Mary Marquardt is an American chef and illustrator, best known as Harrison Ford’s first wife. Born in 1945, she married Ford in 1964 while both attended Ripon College. She supported his early acting career and raised two sons before their 1979 divorce.
Before Harrison Ford became a Hollywood icon, there was a woman who stood beside him through every rejection and struggle. Mary Marquardt was more than just the wife of a future star. She was his college sweetheart, his biggest supporter, and the mother of his two sons.
While Ford’s name became synonymous with Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Mary chose a different path. She built a culinary career, raised her children, and faced personal challenges with quiet strength. Her story deserves to be told.
This article explores Mary Marquardt’s life, from her early days at Ripon College to her career as a chef, her marriage to Ford, and her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis. You’ll discover the woman behind the Hollywood headlines and learn why her legacy extends far beyond her famous ex-husband.
Early Life and Education
Mary Marquardt was born in 1945 in the United States. Details about her childhood remain private, but we know she grew up with interests in art and cooking. These passions would shape her future career and personal life.
She attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, a liberal arts institution. At Ripon, she studied art and illustration while developing her culinary skills. The college campus in the early 1960s was where her life would change forever.
Meeting Harrison Ford
Mary and Harrison Ford crossed paths at Ripon College during drama class. Ford was in his senior year and had taken up drama to overcome his shyness. He performed in a production of Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera, where the two first connected.
Their relationship blossomed quickly. Mary was a popular student, known for her cheerful personality and creative talents. Harrison was an aspiring actor trying to find his place in the world.
Marriage and Early Years Together
Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford got married on June 18, 1964. She was just 20 years old when she became Mary Ford. The newlyweds faced immediate challenges as Harrison pursued an uncertain acting career.
The early years tested their relationship. Ford struggled to land acting roles and took various odd jobs to pay the bills. He worked as a carpenter, building cabinets and doing renovation work. Mary provided emotional and financial support, working as an illustrator while encouraging his dreams.
Starting a Family
The couple welcomed two sons into their lives. Benjamin Ford was born on 22 September 1966, and Willard Ford was born on 14 May 1969. Mary juggled motherhood with supporting Harrison’s career, creating a stable home environment during uncertain times.
Benjamin would later follow his mother’s footsteps into the culinary world. He jointly owns Ford’s Filling Station, a gastropub in Terminal 5 of the Los Angeles International Airport. Willard pursued fashion and fitness, becoming a successful clothier.
Supporting Harrison Ford’s Career
Mary’s role in Harrison Ford’s success cannot be overstated. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Ford faced constant rejection, Mary never wavered in her belief in his talent.
She encouraged him to move to Los Angeles to pursue better opportunities. When he landed a contract with Columbia Pictures for $150 per week, it was a small victory they celebrated together. Mary continued working and managing the household while Harrison auditioned for roles.
The Breakthrough Years
Everything changed in 1973 when Ford landed a role in “American Graffiti.” Then came 1977 and “Star Wars.” Suddenly, the struggling actor was a global superstar. Mary found herself thrust into the spotlight as the wife of Han Solo.
The rapid transition from anonymity to fame brought new challenges. Paparazzi began following the family. Their once-private life became tabloid fodder. Mary tried to maintain normalcy for their sons while navigating this new reality.
Mary’s Culinary Career
While Harrison Ford’s acting career took center stage, Mary pursued her own professional path. Her passion for cooking led her to a successful career as a chef in the United States.
Mary was known for her creative recipes and dedication to the culinary arts. She worked in various restaurants throughout her career, earning recognition for her skills and creativity. Her approach to cooking emphasized nurturing and caring for others.
Mary later worked at Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City, California, a restaurant owned by Harrison. She collaborated with her son Benjamin there, passing down her culinary knowledge and techniques. Her influence on Benjamin’s career was profound and lasting.
The End of Their Marriage
In 1979, Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford finalized their divorce after 15 years of marriage. The separation came amid reports of infidelity on Ford’s part.
The Carrie Fisher Affair
Speculation suggested Mary had caught her husband in bed with another woman. For years, people assumed it was Melissa Mathison, whom Ford would later marry. However, decades later, a different truth emerged.
Carrie Fisher, Ford’s “Star Wars” co-star, revealed in her 2016 memoir that she and Ford had a three-month affair during filming. Fisher was 19 at the time, and Ford was married with two children. The affair strained Ford’s marriage beyond repair.
Life After Divorce
Mary chose to maintain her dignity throughout the divorce. She never spoke publicly against Ford and focused on raising her teenage sons. The divorce was finalized in 1979, marking the end of a 15-year partnership.
Despite the pain of their separation, Mary and Harrison eventually rebuilt a friendship. Ford has expressed regret about how the marriage ended, telling The Guardian that his divorce from Mary was his biggest regret.
Health Struggles and Resilience
In the late 1980s, Mary was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord. This diagnosis came as another devastating blow after her divorce.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Mary kept her illness a secret for a long time, as the symptoms were unpredictable and varied. Her son Benjamin didn’t fully understand her condition until he was older. The disease progressively affected her mobility and daily functioning.
Marquardt worked as an illustrator and chef for many years before retiring from work in 2001 due to her illness. She now uses a wheelchair but maintains her positive spirit. Her strength in the face of adversity has inspired her family and others.
Family Support
Both of Mary’s sons have been instrumental in caring for her. Benjamin has been particularly vocal about his mother’s condition, using his platform to raise awareness about MS.
In 2017, Benjamin launched the #ReimagineMySelf campaign to help people living with MS reimagine their lives. He credits his mother as his inspiration, saying she has always kept her smile and never gives up.
Harrison Ford has also remained supportive. Mary told the National Inquirer that Ford bought her house and has been incredibly supportive through her illness. Despite their divorce, they maintained a family bond.
Mary’s Legacy and Influence
Mary Marquardt’s impact extends far beyond her marriage to a Hollywood star. She is remembered as a dedicated mother, talented chef, and resilient individual who faced life’s challenges with grace.
Impact on Her Sons
Both Benjamin and Willard credit their mother with instilling values of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Benjamin often speaks about how his mother influenced his culinary career, teaching him the importance of nurturing others through food.
Benjamin told the Daily Mail that his mother is a very special person. He noted that she was able to stay friends with Harrison Ford for the sake of their children, which speaks to her character and strength.
Life Today
As of recent reports, Mary Marquardt is alive and continues to live a private life. She resides in the United States, surrounded by family who provide care and companionship. Now 80 years old, she has chosen to stay out of the public eye.
She no longer cooks due to her deteriorating health, but she takes pleasure in watching Benjamin carry forward her culinary legacy. Her quiet strength continues to inspire those who know her story.
Table: Mary Marquardt’s Life Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Born in the United States |
| 1964 | Married Harrison Ford at Ripon College |
| 1966 | Son Benjamin Ford born |
| 1969 | Son Willard Ford born |
| 1977 | Harrison Ford’s breakthrough with “Star Wars” |
| 1979 | Divorced from Harrison Ford |
| Late 1980s | Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis |
| 2001 | Retired from culinary career due to health |
| 2017 | Son Benjamin launches MS awareness campaign |
| 2025 | Lives privately, supported by family |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mary Marquardt?
Mary Marquardt is an American chef and illustrator, best known as Harrison Ford’s first wife from their 1964 to 1979 marriage.
How did Mary Marquardt meet Harrison Ford?
They met while attending Ripon College in Wisconsin during the early 1960s, where Ford was studying drama.
How many children does Mary Marquardt have?
Mary has two sons with Harrison Ford: Benjamin Ford, a chef and restaurateur, and Willard Ford, a clothier.
Does Mary Marquardt have multiple sclerosis?
Yes, Mary was diagnosed with MS in the late 1980s and has been battling the disease for over three decades.
Is Mary Marquardt still alive?
Yes, as of 2025, Mary Marquardt is alive at 80 years old and lives privately in the United States.
The Woman Behind the Legend
Mary Marquardt’s story is one of quiet strength and perseverance. While the world celebrated Harrison Ford’s transformation from carpenter to Hollywood legend, Mary was managing the household, raising their sons, and building her own career.
Her contribution to Ford’s early success was significant. She provided stability during years of uncertainty and rejection. When fame finally arrived, she handled the transition with grace, always prioritizing her children’s wellbeing.
The end of their marriage could have turned bitter, but Mary chose a different path. She maintained her dignity, focused on her sons, and eventually rebuilt a friendship with Ford. Even facing the challenges of MS, she has remained positive and inspiring.
Mary Marquardt may not seek the spotlight, but her impact is undeniable. Through her sons, her culinary legacy lives on. Through her strength in facing MS, she has raised awareness and inspired others. Through her friendship with Ford, she has shown that relationships can evolve and heal.
Her story reminds us that behind every famous person are others who helped pave the way. Mary Marquardt deserves recognition not just as Harrison Ford’s first wife, but as a remarkable woman in her own right. She faced life’s challenges with courage, loved deeply, and created a legacy that extends far beyond Hollywood.
