Harrison Ford, Willard Ford’s father, embraces his status as a dad with grace. The talented actor is widely known for appearing in hit movies, including the “Indiana Jones” franchise.
There is no doubt that Harrison has enjoyed success as an actor since his breakout as Han Solo in “Star Wars.” However, that success is not limited to his career. The older Ford has also been a great father despite the demands of his work.
He has five children, who have grown to become good and responsible adults. Willard Ford is one of those kids and, like his siblings, has become a successful adult. Here is everything we know about him.
Who Is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford entered this world on May 14, 1969. He is the second child of Harrison Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt.
While his siblings have chosen to delve into the acting world, Willard chose another path — entrepreneurship. Willard reportedly owns Ludwig Clothing Company and Strong Sports Gym with a website called Ford & Ching under their joint ownership.
Before that, he owned the Kim Sing Theater in LA. While under his management, the Theatre hosted several events, including corporate galas such as “Star Wars” premieres, Pepsi launches, Grammy parties, and BMW meetings.
Willard Ford Siblings
Willard and his brother Benjamin Ford are the oldest children of Harrison Ford. After their arrival, the actor welcomed three more children, including Malcolm Ford, Georgia Ford, and Liam Flockhart.
Harrison Ford became a father in the 1960s when his sons Benjamin and Willard were born. The “Indiana Jones” star shares the boys with his first wife, illustrator Mary Marquardt. At the time, Harrison was still in his early 20s and was yet to launch his acting career.
He later welcomed another son named Malcolm, and a daughter named Georgia, in 1987 and 1990, respectively. They are products of his relationship with the second woman he married, Melissa Mathison.
About ten years later, Harrison adopted his now-wife Calista Flockhart’s son, Liam. Willard and his siblings have large age gaps, but Harrison believes this benefited him greatly.
Harrison said in 2010: “My older children have taught me a lot. My first child was born when I was 25; I reckon I’m a little better at [parenting] now.”
When questioned about raising his then-9-year-old son Liam at age 67, he said, “I’ve got five kids in total, so it’s not my first rodeo. Yeah, I’m getting older, but I don’t relate to it very much. It doesn’t interest me as something to dwell on. I have a 9-year-old kid at home. I feel like the father of a 9-year-old.”
Willard Ford Family
He may not have inherited his father’s acting talents, but Willard Ford did get his love for family. The entrepreneur is a proud father of two kids, Guilliana and Eliel, who are the apple of his eye.
Willard Ford and the Kim Sing Theater
The enterprising Willard Ford bought the iconic Kim Sing Theater in 1999 at $300,000. The structure was constructed nine decades ago in 1926, and spanned 10,000 square feet.
When he decided to sell it, Willard Ford teamed up with XTen Architects to revamp the theater’s interior, adding an internal courtyard, a three-level floor plan, retail areas, and a massive kitchen. In 2014, Willard listed the property for sale with an asking price of $4.5 million. Given its aesthetic and history, it was not long before it was scooped up.
The theater was eventually purchased at a whopping $3.3 million, returning more than a tenfold increase to Willard, who purchased it in 1999. The buyers were Ash Pathi’s Indra and Co. business group, and the deal happened in 2016.
Willard Ford’s and Harrison Ford’s Relationship
Parenthood brings out the hero in most people, and Willard Ford’s father is no different. His kids are all adults, but the talented actor revealed in an interview in May 2023 that he’d still “take a bullet” for any one of them.
Harrison also admitted that he’d “probably be a better parent” had he been less successful as an actor. Regardless of his thoughts, Willard and his siblings are doing well and have a great relationship with him.
Examples of other great families like theirs are the Kardashians, The Curtis, and the Hudsons.