"I rarely play a real person, because I don't think I'm a good imitator"

Harrison Ford’s acknowledgment that he “rarely play[s] a real person” stems from a deep self-awareness about his approach and capabilities as an actor. Rather than seeing himself as someone who can convincingly mimic the nuances, mannerisms, and speech patterns of real-life figures, Ford sees his strengths elsewhere. He does not believe imitation is his forte and, as such, gravitates toward original characters, fictional individuals whose personalities, behaviors, and inner lives he can help shape from the ground up.

For Ford, the essence of performance lies not in copying another person’s external traits, but in finding an organic truth for the character he plays. When tasked with portraying a real person, the actor is often judged by how closely they emulate the subject, both physically and emotionally. This demand for accurate reproduction may stifle creative expression, boxing the performer into a strict template instead of allowing space for interpretation. Ford’s admission suggests a preference for roles that permit invention; he thrives in bringing original identities to life, constructing motivations, flaws, and strengths that do not need to correspond with an existing individual.

This perspective explains why Ford’s most iconic performances are in roles such as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, characters not weighed down by the audience’s knowledge of a real counterpart. His talents lie in embodying the everyman’s courage, humor, and humanity, building relatable personas rather than impersonating real figures. The process of imitation, in his eyes, might lack the depth, freedom, or authenticity he seeks in his artistry. By focusing on roles that require creation rather than duplication, Ford can better utilize his instincts and insights, leading to the memorable, singular characters for which he is celebrated. In recognizing the boundaries of his skills, he chooses projects that align with how he can best serve the narrative, audience, and himself as an artist.