Mary Marquardt: Harrison Ford’s First Wife, Chef, and Mother of Two Successful Sons

Mary Marquardt is widely recognized as Harrison Ford’s first wife, but her story extends far beyond her association with a Hollywood icon. She worked multiple jobs to support Ford’s struggling acting career, built her own professional identity as a chef and illustrator, and raised two sons who became successful in their respective fields. Her journey offers insight into her personal achievements, challenges, and quiet strength.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1945 in the United States, Mary Marquardt developed an interest in art and cooking from an early age. She attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, where she studied liberal arts and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967.

At Ripon College, Mary met Harrison Ford, who was exploring drama classes to overcome shyness. Their paths crossed when Ford performed in Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera, where Mary was also involved. Their connection grew during college, leading to their marriage on June 18, 1964.

This period preceded Ford’s breakthrough roles, when both were navigating their early professional lives. Ford struggled to establish himself in Hollywood while working as a carpenter, and Mary was developing her culinary interests and working to support their household.

Supporting Ford’s Early Career

Harrison Ford faced significant obstacles breaking into the entertainment industry. He took minor roles and worked carpentry jobs to make ends meet. During a contract with Columbia Pictures, he earned just $150 per week.

Mary worked as both a chef and supported the family financially, ensuring Ford could pursue auditions and acting opportunities. She encouraged him to travel to Los Angeles for work, even when prospects seemed uncertain.

As Ford’s career gained momentum with American Graffiti (1973) and Star Wars (1977), their lifestyle changed dramatically. Despite the growing fame, Mary maintained her focus on their family and her own culinary interests, choosing to stay out of the public eye.

Professional Career: Chef and Illustrator

Mary Marquardt established herself professionally in two creative fields. She spent several years working as an illustrator before dedicating herself fully to culinary arts.

Her culinary career included work at various restaurants and food-related projects. She trained formally at culinary school in the 1980s, building on her existing passion for cooking. Some sources indicate she worked as a head chef in a hotel owned by Harrison Ford after their divorce, and collaborated with her son Benjamin at Café FX.

Mary’s dedication to cooking influenced her eldest son profoundly. Benjamin Ford, who co-owns Ford’s Filling Station, credits his mother with inspiring his culinary career and teaching him the importance of dedication to craft. Her professional work ended in 2001 when health challenges forced her retirement.

Marriage and Family

Mary and Harrison had two sons: Benjamin Ford, born September 22, 1966, and Willard Ford, born May 14, 1969. As a mother, she provided stability and a loving environment during the financially challenging years of Ford’s early career.

1. Benjamin Ford

Benjamin Ford followed his mother’s culinary path. He trained at prestigious establishments including Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Campanile in Los Angeles. In 2004, he opened Ford’s Filling Station, one of the first gastropubs in the United States. The original Culver City location operated for eight years before relocating to the JW Marriott Hotel at LA Live in 2014. A location at Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 5 remains operational. Benjamin authored the cookbook Taming the Feast in 2014 and has appeared on Iron Chef America, The Today Show, and other culinary programs. He has two sons, Waylon and Ethan.

2. Willard Ford

Willard Ford chose entrepreneurship over entertainment. He earned a BA in American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Willard founded Ludwig Clothing Company, which opened its flagship store in Los Angeles’ Chinatown on June 4, 2009. The brand combines premium casual menswear with graphics inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s film A Clockwork Orange. He also owned Strong Sports Gym in Los Angeles, which closed in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Willard previously co-owned the Kim Sing Theatre, which he sold in 2016 for $3.3 million. He has two children, Guiliana and Eliel.

Both sons maintained close relationships with Mary throughout their lives. Benjamin has spoken publicly about his admiration for her resilience and the values she instilled in him.

Divorce and Life After Ford

As Harrison Ford’s career reached new heights with Star Wars, the pressures of fame strained their marriage. Reports of Ford’s involvement with other people, including co-star Carrie Fisher, affected their relationship. Fisher’s 2016 memoir The Princess Diarist confirmed a three-month relationship with Ford during the filming of Star Wars, though this was only revealed decades later.

Mary and Harrison finalized their divorce in 1979 after 15 years of marriage. The separation occurred as Ford’s career was rapidly ascending. Mary chose to maintain her privacy and focus on raising her sons rather than engaging with media attention.

After the divorce, she did not remarry. She continued her culinary work and maintained a professional relationship with Ford despite their separation.

Health Challenges: Living with Multiple Sclerosis

In the late 1980s to early 2000s, Mary was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The condition impacts mobility, causes fatigue, and presents various neurological symptoms.

MS progressively affected her ability to work and perform daily activities. Benjamin Ford has discussed his mother’s courage in facing the disease and how she initially kept the diagnosis private because symptoms were unpredictable.

As the disease progressed, Mary could no longer cook professionally. She now uses a wheelchair for mobility. However, she shared her culinary knowledge and passion with Benjamin, passing down recipes and techniques that he continues to use in his professional work.

In 2017, Benjamin initiated the #ReimagineMySelf campaign to raise awareness for people living with MS and to help those with the condition envision new possibilities for their lives. The campaign was directly inspired by his mother’s experience.

As of 2026, Mary Marquardt is approximately 80 years old. She lives privately in the United States, supported by her family. Though retired from professional life, her influence continues through her sons’ achievements.

Legacy and Impact

Mary Marquardt’s story represents more than her marriage to a famous actor. She worked tirelessly during Ford’s struggling years, built a respected career in culinary arts, and raised two accomplished sons while maintaining dignity during personal challenges.

Her influence is evident in Benjamin’s culinary success and commitment to quality ingredients, as well as in Willard’s independent business ventures. She demonstrated that meaningful impact often occurs away from public attention.

Mary chose privacy over publicity despite lifelong curiosity about her connection to Harrison Ford. This decision reflects her character and values—focusing on substance rather than celebrity.

Conclusion

Mary Marquardt’s life illustrates quiet strength and determination. While many recognize her as Harrison Ford’s first wife, her contributions extend far beyond that role. She was a talented chef, devoted mother, and resilient individual who faced health challenges with grace.

Her story is not simply about being married to a famous actor—it is about perseverance, building an identity despite hardships, and supporting others while maintaining personal dignity. Mary Marquardt remains an important figure whose story deserves recognition and respect.