Willard Ford is the youngest son of Hollywood actor Harrison Ford and his ex-wife Mary Marquardt. Willard is second among Harrison’s five children, three of whom are from his father’s other marriages. While Harrison Ford is known widely for his iconic portrayals as Han Solo (Star Wars series) and Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones series) in Hollywood, his son Willard did not follow in his father’s footsteps.
So what does Willard do, and where is he now? We’re here to spill it all!
Who is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford was born on the 14th of May in 1969, as the second son of famous actor Harrison Ford and his first partner, Mary Marquardt. Harrison and Mary were married from 1964 to 1979, and they had two boys, Benjamin and Willard, during that time.
Willard attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, which is renowned for its excellence in the humanities and social sciences. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies, a subject that gave him an in-depth knowledge of how the history, politics, and culture of the US have evolved. This understanding, combined with his business acumen, was paramount to the success of his enterprises.
Career
Rather than entering his father’s field of acting, Willard Ford chose a separate route. His accomplishments in the business world reflect his remarkable shrewdness and inventive nature, having achieved a series of successful business ventures.
Willard Ford began his career by launching the Ludwig Clothing Company. This fashion label is renowned for its relaxed yet sophisticated menswear designs, featuring graphics based on Stanley Kubrick’s celebrated 1971 movie “A Clockwork Orange” as a tribute to the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
Willard owned the Strong Sports Gym in Los Angeles, however, this business was hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, culminating in its shutting down in 2020. He announced the closure of the gym in an Instagram post that read:
“With nowhere to turn, we’re calling it quits. I appreciate your patronage and friendship.”
Aside from his business ventures in fashion and fitness, Willard Ford had a stake in the Kim Sing Theater located in Los Angeles. Constructed in 1926, this theater was under his ownership from 1999 to 2014 and was the site of many diverse events like fashion shows and furniture showcases. Ultimately, the property was sold in 2016 for $3.3 million.
He is also a co-owner of Ford & Ching, a design company with locations in both Los Angeles and New York City. He has a passion for design which is evident through this venture, as well as his capacity to juggle multiple business endeavours.
Willard Ford’s Siblings
Willard Ford was raised in a family of five children. His older brother, Benjamin, is a successful chef and restaurateur. Following his parent’s divorce, his father married twice more, leading to three half-siblings.
Harrison Ford was still in his early twenties when he and his first wife, Mary Marquardt, welcomed sons Benjamin and Willard into the world. At the time, the future Indiana Jones star had not yet begun his acting career.
In the following years, his family grew with the addition of sons Malcolm and Georgia, whom he had with his second wife, Melissa Mathison, in 1987 and 1990, respectively.
Approximately a decade later, Harrison took in Calista Flockhart’s son, Liam, as his own. He believes that the large age difference between him and his siblings was actually a huge advantage. He said,
“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.”
Willard Ford’s Personal Life
Willard is known to be a doting father of two kids, Guiliana and Eliel. Despite his hectic professional life, he always puts his children first and cherishes those special moments with them. Unlike his father, who has become famous in the film industry, Willard chooses to stay private and out of the public eye.
He has been successful in keeping a low profile, with little to no information accessible concerning his marriage or his connections. This secrecy even applies to his kids, who also remain out of the public eye.
