Harrison Ford Reveals How His Carpentry Skills Helped Him Land Han Solo Role In 'Star Wars,' Speaks to His Marvel Experience

Harrison Ford has more than just acting skills.

The Star Wars actor revealed that he was asked to do carpentry work on Francis Ford Coppola’s offices as a favor to a friend right before auditioning for the role. If you don’t know, Harrison worked as a carpenter for years in Hollywood before becoming a major star.

“I said I would do it but only at night, when no one was around, because I didn’t want to be that guy—I wanted them to think of me as an actor, which I was,” Harrison said.

Keep reading to find out more…“I did the job. While I’m finishing up, first thing in the morning in walked George Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss to begin the process of meeting people for Star Wars,” Harrison told Esquire.

Francis Ford Coppola served as a mentor for George Lucas.

“George had told our agents he wanted new faces, not the same people from American Graffiti. I was there with my tool belt on, sweeping up, said hello, chatted, and that was it,” the 80-year-old Indiana Jones star said. “Later, I was asked by the producer to help them read lines with candidates for all the parts. Don’t know whether I read with people who were reading for Han Solo—can’t remember. I read with quite a few princesses. But there was no indication or forewarning that I might be considered for this part. It was just a favor. And then of course they offered me the part.”

Harrison also shared about his experience entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He took over the role of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.

“Yeah. I mean, there are tough days and easy days and fun days and all kinds of days,” he said. “It’s a tough schedule and, yeah, it’s fun. But it’s not a walk in the park. It’s not fun fun. It’s work.”

Harrison received a special honorary award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival while promoting his new movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.