When people hear the name “Ford,” they usually think of Harrison Ford, the famous actor from Star Wars and Indiana Jones. But today, we are going to talk about someone else from the Ford family. Someone who chose a very different life. His name is Willard Ford, and he is Harrison Ford’s son.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Willard Ford |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1969 |
| Age | 56 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Father | Harrison Ford (actor) |
| Mother | Mary Marquardt (illustrator) |
| Siblings | Benjamin Ford (older brother), Malcolm Ford, Georgia Ford, Liam Flockhart Ford |
| Education | B.A. in American Studies, UC Santa Cruz |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Fitness Professional |
| Businesses | Ludwig Clothing Company, Strong Sports Gym, Kim Sing Theatre (former) |
| Children | Eliel Ford, Guiliana Ford |
| Nationality | American |
| Social Media | No verified public accounts |
Who Is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford is an American entrepreneur and fitness professional, best known as the second son of Harrison Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt.
He is not a celebrity. He is not on TV. But he has made a real name for himself in the world of business and fitness. Today, he is known not just as Harrison Ford’s son, but as a respected business owner, fitness advocate, and creative mind in Los Angeles.
His story is simple but inspiring. He shows that you do not need fame to build a good life.
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Early Life and Family Background
Ford and Marquardt welcomed their second child, son Willard Ford, on May 14, 1969. At that time, his father Harrison was just starting to become famous. Life was changing fast in the Ford family.
Willard grew up in an environment steeped in creativity and ambition. His childhood was marked not only by family but also by the pressures that come with being part of such a prominent lineage. Despite this backdrop, he managed to maintain a sense of normalcy; friends recall him as down-to-earth and approachable.
His parents, Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt, got married in 1964. Harrison and Mary were wed from 1964 until their divorce in 1979. So Willard was about ten years old when his parents separated. This was not an easy time for the family. But Willard continued to grow up strong and focused.
Growing up with a famous father was not always simple. Harrison Ford’s newfound fame from Star Wars caused an impact on the threshold of their family dynamic. But Willard did not let that fame define him. He wanted to build his own path.
Education: A Smart Choice
Education was very important to Willard. He did not just rely on his father’s name. He studied hard and earned a real degree.
Willard attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, and earned a B.A. in American Studies.
American Studies is a subject that covers history, culture, and society in the United States. It helped Willard understand the world around him in a deeper way. This education gave him the thinking skills he needed to become a smart businessman later in life.
This academic path, rooted in cultural, historical, and social analysis, aligns with the thoughtful, grounded career choices he later made.
Career: Building His Own World
This is where Willard Ford’s story gets really interesting. Instead of going to Hollywood like his father, he chose to build businesses. And he built some very good ones.
Ludwig Clothing Company
Disagreeing with a future in acting, this Ford son owns a clothing branch called Ludwig Clothing Company. This was one of his first big steps into the business world. He had a passion for style and design, and he turned that passion into a real company.
Strong Sports Gym
One of Willard’s most well-known projects is his gym. He is the owner of Strong Sports Gym, a Los Angeles-based gym. This gym was built on the idea of community and fitness. Willard believes in healthy living, and through his gym, he helped many people stay active and strong.
However, like many small businesses, the gym faced a big challenge. Due to the pandemic, Willard was forced to close the gym, writing, “With nowhere to turn we’re calling it quits,” in an Instagram post June 24, 2020. This was a painful moment. But it also showed how honest and real Willard is. He spoke directly to his community and did not hide the truth.
Kim Sing Theatre
He also previously owned the Kim Sing Theatre, which he used as a showroom and event space. This was a creative and smart move. He turned an old theatre into a modern space for big events and brand launches.
In 2014, Willard shared a little about what he did at the theatre. “We have done launch events for BMW, Nike as well as corporate events for the Grammys, Pepsi and Star Wars in this place.” That is a very impressive list of clients. It shows that Willard was doing serious business, not just using his father’s name.
Personal Life: A Private Man
Willard Ford is a very private person. He does not post on social media. He does not go to red carpet events. He lives a quiet life with his family.
Willard has two children named Guiliana and Eliel, although he has not publicly revealed the mother(s) of his kids.
This tells us a lot about his character. He wants to protect his family. He wants his children to grow up without the pressure of fame.
His approach to parenting mirrors his own upbringing, protective of privacy while encouraging independence. Willard’s children are raised away from media scrutiny, allowing them to develop self-worth unconnected to celebrity lineage.
He is a father who thinks carefully about the future of his children. That is something many people can respect.
Willard and His Famous Father
Of course, we cannot talk about Willard without talking about Harrison Ford. But what is their relationship like?
Harrison Ford is known as a tough but caring father. Harrison Ford said, “My older children have taught me a lot. My first child was born when I was 25; I reckon I’m a little better at parenting now.”
Even though Harrison was very busy with his career, he always thought about his children. And Willard, in his own way, has carried on good values from his father, including hard work, honesty, and independence.
Harrison Ford’s net worth, estimated in the hundreds of millions, reflects decades of blockbuster success. However, Willard Ford’s financial narrative stands in deliberate contrast. While his father’s wealth derives from global entertainment, Willard’s comes from personal enterprise.
This is a very important point. Willard did not take the easy road. He worked for his own success. That takes real courage.
Siblings: The Ford Family
Willard is not the only child of Harrison Ford. He has four siblings.
His older brother, Benjamin “Ben” Ford, was born on Sept. 22, 1966. Ben has a very successful career as a chef. He owns the restaurant Ford’s Filling Station.
Then there is Malcolm Ford, born on October 3rd, 1987. Malcolm Ford is a product of Ford and his second wife, the screenwriter Melissa Mathison. Malcolm Ford’s passion is music. Ford was the lead singer of the band, The Dough Rollers.
Harrison Ford attends a premiere with daughter Georgia, his only daughter, who is also known for her strength and bravery. And finally, Liam Flockhart Ford, who was adopted by Calista Flockhart before she married Harrison.
Each child found their own path. None of them simply copied their father. That says a lot about how they were raised.
What Makes Willard Ford Special?
Many children of celebrities either try to become famous themselves, or they disappear completely. Willard Ford did neither. He found a middle road.
He used his education. He started real businesses. He served his community through fitness. He protected his family’s privacy. And he did all of this without needing the world to watch.
In an era that often confuses fame with success, Willard Ford stands as a reminder that the most meaningful legacies are built through passion, discipline, and individuality.
That is a lesson that everyone can learn from, not just the children of celebrities.
What Is Willard Ford Doing Now?
As of 2025, Willard Ford continues to run Strong Sports Gym and remains involved in creative projects in Los Angeles. He leads a private, family-focused life dedicated to health and entrepreneurship.
He keeps working. He keeps living with purpose. And he keeps doing it quietly, without needing anyone’s applause.
Final Thoughts
Willard Ford is not a household name. Most people do not know who he is. But his story is worth telling.
He grew up in the shadow of one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. And instead of chasing that same spotlight, he turned around and built something of his own. Something real. Something honest.
His life shows us that success does not have to look like fame. It can look like a gym where people get stronger. A clothing brand with real style. A theatre where communities come together. And a family that is loved and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Willard Ford
1. Who is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford is the second son of Hollywood actor Harrison Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt. He was born on May 14, 1969, and is an entrepreneur and fitness professional based in Los Angeles.
2. Is Willard Ford an actor like his father?
No. Willard Ford never became an actor. He chose a career in business and entrepreneurship instead of following his father into Hollywood.
3. What businesses does Willard Ford own?
Willard has owned several businesses, including Ludwig Clothing Company, Strong Sports Gym in Los Angeles, and the Kim Sing Theatre, which he used as an event and showroom space.
4. Where did Willard Ford go to college?
He studied at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies.
5. Who is Willard Ford’s mother?
His mother is Mary Marquardt, an illustrator and Harrison Ford’s first wife. They were married from 1964 to 1979.
6. Does Willard Ford have children?
Yes. Willard has two children named Eliel Ford and Guiliana Ford. He has kept their personal details private and has not publicly revealed information about their mother.
7. Why did Willard Ford close his gym?
Strong Sports Gym was closed in June 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Willard personally announced the closure on Instagram, saying there was nowhere else to turn.
8. Does Willard Ford use social media?
There are no verified public social media accounts for Willard Ford. He lives a very private life and stays away from the public eye.
9. How many siblings does Willard Ford have?
Willard has four siblings: Benjamin Ford, Malcolm Ford, Georgia Ford, and Liam Flockhart Ford.
10. What is Willard Ford doing today?
As of 2025, Willard Ford is still active in the fitness and entrepreneurship world in Los Angeles. He focuses on his family, his work, and his community, living a grounded and purposeful life away from fame.
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