Brian Geraghty Thought He’d “Die” on Day One with Harrison Ford—Here’s How He Pushed Through

Brian Geraghty, best known for his role as Zane Davis, the foreman for Harrison Ford’s character in 1923, recently shared candid insights into what it’s like working alongside the legendary actor. Geraghty, who plays a crucial part in the Yellowstone prequel series, admitted that stepping onto set with a Hollywood icon like Ford initially left him feeling nervous, but the actor’s warmth and approachability quickly put him at ease.

At the season 2 premiere in Los Angeles, Geraghty shared with People how Ford’s presence made an impact, not just on-screen, but off-screen as well. “I love Harrison,” Geraghty said, expressing his admiration for the 82-year-old actor. He described Ford as “a funny guy,” emphasizing his genuine love for acting and his serious commitment to the work. “He’s there for us as actors,” Geraghty added, noting that Ford’s passion for his craft is evident in every interaction.

Despite Ford’s approachable nature, Geraghty revealed that he was initially overwhelmed by the opportunity to work with such a “bigger-than-life” figure. Reflecting on his first day on set, Geraghty confessed, “The first day I thought I was going to die.” The nerves were palpable as he faced the daunting task of acting alongside a legend. “I was like, how am I going to get through this?” he explained, admitting that the pressure of working with someone as iconic as Ford can be intimidating. However, Geraghty quickly learned how to move past his initial anxiety. “Whenever you have the opportunity to work with somebody like that … actors that are bigger than life, you’ve got to move through the nerves,” he said, highlighting how the nerves are a natural part of the experience.

Luckily for Geraghty, his co-star Helen Mirren played a crucial role in making him feel comfortable on set. The 79-year-old actress, who plays Cara Dutton, eased the tension and helped him adjust to the dynamic of working with such renowned actors. “Helen made it so easy for us not to feel nervous,” Geraghty shared, emphasizing the collaborative and supportive atmosphere Mirren fosters on set.

Mirren also spoke to People about Ford’s easy-going nature and how it influences the entire cast. “Harrison is such a bloke,” she said, using a British term for someone who is approachable and down-to-earth. She described Ford’s influence on the set, noting that because of his friendly demeanor, “all the other blokes absolutely love him.” According to Mirren, Ford’s kindness and openness made everyone feel like part of the team, even during long hours in freezing conditions with uncomfortable chairs on set. “The other guys just gather around Harrison because they just want to be in his company,” she noted, showcasing Ford’s ability to draw people in with his warmth and generosity.

The second season of 1923 is currently streaming on Paramount+, and it’s clear that the bond between the cast—especially Ford, Mirren, and Geraghty—is a key ingredient in the show’s success. For Geraghty, working alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren became an opportunity to grow and learn, and ultimately, to push past his nerves and deliver a performance alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest talents.