Hollywood royalty is alive and well and lives in the likes of Harrison Ford. The veteran actor, who has been acting on the big and small screens for over five decades has managed to amass quite a fortune in that time. However, it was not until the 1923 A-list star was signed to star in one of the most beloved movie franchises in the history of film that he really began to see his net worth skyrocket. While Ford likely knew he had a solid career in front of the camera, he could never have guessed that one lucky break would earn him a third of his overall wealth.
The Indiana Jones franchise began in 1981 with Raiders of the Lost Ark. While the film series was only supposed to be a trilogy, it has grown to become five movies that have been filmed at one time or another over 40 years. Perhaps more spectacular than the fact that fans are still interested in Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr. after four decades is that not only has Ford continued to sign on to reprise his leading role but the original director, Steven Spielberg, directed or produced all five films as well.
As such, the artistry and integrity of the storyline remain intact. And because of this, fans of the originals flock to theaters to learn more about Indiana Jones and see what he will do next, which continues to generate revenue for the franchise. But is Indiana Jones what really made Harrison Ford a multi-millionaire?
Harrison Ford Made Over $100 Million From Indiana Jones
Ford has had some big paydays for his movies over the span of his film career. In fact, with making anywhere from $12 million to $65 million in base salary alone per role, The Call of the Wild star makes money that just about any actor would envy. But it is one role that has made Ford the bulk of his net worth; that role is Indiana Jones.
When Ford secured the role of the archaeologist, he was paid $5.9 million for starring in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade would go on to earn Ford another $4.5 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
This $15+ million in 1980s dollars is the equivalent of approximately $55 million today. Not too shabby for the work of three films alone.
However, even by today's dollars, the income made from these movies pales in comparison to what Ford made on the fourth installment in the franchise, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This is because, for that one film alone, the Blade Runner 2049 star earned $65 million.
Now, this makes approximately $80 million that Ford has been paid for starring as the adventurer. But, because Ford was offered and accepted $25 million to be in the fifth Indiana Jones film, The Dial of Destiny, that puts him over the $100 million mark in this series of movies alone.
It is unknown whether Ford received any royalties from the Indiana Jones franchise. But given his latest negotiations for The Force Awakens in the Star Wars franchise allowing for backend points from the box office that have made for some substantial earnings from the series of films, it would not be unheard of for the Ender's Game star to have worked out something similar for Indiana Jones.
This would actually make sense, given how low Ford's salary is compared to his previous Indiana Jones film.
Harrison Ford's Net Worth Totals $300 Million
Given how much Ford has amassed from just reprising his role as Indiana Jones several times, it makes sense that he would be one of the most wealthy actors today. He is so wealthy, in fact, that he is the "ninth highest paid actor in Hollywood." Not bad for someone who is still taking meaty roles at 80+ years old.
For his 50+ years in the entertainment industry, Ford has amassed a net worth of $300 million.
Given his lead role as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise that Ford did not particularly enjoy, that as Jack Ryan, leading role in the Blade Runner franchise, and of course, the Indiana Jones franchise, the one franchise that Ford hopes will end with him, it is clear where much of the money Ford has acquired has come from.
However, while these roles were very lucrative, there were others that helped Ford climb his way to being a multi-millionaire. They include The Devil's Own, Air Force One, Six Days Seven Nights, where Ford earned significantly more than his co-star, Anne Heche, and more that earned the Paranoia star $20 million each.
Then there is K-19 The Widowmaker which came with a base salary of $25 million. On top of that figure though, Ford negotiated for 20 percent of the box office earnings. As such, he walked away a wealthy man from this successful film.
Given his massive wealth, Ford has the opportunity to cherry-pick his roles these days. And given he has other ways to bring in income as well, the Cowboys & Aliens star could easily stop acting if he wanted to. But with roles still appealing to Ford, retirement does not appear to be in the cards at this time.
Other Ways Harrison Ford Has Amassed His Fortune
As a result of making a killing as an actor of the years, Ford has been able to acquire some property across the US. And with the appreciation of each property that has been purchased and sold in some instances, Ford has added tens of millions to his net worth.
After making some money from Indiana Jones and Star Wars, Ford purchased a home in Brentwood "at the cost of $1 million." That same home was sold in 2012 to the tune of $8.2 million.
The same year, Ford purchased another property in Brentwood for over $12 million. And while this home has not been sold, it has appreciated since the purchase.
There is a condo in New York City that was purchased for $5.3 million in 2001. As of 2010, the property was reportedly worth $16 million.
The pride and joy of all of Ford's properties, however, is in Wyoming where the Morning Glory star owns a ranch on 800 acres. It is an impressive property that has significantly increased in monetary value since its purchase in the 1980s.
Between solid film roles and a good eye for real estate, Ford has made himself a wealthy man over the course of his career. Some rumors state that the fifth installment of Indiana Jones may be the last film of Ford's career and as such, of his ability to grow his wealth. But whether this is true or not remains anyone's guess.