Mary Marquardt Biography: All About Harrison Ford’s First Wife

Meet Mary Marquardt, a former chef known for her marriage to actor Harrison Ford. Their union, from 1964 to 1979, saw her steadfast support during Ford’s early career. Learn more about her life, marriage, Family and Net Worth in 2024.

Image — Instagram / chefbenford and Youtube Screengrab

Mary Marquardt Early Life

• Born in 1945, Mary Marquardt, now 79 (as of Feb-2024), hails from the USA.
• Graduated from Ripon College, Wisconsin, after high school.
• Met Harrison Ford during college; he initially explored drama classes to overcome shyness.
• Their first encounter was during the production of Brecht’s The Three Penny Opera.
• Started dating during college and developed a deep romantic connection.
• Despite her popularity as a cheerleader, Marquardt shifted to cooking, discovering her passion.
• After completing her education, she embarked on a career as a cook, later becoming a chef in the United States.

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Mary Marquardt (Harrison Ford's ex-wife) Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth

Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford

• Mary Marquardt and Harrison Ford tied the knot on June 18, 1964, marking the beginning of their journey together.
• During the early years of Ford’s acting career, Marquardt played a pivotal role in supporting him through his struggles.
• Recognizing Ford’s potential, Marquardt encouraged him to explore opportunities in Los Angeles, where he pursued a job as a voice-over artist at a radio station.
• Despite not securing the desired job, Ford’s career took a positive turn when he signed a $150-a-week contract with ‘Columbia Pictures’ in California.
• This contract provided Ford with a platform to launch his acting career in Hollywood, laying the foundation for his future success.
• Ford’s career reached new heights in 1977 when he landed the iconic role of Han Solo in the groundbreaking film Star Wars.

Divorce

• However, around the same time, Ford engaged in an extramarital relationship with his co-star Carrie Fisher, who portrayed Princess Leia in the Star Wars film.
• The revelation of this affair came to light with the release of Carrie Fisher’s Memoir, ‘The Princess Diarist,’ which detailed their relationship.
• As a result, Marquardt’s relationship with Ford began to deteriorate, ultimately leading to their decision to part ways.
• Following their divorce in 1979, Marquardt chose to step away from the spotlight and maintain a low profile, focusing on her personal life away from the public eye.

Mary Marquardt Sons

• The couple welcomed their first child, Benjamin Ford, into the world in 1966, followed by the birth of their second child, Willard Ford, in 1969.
• Mary Marquardt maintained a close relationship with her sons even after her divorce from Harrison Ford.

Image — Instagram / chefbenford, Mary Marquardt and her son Benjamin Ford

• Her elder son, Benjamin Ford, chose to pursue a culinary career, following in his mother’s footsteps as a chef.
• Willard Ford, Mary’s second son, forged his own path, establishing himself as a clothier. He owns a boxing gym, Strong Sports Gym, in Los Angeles and Ludwig Clothing Company. Willard is also a co-owner of Ford & Ching.

Mary Marquardt’s son Willard Ford

• Willard Ford is a father to two children, Guiliana and Eliel.
• Both Marquardt and Benjamin Ford collaborated in their professional lives, working together at a restaurant owned by Harrison Ford in Culver City, California.
• Benjamin Ford, currently a chef-restaurateur in the United States, often shares his mother’s pictures on his official Instagram page.
• Benjamin Ford has two children, Ethan and Waylan, born from his different marriages — Ethan from his first marriage with Elizabeth Winkler and Waylan from his second marriage with Emily.

Multiple Sclerosis Battle

• Diagnosed in the early 2000s, Mary Marquardt faces multiple sclerosis, disrupting her central nervous system.
• Rumors of her death circulated in 2018, but she perseveres, supported by her sons.
• Benjamin Ford, her oldest son, is credited for his caregiving role.
• Deteriorating health prevents Mary from cooking, yet she finds joy in her son continuing her culinary legacy.
• Despite her health challenges, she remains inactive on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

Mary Marquardt’s Net Worth (2024)

• Estimated net worth in 2024 stands at $5 million.
• A substantial divorce settlement from Harrison Ford in the late 1970s significantly contributed to her wealth.
• Renowned professional chef in Los Angeles, Mary’s culinary expertise drew attention from high-profile clients.
• Besides culinary talents, Mary is recognized as a skilled artist, dedicating a significant part of her life to painting.
• Unique artistic style features vibrant colors and abstract elements, captivating viewers.
• Several exhibitions held throughout her career further augmented her overall net worth.