Mary Marquardt Biography

Mary Marquardt was born in 1945 in the United States of America. After graduating from high school, she went to Ripon College, the prestigious liberal arts college in Ripon, Wisconsin. Mary Marquardt met Harrison Ford while studying in college. They then started dating and eventually fell in love with each other. Though Marquardt was one of the most popular cheerleaders during her college days, she chose not to pursue a career in the field of entertainment after discovering her love and passion for cooking.

After completing her education, she started her career as a cook. Eventually, she went on to become a chef in the United States.

Mary Marquardt got married to Harrison Ford on June 18, 1964. She played a critical role in supporting Ford during the initial stage of his career. When he was struggling to find opportunities to showcase his acting skills, Marquardt encouraged him to travel to Los Angeles to apply a job as a voice-over artist in one of the radio stations. Though he did not land the job, he did end up signing a $150-a-week contract with ‘Columbia Pictures’ in California. The contract provided Harrison Ford with a platform which he used effectively to launch his acting career in Hollywood.

Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford were blessed with their first child, a son named Benjamin Ford in 1966. In 1969, the couple was blessed with their second child Willard Ford. Harrison Ford landed his breakthrough role in 1977 when he was cast to play Han Solo in Star Wars. Around the same time, he had an extra marital relationship with his co-star Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia in ‘Star Wars.’ Subsequently, Marquardt’s relationship with Harrison Ford dwindled and they both decided to go their separate ways. Mary Marquardt chose to maintain a low profile after her divorce with Ford which was finalized in 1979.

Mary Marquardt remained close with her sons after her divorce. Her older son Benjamin Ford decided to follow in her footsteps to become a chef, while her youngest son Willard Ford went on to become a successful clothier. In fact, Marquardt and Benjamin Ford went on to work together at a restaurant owned by Harrison Ford in Culver City, California. Benjamin, who currently works as a chef-restaurateur in the United States, often features his mother’s pictures on his official Instagram page. He has two children, namely Ethan and Waylan. While Ethan was born from his first marriage with Elizabeth Winkler, Waylan was born from his second marriage with Emily. Benjamin’s brother Willard Ford has two children named Guiliana and Eliel.

Mary Marquardt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 2000s. She continues to fight her illness and often credits her oldest son Benjamin Ford for taking good care of her. She does not cook anymore because of her deteriorating health. However, she takes immense pleasure in witnessing her son carrying forward her legacy. Marquardt is not active on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter.