Harrison Ford landed his first major film role in George Lucas’ 1973 nostalgic comedy-drama American Graffiti, a movie that grossed $140 million worldwide and earned five Academy Award nominations. However, Ford’s breakthrough almost evaporated after he was nearly dismissed for an unexpectedly trivial incident involving craft services.
Four years before the release of Star Wars, which would reshape cinema and forge Ford’s career as Han Solo, Lucas cast him as one of the 1950s car enthusiasts in American Graffiti. Though Ford’s role was relatively small, his presence contributed notably to the film’s success and ensemble acclaim.
The Unexpected Incident That Almost Ended Ford’s Role
Despite the minor size of his part, Ford faced the possibility of being fired during filming due to what he described as a “greedy” moment at the doughnut table. In a recent interview, Ford recalled how this small misstep nearly cost him the role, saying,
“A lot of actors came out of that show, and I thought it was remarkable the way George [Lucas] used music in that film; it was a rare use of contemporary music. That movie was fun to make. It was made very, very cheaply. I do remember I was almost fired for taking two doughnuts instead of my deserved one.” —Harrison Ford, Actor
This episode highlights the frugal nature of the film’s production, which was made on a shoestring budget but has since become a classic, noted for its innovative soundtrack and authentic portrayal of 1950s youth culture.
Beyond the Doughnuts: Ford’s On-Set Behavior
The doughnut incident may have been only the final trigger, as Ford’s behavior on set reportedly included other troublesome antics. Author John Baxter, in his book Mythmaker: The Life and Work of George Lucas, reveals that Ford once, along with co-stars, climbed a Holiday Inn sign while intoxicated, an escapade that resulted in him being banned from the hotel.
Despite these disruptions, Lucas remained confident in Ford’s talent, eventually casting him as Han Solo in Star Wars. Ford’s small uncredited role as a motorcycle cop in the sequel More American Graffiti further demonstrated his ongoing collaboration with Lucas.
The near-firing incident serves as a reminder of how precarious early career moments can be, and how persistence, combined with a director’s belief, can change the course of film history.
Ford’s Role in American Graffiti Foreshadowed Iconic Solo Traits
In American Graffiti, Ford portrayed Bob Falfa, a drag-racing antagonist competing against Paul Le Mat’s John Milner. Although a minor character, Falfa exhibited a confident swagger that hinted at the later development of Han Solo’s roguish charm.
Ford’s scenes, including his interactions with Mackenzie Phillips’ character Carol, showcased an early version of Solo’s characteristic bravado and brusque charm. Lucas likely recognized these qualities, seeing Ford as a natural fit to helm the Millennium Falcon a few years later.
While American Graffiti may not be as widely associated with Ford’s popularity as his Star Wars roles, its lasting cultural influence remains significant, partly due to its pioneering use of contemporary music and nostalgic storytelling.
Retrospectively, it is easy to spot the evolution of Ford’s star power within his role as Falfa, setting the stage for his legendary performance as Han Solo. The doughnut incident underscores how close Ford came to losing an opportunity that would define his career.
Significance of Ford and Lucas’ Continued Collaboration
The resolution of this nearly career-derailing moment allowed one of the most iconic actor-director partnerships in film history to flourish. Had Ford been cut from American Graffiti over a simple misstep, the trajectory of science fiction cinema and Ford’s own legacy might have been dramatically altered.
George Lucas’s decision to retain Ford despite his misbehavior underlines the importance of recognizing potential beyond immediate problems. This story adds an unexpected layer to the narrative of Lucas and Ford’s creative journey, linking a small doughnut dispute to the birth of a cinematic legend.
