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S A G A F T R A .O R G S AG - A F T R A S PEC I A L IS S U E 2 0 26 76 Le, clockwise from le, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher and Ford in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), a film that allowed Ford the opportunity to improvise some of his lines, including the iconic "I know" in response to Carrie Fisher's "I love you." Above, Ford returned to his hometown of Chicago to film portions of The Fugitive (1993). He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the film. up. Aer having a brief chat with his former collaborator, Ford thought nothing of the chance reunion, since Lucas had already let it be known that he wasn't planning on recasting actors from American Graffiti. Later, the film's producer asked Ford to help read lines with auditioning talent, not revealing whether or not Ford would be considered as well. It was another favor. Aer casting was finished, Ford was offered the part of Han Solo. Expanding on the Blueprint Though Han Solo catapulted Ford to international stardom and Raiders of the Lost Ark cemented his status as a leading male actor of his generation, Ford's body of work reflects his interest in tackling a wide range of characters and experiences at a level and quality few other performers in his generation can match. Witness (1985), Ford's first leading role in the crime-thriller genre, marked the completion of nearly 20 years in the acting profession and secured Ford an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a tough-guy detective navigating life among an Amish community. Though the authenticity and vulnerability Ford brought to action scenes were what made his Indiana Jones character so irresistible, Witness revealed new depths to Ford's capabilities. His portrayal of detective John Book surprised fans and critics alike with an exceptional level of tenderness in a performance that proved him to be a serious dramatic talent. Ford went on to appear in 12 films from 1977–1997 that reached the top 10 in box LEFT: LUCASFILM LTD./20TH CENTURY FOX/PHOTOFEST; RIGHT: WARNER BROS./PHOTOFEST