Harrison Ford’s ‘1923’ Costars Can’t Get Enough of Him! Helen Mirren Reveals Why They ‘Adored’ Him

In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Helen Mirren opened up about her experiences working with Harrison Ford on the set of 1923, highlighting the actor’s incredibly supportive and down-to-earth demeanor, which has earned him the admiration of their younger costars.

Set in the early 20th century, 1923 follows the Dutton family through a turbulent period marked by economic hardships, Prohibition, and the onset of the Great Depression. Mirren, at 79, portrays Cara Dutton, the family matriarch, while Ford, aged 82, plays her husband Jacob Dutton. The series, which premiered its first season in December 2022 and continued into 2025 with its second season, serves as a bridge between the Yellowstone prequel 1883 and the main series.

The working environment on set, often described as intense due to the challenging period setting and outdoor filming conditions, fostered a strong camaraderie among the cast. For Mirren, one standout feature of the set was Ford’s influence on the younger actors, such as Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton, and Julia Schlaepfer. In the February 27, 2025, interview with People, Mirren affectionately described Ford as “a bloke,” underscoring his approachable, down-to-earth nature, which particularly resonated with the younger male actors. “He’s always so lovely to all the other actors,” she explained, adding that the younger cast members would often “gather around Harrison because they just want to be in his company.”

Mirren’s observations were echoed in another People article published on March 10, 2025, where she shared that Ford was not the type to retreat to his trailer between takes. Instead, he would “sit around together and shoot the s— off-set,” further reinforcing his accessible and friendly nature. This behavior appears to have contributed to his warm relationship with the younger cast, as they sought out his company even in uncomfortable conditions, like enduring the freezing cold while sitting on “funky, little uncomfortable chairs” on set.

The “Harrison Ford effect,” as Mirren described it, is a clear reflection of his charisma and leadership on set. His iconic status, paired with his unpretentious attitude, likely amplifies his positive influence, creating a supportive environment where the younger actors feel comfortable and valued. Mirren’s comments suggest that this admiration from the younger cast members not only fostered an enjoyable working relationship but also contributed to a harmonious set atmosphere.

Although the Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly articles do not delve as deeply into Ford’s interactions with the younger actors, they do provide supporting evidence of the strong on-screen chemistry between Mirren and Ford, and Mirren’s own praise for his professionalism. These insights indirectly suggest that Ford’s positive demeanor is a key factor in the show’s collaborative success.

In 1923, Ford and Mirren’s strong bond is evident both on-screen and behind the scenes, creating an environment where experienced actors can mentor and support the next generation of talent. For Ford, his ability to inspire admiration and camaraderie in the younger actors speaks volumes about his character, reinforcing his status not only as a Hollywood legend but also as a beloved figure among his peers.