Mary Marquardt worked as an illustrator and a chef in the past. Her marriage to American actor Harrison Ford is her most well-known achievement. She was married to Ford from 1964 until 1979, when they divorced. During Harrison Ford’s early career, Marquardt is credited with sticking by him through thick and thin. Ford began his acting career in 1964, shortly after marrying Mary Marquardt. Also, while still married to Marquardt, he won his breakthrough role of Han Solo in George Lucas’ epic space opera picture Star Wars. Benjamin Ford and Willard Ford are Marquardt and Ford’s two sons. Benjamin, their oldest son, opted to follow in his mother’s footsteps and pursue a career as a chef. Mary Marquardt is currently residing in the United States of America, where she keeps a low profile.
Early Years & Professional Career
Mary Marquardt was born in the United States of America in the year 1945. She attended Ripon College, a famous liberal arts college in Ripon, Wisconsin, after graduating from high school. While attending college, Mary Marquardt met. They started dating after that and finally fell in love. Despite being one of the most popular cheerleaders in college, Marquardt decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry after discovering her love and passion for cooking. She began her job as a cook after completing her education. She eventually moved to the United States and worked as a chef.
Harrison Ford’s relationship
On June 18, 1964, Mary Marquardt married Harrison Ford. She was instrumental in assisting Ford in the early stages of his career. Marquardt pushed him to fly to Los Angeles to apply for a job as a voice-over artist at one of the radio stations when he was struggling to find opportunities to demonstrate his acting abilities. Despite not getting the position, he did obtain a $150-per-week employment with ‘Columbia Pictures’ in California. Harrison Ford was given a platform by the contract, which he effectively used to establish his acting career in Hollywood.
In 1966, Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford welcomed their first child, Benjamin Ford, into the world. Willard Ford was born in 1969 to the couple as their second child. When Harrison Ford was cast as Han Solo in Star Wars in 1977, he landed his breakthrough role. He had an extramarital romance with his ‘Star Wars’ co-star who played Princess Leia about the same period. Marquardt’s friendship with Harrison Ford deteriorated as a result, and the two decided to part ways. After her divorce from Ford was formalized in 1979, Mary Marquardt wanted to keep a low profile.
Personal & Family Life
After her divorce, Mary Marquardt maintained a close relationship with her boys. Her older son Benjamin Ford went on to become a chef in her footsteps, while her younger son Willard Ford became a wealthy clothier. In fact, Marquardt and Benjamin Ford later collaborated at a Harrison Ford-owned restaurant in Culver City, California. Benjamin, who works as a chef-restaurateur in the United States, frequently posts photos of his mother on his Instagram profile. He is the father of two children, Ethan and Waylan. Waylan was born from his second marriage to Emily, whereas Ethan was born from his first marriage to Elizabeth Winkler. Willard Ford, Benjamin’s brother, has two children, Guiliana and Eliel.
In the early 2000s, Mary Marquardt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is still battling her disease, and she frequently praises her oldest son, Benjamin Ford, for taking such good care of her. Due to her worsening health, she no longer cooks. She does, however, take great pride in seeing her son carry on her tradition. Marquardt does not use social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter.