffiti went on to become a significant hit and helped Ford gain recognition, years later leading him to collaborate again with the director, as Han Solo in Star Wars.

Financial Security: A necessity for new actors

Ford is not the only one who had a monetary shield in mind while looking for acting jobs, as a lot of other Hollywood celebrities do not solely depend on their roles for money. Looking for proper scripts that match the financial expectations one has in mind, is not that easy.

 

Actor Joe Manganiello worked as a bartender and writer for a long time before landing his roles in True Blood and Magic Mike. Daniel Craig too worked as a waiter, bartender, and did several odd jobs while auditioning for roles. Actresses like Megan Fox and Demi Moore worked as models while searching for adequate scripts.

Harrison Ford in Air Force One | Sony Pictures

Having a stable job did work in Ford’s favour since he was able to be more deliberate while choosing his scripts. The actor went on to appear in amazing movies like Star Wars (1977), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Fugitive (1993), Air Force One (1997), and many more.