The Truth Behind The Rumors: Does Harrison Ford Have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

The question of whether legendary actor Harrison Ford has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a persistent rumor that has circulated online for years, often causing confusion among fans. As of late , the definitive and factual answer is no: Harrison Ford does not have Multiple Sclerosis. This widespread misconception is not unfounded, however, as it stems from a very personal and challenging health journey within his immediate family, which we will explore in detail.

The health of the iconic star, known globally for his roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, is a frequent topic of speculation, especially as he continues his demanding career into his 80s. While he has had his share of well-documented injuries and recent health setbacks, the MS diagnosis is one rumor that can be definitively put to rest. The truth lies in the health history of his first wife, Mary Marquardt, who was diagnosed with the condition decades ago.

Harrison Ford: A Brief Biography and Career Highlights

Harrison Ford is one of the most successful and enduring figures in cinematic history, with a career that spans over seven decades. His longevity and commitment to physically demanding roles, even in his later years, continue to inspire and amaze audiences worldwide.

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• Full Name: Harrison Ford
• Date of Birth: July 13, 1942
• Age (as of December 2025): 83 years old
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Spouses:
  • Mary Marquardt (m. 1964; div. 1979)
  • Melissa Mathison (m. 1983; div. 2004)
  • Calista Flockhart (m. 2010)
• Children: Benjamin Ford, Willard Ford, Malcolm Ford, Georgia Ford, Liam Flockhart Ford (adopted)
• Notable Roles: Han Solo (Star Wars saga), Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones film series), Rick Deckard (Blade Runner), Richard Kimble (The Fugitive), President James Marshall (Air Force One).
• Awards and Honors: Golden Globe nominations, Cecil B. DeMille Award, AFI Life Achievement Award.
• Other Interests: Licensed pilot, environmental activist.

The Origin of the Multiple Sclerosis Rumor: Mary Marquardt’s Diagnosis

The rumor that Harrison Ford is battling Multiple Sclerosis is a classic case of mistaken identity and association. The confusion does not relate to the actor’s personal health, but rather to the health of a person very close to him: his first wife, Mary Marquardt.

Who is Mary Marquardt?

Mary Marquardt was Ford’s college sweetheart and first wife. The two were married from 1964 to 1979 and share two sons, Benjamin and Willard. While the couple divorced before Ford achieved his massive global fame, they remained connected through their children.

The MS Connection

It was reported that Mary Marquardt was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the late 1980s, several years after their divorce. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a potentially debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The public knowledge of his ex-wife’s serious medical condition likely became conflated with the actor’s own health over time, especially in the age of rapid, often unverified, online information sharing.

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Therefore, the definitive answer to the core question is clear: Harrison Ford does not, and has never been reported to, have MS. The MS diagnosis belongs to his former spouse, Mary Marquardt.

Harrison Ford’s Actual Recent Health Issues and Past Injuries

While the MS rumor is false, Harrison Ford has faced several real and well-documented health challenges, particularly in recent years and throughout his action-packed career. These incidents highlight his dedication to his craft and the physical toll of being a cinematic action hero.

The Shingles Diagnosis (2025)

One of the most recent and significant health updates for the actor occurred in early 2025. Harrison Ford was forced to cancel his scheduled appearance as a presenter at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) after being diagnosed with shingles. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). The diagnosis caused a brief but notable stir in Hollywood, though reports indicated the 82-year-old actor was recovering well.

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On-Set Injuries and Accidents

Ford is famous for performing many of his own stunts, a commitment that has led to several significant injuries over the years:

• The Force Awakens (2014): While filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ford suffered a broken leg (tibia and fibula) when a hydraulic door on the Millennium Falcon set crushed him. This required major surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984): He sustained a serious spinal injury (herniated disc) while filming the physically demanding scenes in Sri Lanka.
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2021): Ford suffered a shoulder injury during a fight sequence rehearsal, which necessitated a temporary shutdown of production.

Aviation Accidents

As an avid and experienced pilot, Ford has also been involved in multiple aviation incidents, which have resulted in injuries. The most serious occurred in 2015 when his vintage plane suffered engine failure and crash-landed on a golf course in Venice, California. He sustained a broken pelvis and ankle, along with other injuries, requiring a hospital stay.

Addressing Other Health Speculations: Parkinson's and Epilepsy

Beyond the MS rumor, other health speculations have occasionally surfaced, including claims about Parkinson's disease and his connection to epilepsy. These, too, are largely based on speculation or misinterpretation.

The Parkinson's Rumor

Rumors suggesting Harrison Ford might have Parkinson's disease have occasionally been sparked by public appearances where a slight hand tremor was observed. However, there has never been any official confirmation or reliable report from the actor or his representatives to support a Parkinson's diagnosis. The speculation remains unsubstantiated, and Ford continues to work at a demanding pace that would be highly challenging for someone with advanced Parkinson's disease.

The Epilepsy Connection

Harrison Ford is a known advocate for epilepsy awareness and research. His daughter, Georgia Ford, suffers from epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Ford has publicly spoken about his daughter's condition and has actively supported organizations like the NYU Langone Medical Center’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, using his platform to raise awareness and funds. This personal connection to a serious neurological condition may also contribute to the public’s heightened focus on his family’s health history.

Conclusion: The Facts on Harrison Ford's Health

To summarize the facts as of late 2025, the rumor that Harrison Ford has Multiple Sclerosis is false. The confusion almost certainly stems from the fact that his first wife, Mary Marquardt, was diagnosed with MS decades ago. While the actor is in his 80s and has a history of physical injuries from his demanding film roles and a recent shingles diagnosis that caused him to miss the 2025 Oscars, he remains an active and working legend in Hollywood. His resilience and dedication to his craft, despite a few setbacks, continue to define his iconic status.