Let’s talk about Harrison Ford, a man who doesn’t believe in standing still. When I asked him about his downtime, he told me, “When I’m up in Wyoming, I just walk out the door and keep going. It’s all about movement for me.” This legendary actor splits his life between Wyoming, where nature feels like home, and Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment world. “If my chores are done, and there’s nothing pressing, and the weather’s good, I’ll either go flying or take a stroll in the woods,” he shares with a grin. Flying, it seems, is more than just a hobby for Harrison—it’s a passion that keeps him connected to the skies.

Now, Harrison Ford, who celebrated his 80th birthday on July 13, has learned what truly makes him tick. And let me tell you, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Through years of trial and error, he’s built a life filled with happiness, love, and purpose. He’s weathered a late-starting career, two marriages that didn’t last, and a period of his life clouded by substance use. But today? Harrison’s thriving. He’s in a strong 12-year relationship with Calista Flockhart, a dad to five amazing kids, and he’s genuinely excited about what the future holds. “One of the best parts of my work is the unpredictability,” he says. “I love not knowing what’s coming next.”

But it wasn’t always this way. When Harrison first arrived in Hollywood, life was tough. Back in 1964, he married Mary Marquardt, and to support their two young sons, he worked as a carpenter. Then, in 1977, Star Wars came along and changed everything. However, fame brought its own set of challenges. His first marriage didn’t survive the spotlight, and years later, his co-star Carrie Fisher revealed they had an intense, drug-fueled affair while he was still married. It’s a part of his life that shaped him, but also taught him valuable lessons.

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His second marriage, to E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison, gave him a son and a daughter, but unfortunately, it didn’t last either. And let’s talk about the financial side of things—since they didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement before their 1983 wedding, Harrison had to pay a staggering $85 million when they divorced in 2004. While the split was described as amicable, there were whispers that infidelity played a role. It was a tough chapter, but Harrison learned from it.

A New Chapter: Finding Love Again

In 2002, Harrison, who was already legally separated from Melissa, met Calista Flockhart at the Golden Globe Awards. And let me tell you, it was love at first sight—or at least, love at first conversation. The usually private actor opened up a year later, saying, “I’m in love. I think love can happen at any stage of life.” But this time, Harrison wasn’t rushing into anything. Even as he became a father to her adopted son, Liam, he waited patiently—eight years to be exact—before tying the knot with Calista in 2010. “Their marriage is built on trust, loyalty, respect, and open communication,” a close friend explains. “Calista has been instrumental in helping Harrison open his heart.”

Here’s the interesting part: they’re a match made in heaven, but they’re also complete opposites. “Calista is the organizer, the type-A personality who keeps things running smoothly,” the friend continues. “Harrison, on the other hand, is more laid-back, content to let things unfold naturally.” It’s this balance that makes their relationship work so well. Harrison used to be closed off, but Calista has taught him the importance of open communication, and it’s made all the difference.

Harrison Ford Facts: Acting Career, Marriage Details — Kamil Krzaczynski/EPA/Shutterstock

Harrison and Calista share a deep understanding when it comes to family. They make sure to bring Harrison’s children—Ben, 55, Willard, 53, Malcolm, 35, Georgia, 32, and Liam, 21—to their Wyoming ranch as often as possible. “He’s incredibly close to all of his kids,” a close friend reveals. “They even planned a private gathering for his recent birthday.” It’s clear that family is at the heart of everything Harrison does.

Living more in Wyoming than Los Angeles suits Harrison perfectly. “I need balance in my life,” he explains. “I need to be in a situation where I’m not catered to every step of the way. I fetch my own nails, do my own shopping, and wash my own dishes. There’s something incredibly rewarding about staying grounded.”

And let’s not forget his career. Acting remains a huge passion for Harrison. “He’s as passionate as ever,” says a friend. Harrison is set to star in 1923, a prequel series to Yellowstone, where he’ll bring the Dutton family’s story to life. He’s also wrapped up his fifth big-screen adventure as Indiana Jones, which is set to hit theaters next summer. Playing an older, wiser Indiana feels right to Harrison. “That’s one of the things I was most excited about,” he shares. “Why does age matter? The guy’s older—so what?”