Inside Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart’s Surprising Love Story

by

For Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, it was love at first spill.

An accidental spill, for the record.

Ford explained to the New York Times in 2024 that he and actress Ally McBeal had a playful wine-spilling incident – either he spilled on her, or she spilled on him – which he jokingly said solidified their connection. He was addressing a long-standing rumor that she had thrown a drink on him at the 2002 Golden Globes after he received a lifetime achievement award.

According to Flockhart, Harrison Ford was holding his miniature statue upside down, prompting the actress to playfully ask if it could serve as a wine holder, joking, ‘Oh, what’s that? A place for my red wine?’

Oh my gosh, thank goodness it didn’t get on her Oscar de la Renta dress – the *pink* one! – that would have been a disaster. Poor Ford wasn’t so fortunate, but honestly, the whole night was still amazing. It was a total success, despite that little mishap!

Their recent, charming date night at the 2025 Emmys-after 23 years together, 15 as a married couple-shows why people are still fascinated by them.

The reasons for their successful relationship aren’t hidden or mysterious. In fact, they’ve been very open about what makes them so special.

As Ford, 83, shared on NPR’s *Wild Card With Rachel Martin* podcast, older people are just as capable of experiencing love. He pointed out that people often associate romance with youth, focusing on the challenge of *staying* in love-which really comes down to maintaining the relationship, nurturing it, and avoiding mistakes.

According to 60-year-old Flockhart, as he told the New York Times, their relationship has involved hard work, with its share of good times and challenges – mostly good, thankfully. He’s the first person I reach out to, no matter what happens; it’s just automatic – I have to call Harrison.

This couple is truly a rare find, and their story began with a funny mix-up over coffee.

Both Ford and Flockhart made smart decisions: Ford after experiencing two divorces, and Flockhart a year after choosing to adopt her son, Liam (now 24 and a graduate of Amherst College), as a single parent.

Harrison Ford recalled meeting his son Liam when he was first learning to walk, saying it didn’t faze him at all. As he explained to the Times, he already had four children – Ben, 58, and Willard, 56, with his first wife Mary Marquardt, and Malcolm, 37, and Georgia, 35, with his second wife Melissa Mathison – and jokingly admitted he wasn’t very good at counting anyway, so another child didn’t make much difference.

He used to travel a lot for work when his children were young. However, by the time he met Flockhart, she said he’d become a much more mature and responsible parent. She describes him as a wonderful father to his children now, and says she loves his kids as if they were her own.

Harrison Ford hadn’t dated much after his divorce from Lisa Mathison in 2000, following a 17-year marriage. Their divorce was finalized in 2004 with a settlement reportedly worth a substantial amount – ten figures.

Ford first noticed Calista Flockhart and was immediately intrigued. As he told the *Times*, he asked his agent, “Who is that girl?” When he learned she was Calista Flockhart, he wondered what she did. Despite his initial surprise, Ford wasn’t hesitant to pursue a connection with her.

Which led to the third time being the charm.

In 2003, Harrison Ford told HELLO! that he believes romantic love can happen at any point in life, and he wasn’t at all surprised when he found it again. He said he fully expected to be capable of falling in love, and that he did.

Flockhart, however, brought reinforcements just in case their first date fizzled.

Thankfully, it was just a small group, but I ended up helping Kaley [Flockhart] out,” James Marsden, known from *Ally McBeal*, told *Playboy* in 2013, remembering how she invited him to dinner with her and Harrison Ford. Later, they went back to Ford’s place, where he played music and made drinks for everyone.

According to Marsden, Ford was playful and silly around Flockhart, but generally kept his distance from the rest of the cast. Marsden often felt like they should have been left to themselves.

Flockhart playfully told the *Times* that Ford initially seemed a bit too forward at the Golden Globes, but she quickly found him charming after they talked. Despite their twenty-year age difference, she’s never thought of it as an issue.

In a 2003 interview with HELLO!, Kelly Flockhart shared that she often realizes the age difference between her and her husband. ‘I sometimes catch myself thinking, wow, he’s 22 years older than me!’ she said. But she emphasized that their age gap doesn’t affect their relationship at all. She finds him endearing, especially when he first wakes up. ‘It’s not that he’s handsome,’ she explained, ‘he’s just cute-he looks like a little boy.’

Interestingly, Ford had recently been chosen as *People* magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1998, adding to his appeal.

Ford admitted that while he wasn’t shocked to fall in love again at age 60, he hadn’t anticipated all the changes that followed.

Honestly, what really got to me was realizing I could still fall in love and build something that lasted. I never thought I’d be capable of making that kind of serious commitment again, but I did! I shared that with HELLO! back in 2009, and it still feels true.

The next year, on June 15, 2010, he married Kelly Preston while filming Cowboys and Aliens in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the Governor’s Mansion.

After *Ally McBeal* finished in 2002, Calista Flockhart took time off from acting to care for her son, Liam. She then returned to television in 2006 with the drama *Brothers & Sisters*.

This dynamic also benefited her relationship with Ford. Naomi Watts, who played the role in *Feud: Capote vs. The Swans*, explained to the *New York Times* in 2024, “I didn’t have the same ambitions then, so we didn’t feel like rivals.”

She explained that while she and Ford are very independent, they also rely on each other a lot. He was initially surprised by how self-sufficient she was.

Flockhart also explained that their relationship works well because they’re both fairly introverted and enjoy spending quiet time at home. They’re both homebodies, which they appreciate.

But the red carpet is always happy to have them when they’re so motivated.

While accepting the Career Achievement award at the January 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Ford expressed his gratitude to his wife, saying she’s a wonderful source of support, especially when he really needs it. He jokingly emphasized just how much support he requires.

Beyond a satisfying personal achievement, this year marked several new accomplishments for the actor. He earned his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, recognizing his performance as a psychologist living with Parkinson’s disease in the show *Shrinking*.

And comedy plays a leading role in Ford’s home life.

Flockhart explained to the New York Times that he likes to play harmless pranks on people. For example, he once put a plastic spider in someone’s ice cubes. He also recalled a time when, after putting the covers down on a bed, he found a small rubber scorpion, which he found amusing. He said these pranks are ‘fun.’

Despite being supportive of each other in most things – like when Ford stopped flying with Flockhart after a plane crash in 2015 – they don’t intend to share the screen in a movie or show.

She admitted they’d considered the idea briefly, but it never came to fruition. In a July interview with *Variety*, Ford explained that casting a real-life couple might distract viewers. She worried audiences would focus on the actors’ personal relationship rather than getting lost in the story, saying, ‘They might think, ‘Oh, I know they’re married,’ and that would take them out of the movie.’

Ford’s character confesses his love to Flockhart’s, and the audience immediately feels, ‘Of course! It’s obvious!’

However, many Hollywood couples enjoy collaborating on projects. Here are some insights into what makes celebrity marriages last.

In their book *What Makes a Marriage Last*, Hermann revealed he never expected to share so much laughter in his marriage of over 20 years with Marlo Thomas. He described a commitment to joy as a core part of who she is. He believes their marriage thrives because they love each other unconditionally, which he calls ‘grace.’

He also shared that finding humor is essential, even during disagreements. After a heated argument, one of them will often try to lighten the mood with a joke about the very thing they were fighting over. “It’s about finding a way back to connection,” Hermann explained. “Acknowledging we both have a part in things and moving toward a place where we can laugh together again.” He sees this as a strong sign that they’re resolving the issue and rebuilding their connection.

They’ve managed to avoid major changes in their relationship by following the same advice they received before getting married in 2003. Even with five children, they prioritize weekly date nights and have chosen to connect in ways other than watching TV.

Chip says the best advice he can give is to passionately pursue the person you love. After twenty years, he still approaches their relationship like he’s trying to win a second date. He jokes that while he can’t guarantee anything, his wife won’t be unfaithful because he consistently shows her love and appreciation through gestures like flowers and remembering special occasions.

Kevin Bacon jokingly advises against taking marriage advice from celebrities, a sentiment echoing their own motto: “Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty.” They developed this phrase to quickly shut down any further questions about their relationship.

In reality, they prioritize resolving disagreements quickly and avoid prolonged arguments. As Bacon explained, “We don’t enjoy fighting, so when we do argue, we’re both focused on finding a solution.” They generally focus on repairing any damage and getting back to a good place, simply because fighting is unpleasant. Ultimately, they are committed to making their marriage work, with no backup plan. “There is no Plan B,” Bacon affirmed, “No matter what, we want to work it out.”

After over 37 years of marriage, these actors have learned how to argue constructively. As one of them explained, they avoid bringing up past hurts. Many couples, he noted, tend to target their partner’s weaknesses, almost as a game, but they consciously avoid doing that.

They do still have disagreements, of course. He admits he often wants to quickly undo something hurtful he’s said, but he’s learned that doesn’t really help. Instead, he lets his wife guide the way and gives her space when she needs it. She, in turn, tries to be understanding, reminding herself that even when he says something insensitive, he’s a good person who likely didn’t intend to cause pain.

Speaking on *Today* in December 2024, just before their 40th wedding anniversary, Curtis shared that her husband still makes her laugh more than anyone else. She playfully added that he must find something to appreciate in her too, even if she isn’t sure what it is.

Neil Patrick Harris believes the secret to his long-lasting relationship is accepting that relationships are constantly changing and hard to define. After 21 years together, raising twins Gideon and Harper, navigating career changes (including his partner David Burtka’s cookbook release in 2019), and facing life’s challenges, Harris explained that marriage isn’t static. He noted that intimacy evolves, and couples need to rediscover attraction over time, adapting as they age. Ultimately, he shared, they’ve learned to fall in love with each other’s inner selves, and then with their physical selves again, constantly rediscovering their connection in new ways.

The comedic duo genuinely believe that laughter is essential to their well-being, and this extends beyond just their 19-year partnership. The actress from *Can You Ever Forgive Me?* explained that they playfully calculate how much time a particularly good laugh adds to their lives. “Whenever we have a really big laugh,” she said, “we estimate how many months it’s added, and I keep a running total.”

They also limit how long disagreements last. Following the advice to avoid going to bed angry, Falcone shared that she once tried letting an argument linger overnight, only to realize she’d forgotten what she was even upset about the next morning. She believes trying to resolve issues when everyone is tired or has had something to drink is unproductive, stating, “I’ve never had an argument at ten at night and then thought, ‘Great, we’ve solved everything!’”

Both having been married previously, the couple met in 1995 and quickly found themselves blending families, each with two children. The *Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist* actor remembers realizing early on that the children already had mothers, and she didn’t need to try to replace them. Instead, she decided to be a supportive figure. “Everyone needs a cheerleader,” she thought, “and you can never have too many.” She intentionally avoided setting rules, disciplining, or trying to instill morals, recognizing those roles already belonged to the children’s parents. The *Cheers* actor completely agreed, adding that offering friendship is key. “It’s about saying, ‘I’m not here to judge or discipline, I’m here to spend time with you and support you.’ You have to genuinely be present for them.”

When same-sex civil unions became legal in Britain, musician Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, had a ceremony on December 21, 2005. They then officially married on the same date nine years later. However, they celebrate their relationship starting with a chance meeting at a dinner party in 1993 at John’s home in Windsor, England – a party arranged by a friend.

Every Saturday, no matter where they are, they write each other handwritten notes. Over the years, they’ve written an estimated 1,352 letters. Furnish explains that handwriting feels deeply personal and that the cards allow them to reflect on the past week and discuss the week ahead. John agrees, saying that consistent communication is key to a long-lasting relationship and a major factor in their success.

After quietly building a 40-year marriage – she even dreamed of meeting him six months before they did – they’ve made a conscious effort to keep their relationship strong, even as their lives have changed. They both agree that marriage is their top priority, and they actively work to nurture it. If this surgeon could offer one piece of advice, it would be to always prioritize that bond above everything else. He passionately stated he would do absolutely anything for his wife, facing any challenge to ensure she knows his love. He emphasized that if you truly value your marriage and your long-term happiness, you must protect it at all costs.

As someone who helps people navigate relationships, I often talk about the little things that make a big difference. I recently heard a story from a news reporter who admitted she *hated* casual check-in calls – those ‘just seeing how you are’ types of conversations. She found them irritating! But a close friend pointed something out that completely shifted her perspective. They suggested that maybe this person simply felt comforted by hearing her voice, like everything was okay in the world as long as he could connect with her. It was such a sweet thought, and she realized if those calls meant that much to him, she could certainly make the effort. Now, she’s learned a simple script: she takes a deep breath, acknowledges she’s busy, asks how *he’s* doing, and then politely wraps up the call with love. She says it makes all the difference to him, and honestly, two minutes of kindness isn’t a big ask. They just celebrated 29 years together, and it’s a beautiful reminder that small gestures of connection can truly strengthen any relationship.

Their strong marriage of almost 30 years started building from the very beginning. Even small arguments – like the time the actor threw the talk show host’s ring out the window – felt like they could end everything. The talk show host explained that early in a marriage, it’s easy for minor issues – like money problems, work stress, or raising children while tired – to become major conflicts. However, her husband taught her to step away and calm down, realizing that not every disagreement is a dealbreaker. After years of experience, they’re now enjoying the rewards of that approach. The actor believes that truly happy couples have overcome difficult challenges together, and that’s something to celebrate.

She describes herself as an introvert, almost a loner, while he’s incredibly outgoing – he jokingly calls himself “the mayor of everywhere.” She’s a bit messy, and he admits to being “a little OCD,” but after being married since 2003, they’ve learned to accept each other’s differences.

That’s the advice the lead actress from *How to Get Away With Murder* gives to friends who are getting married. She explains that marriage doesn’t begin at the wedding ceremony. It starts when you realize something about the person you love will likely annoy you, but you accept it anyway. It’s that moment of recognizing a potentially frustrating trait and still choosing to love them that truly marks the beginning of a marriage.

Maintaining a long-term relationship, like any lasting over 50 years, requires quickly resolving conflicts. Jane Fonda, star of *Grace and Frankie*, often takes the lead in smoothing things over. She explains it’s easy to apologize because she deeply loves her partner and hates to see them feel alone, even for a short time.

Ideally, she avoids arguments altogether. She’s learned that saying something hurtful in anger will ultimately cause *you* more pain later, as you’ll regret the words spoken to someone you care about. She warns that this double dose of anger isn’t good for your health or the relationship.

It’s fitting that Jerry, a former judge, says his long marriage to the iconic Judge Judy works because he generally lets her have the final say. For her, it’s simply about accepting someone for who they are, even when you don’t always agree with their decisions. Their marriage initially ended in 1990 after she felt he wasn’t supportive enough following her father’s death. However, they quickly remarried a year later, and she understood he wouldn’t suddenly become a homemaker or take charge of planning events.

She explained plainly that unhappiness in relationships often comes from trying to change your partner. “You can try, but they’ll always resent it,” she said. “Don’t marry someone expecting them to be different than they are.”

The actor from *Lost* credits his wife with being the steady force in his life, especially given his busy career. He told TopMob News in April 2025 that her patience and support – allowing him to pursue different jobs and travel – have been crucial to keeping their family grounded. He described her as ‘fantastic’.

The actor described his wife as incredibly patient, and said she and their two sons always keep him grounded, no matter the situation.

“They shape my values,” he added. “It’s great to have that perspective and North Star.”

Read More

2025-09-20 13:19