Harrison Ford Reveals the A-Listers Who Made Him Feel Like a Rookie on Set!

Harrison Ford is a towering figure in Hollywood, with a career that spans over five decades and includes iconic roles such as Indiana Jones and Han Solo. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and legendary status, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could intimidate him. After all, Ford has made a name for himself by exuding confidence and authority, both on and off screen. However, even the most stalwart Hollywood veterans have their moments of nervousness. It turns out that there have been a few actors with such strong presences that they left Ford feeling less than confident.

Ford’s Impact on His Co-Stars

Before we delve into the actors who’ve made Ford feel nervous, it’s worth noting that he’s made plenty of co-stars feel the same way over the years. Most recently, Captain America: Brave New World star Anthony Mackie admitted to Inverse that he was so nervous working alongside Ford that he forgot his lines. “The first day was so intimidating,” Mackie confessed. “I was so fucking nervous I couldn’t remember my lines. He’s Harrison fucking Ford. There is this aura about him.”

Mackie, however, shared that Ford is aware of the impact his star power has on others and works hard to dispel any tension. “He dispels that really quickly because he’s such a cool guy,” Mackie said. “He’s everything a movie star should be. He would say, ‘Let’s shoot this piece of shit,’ and everybody was like, ‘Yeah, let’s shoot this shit.’” Ford’s ability to break down the walls with his casual, laid-back attitude is one of the reasons why he’s such a respected figure in Hollywood.

Similarly, Jason Segel, who worked with Ford on the AppleTV+ series Shrinking, admitted to Collider that Ford’s presence was intimidating. Despite being the lead of the show, Segel found himself in awe of the veteran actor. “This guy you’ve idolised forever shows up on set and you’re acting with him,” Segel chuckled. “Your initial thought actually isn’t, ‘God, I’d love to hang out with this guy.’ It’s more, ‘I hope that I’m pleasing to him.’ I felt awe.”

Even Dame Helen Mirren, who has an illustrious career of her own, confessed to feeling intimidated by Ford when they worked together in The Mosquito Coast in 1986. Despite having over 20 films to her name at that point, including Caligula and Excalibur, Mirren was still in awe of Ford. “He was a huge movie star and I was like nobody,” she said, revealing how even seasoned actors are not immune to the magnetic pull of Ford’s star power.

The Stars Who Intimidated Ford

But, as it turns out, even Harrison Ford has had his moments of intimidation. In a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, Ford was asked if he had ever felt nervous working with a co-star, to which he responded, “Well, Alec Guinness. Sean Connery.” He didn’t attempt to downplay the nervousness, acknowledging that both men had an undeniable presence that made him feel a little out of his depth at first.

Ford’s early days working with Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, were particularly nerve-wracking. Guinness had a reputation for being somewhat aloof, and he didn’t exactly take to Ford immediately. In fact, Guinness struggled to remember Ford’s name, calling him “Tennyson Ford” or “Ellison?” in letters to his friend Anne Kauffman. He described Ford as “a rangy, languid man who is probably intelligent and amusing,” though it’s clear that Ford’s early impression on Guinness wasn’t entirely positive.

Despite the awkward start, Ford and Guinness eventually formed a strong bond, with Guinness even helping Ford find a flat in London when he arrived to film Star Wars. Their relationship would go on to become one of mutual respect, but those early days were undeniably intimidating for Ford.

Ford’s experience with Sean Connery on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade had a happier outcome. Though Ford was initially intimidated by Connery’s presence, they quickly struck up a friendship that would last for years. Ford fondly recalled, “It was just really great to work with an actor who doesn’t give a shit… We just clicked.” Connery’s easy-going nature and lack of ego made him a perfect match for Ford, and their on-screen chemistry became one of the highlights of Last Crusade.

A Mutual Respect Across Generations

While Ford may have been intimidated by Guinness and Connery in the early stages of their careers, his experiences with both actors ultimately led to strong friendships and a deep respect for their craft. Interestingly, Ford’s relationship with these iconic figures contrasts with the experiences of younger stars like Mackie, Segel, and Mirren, who were initially starstruck by Ford’s reputation. In all cases, Ford’s enduring legacy in Hollywood has been shaped by both his impressive acting chops and his ability to connect with his peers, whether they are intimidated by him or not.

Ford’s ability to both command and collaborate with other stars—regardless of their age or experience—speaks to his remarkable presence in the industry. Though he may have felt nervous in the early days, Ford’s career trajectory has shown that even the most iconic actors can find inspiration in their co-stars and rise to meet the challenges of working with the legends they admire.

In the end, whether it’s being intimidated by the legendary Alec Guinness or making a younger actor nervous, Ford’s legacy in Hollywood is defined not just by the characters he’s played, but by the respect he’s earned from those who’ve shared the screen with him.