Harrison Ford's life off-screen - Carrie Fisher fling and age-defying secret

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Harrison Ford has led a fascinating life both onscreen and off (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Harrison Ford has led a fascinating life both onscreen and off (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

At 81 years old, Harrison Ford shows no sign of slowing down, continuing to act in shows such as 1923 and Shrinking, while looking every bit as striking as he did as a young Indiana Jones.

The legendary leading man, who skyrocketed to movie stardom thanks to the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), has captivated audiences for generations, clocking up a truly extraordinary filmography plus various awards. Behind the scenes, the Blade Runner actor has led an equally interesting personal life, with plenty of romance and intrigue.

As film buffs settle in for a New Year's Day watch of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, we take a look at Harrison's life away from the cameras, including his fling with co-star Carrie Fisher, and the surprising secret to his youthful good looks.

Fling with Star Wars co-star

Harrison Ford's life off-screen - Carrie Fisher fling and age-defying secret qhiddxiqkiuuinvSparks flew behind the scenes for Harrison and Carrie (NY Daily News via Getty Images)

The onscreen chemistry between Harrison and Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher was clear to see, and is of course part of the reason why Han Solo and Princess Leia's love story still ranks among the most iconic in sci-fi history. It would appear that sparks were also flying out of costume as well, with Carrie later alleging that the pair were involved in an 'intense' three-month affair during the very first Star Wars movie back in 1976.

Chicago-born Harrison was a 33-year-old married father of two at the time, while Carrie was an 'inexperienced' 19-year-old who felt she'd 'won the man lottery'. In 2016, shortly before her death, Carrie told PEOPLE magazine: "It was so intense. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend."

Harrison Ford calls co-star Helen Mirren "still sexy" and a "remarkable actress"Harrison Ford calls co-star Helen Mirren "still sexy" and a "remarkable actress"

Opening up about their brief affair in her memoir The Princess Diarist, Carrie remembered one particular night in particular during filming when they were both attending a birthday party held for director George Lucas. Carrie wrote: "I looked over at Harrison. A hero's face — a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? A tiny part of me felt like I'd won the man lottery, and here I was both counting and spending the money. I was shocked by the fact that he fancied me. I was a very insecure girl and had only had one boyfriend."

She continued: "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind." Although Harrison later admitted to GQ magazine that it 'felt strange' for him after the affair was finally made public knowledge, there appears to have been plenty of warmth and mutual good feeling between the two former lovers, right until the end.

After Carrie passed away in December 2016, Harrison paid a moving tribute to his 'brilliant' co-star, stating: "Carrie was one-of-a-kind…brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely."

Age-defying secrets

Harrison Ford's life off-screen - Carrie Fisher fling and age-defying secretHarrison's impressive career stretches back decades (MPTV)
Harrison Ford's life off-screen - Carrie Fisher fling and age-defying secretThe movie star is often quizzed about his age-defying secrets (Corbis via Getty Images)

While promoting Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the fifth and final instalment of the swashbuckling franchise, Harrison was quizzed about how he'd maintained his youthful glow into his eighties. Back in June, during an appearance on Hits Radio UK, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson asked: "You're in great nick. [...] What are you using on your face in terms of creams?"

Rather than respond with a list of expensive creams and cosmetic potions, Harrison stunned listeners by simply replying 'soap and water'. The actor also went on to reveal that, despite appearances, he certainly feels every bit his age. He shared: "I don't feel more youthful than anyone else. I feel my age and I understand my age and I understand what one does at this stage of your life."

Julia Banim

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