Although destined to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Harrison Ford wasn’t always like the confident characters he became known for playing. 

In fact, Ford’s shyness hearkens back to his childhood. 

Calling himself a “late bloomer,” the youngster decided to take high school drama to overcome his social anxieties.

 It was a decision that changed the course of his life forever.

Entranced by the world of acting, Ford decided to see if he could make a name for himself—but that was easier said than done.

 He took a leap and traveled to LA, bagging himself a contract with Columbia Pictures’. 

However, he got into trouble right out of the gates. While playing an uncredited role as a bellhop in 1966’s Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round, the 22-year-old actor got burned so badly by one of the producers—it’s unforgettable.

Producer Jerry Tokovsky really had it out for Harrison Ford. He liked to make the newcomer feel small and always called him “kid”. According to Ford, Tokovsky called him into his office—and dressed him down in a horrible way. The producer reportedly said, “First time Tony Curtis was ever in a movie…he delivered a bag of groceries, a bag of groceries, kid. And you took one look at that guy, and you knew that was a movie star”.

Ford’s response was unforgettable.

Bristling at Tokovsky’s blatant insult, Ford shot back, “Well I thought that was supposed to be a delivery boy!” Needless to say, the studio booted the fiery actor. Unfortunately, this was the beginning of a long streak of bad luck. Throughout the 60s, Ford floundered in Hollywood. His roles were largely uncredited and nobody wanted to hire him.

Sadly, his infamous confrontation with Tokovsky had tarnished his reputation. With his acting career slipping through his fingers, Ford had to find another way to bring home the bacon.

You see, Ford had loved ones at home depending on him: his wife and two children. Of all his romances, his relationship with his first wife Mary Marquardt might be the most complicated. 15 years of complicated, to be more precise. Ford met Marquardt as a college student and they married in 1964. In fact, it was she who supported him, encouraging him to pursue acting in LA.

Little did she know, Hollywood would tear them apart.

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