Last updated on: November 8, 2024

Mary Marquardt is none other than the first wife of the celebrated actor, Harrison Ford. She is quite low-key and never basks in the limelight. While many people know about her connection to Ford, much more defines her life beyond their marriage. Let’s peek at a closer look at who Mary Marquardt is and what her life was before and after marriage with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Early Life and Career

Mary Marquardt was born on January 1, 1945. There is very little information available about her childhood, but it can be presumptuated that she grew up in an era where one’s privacy was taken seriously, especially for those who were not celebrities. Mary was a chef before and after marrying Harrison Ford. She had passion for cooking and even trained to be a professional chef. The job in the culinary art life was of great importance and she was famous for her cuisines.

Marriage to Harrison Ford

Mary eventually married Harrison Ford in 1964. Ford was then an emerging actor, though not yet a star then when he and Mary were to live together. They were quite young and were much in love when they got married. With their marriage, the couple was blessed with two children: Benjamin Ford, born in 1966, and Willard Ford, born in 1969.

Throughout their life, Mary and Harrison had a rather quieter life compared to the often flamboyant lifestyle of Hollywood’s various celebrities. They raised their children behind the media spotlight that followed Harrison as his acting career began to take off. Mary supported Ford’s acting profession and thus played important roles in raising her family.

Divorce from Harrison Ford

Mary and Harrison Ford divorced each other in 1979. Having been married for 15 years, it was their time to move apart. Their entire first chapter would be over once they got divorced. No one is clear about why the couple divorced because both preferred keeping their personal life sequestered.

They remained coparents of the two sons even after divorcing. Both of them were keen on the kids and ensured that they kept growing in an average, healthy environment. After their break-up, Mary took up her career and her family without any limelight.

Life After Divorce

Living quietly, after divorcing Ford, Mary Marquardt did not care for publicity like one would look for when marrying a famous actor. She shifted her life’s focus towards work and more time in the children’s company.

She continued cooking with a passion for cooking. She worked in various kitchens, an excellent chef, taking pride in her work. Mary’s career was helping her to remain humble amid her ex-husband’s fame.

Relationship with Her Children

Mary Marquardt has two sons who are now successful in their respective careers. Her eldest son, Ben Ford, even pursued a career in the culinary arts as a celebrated chef. Ben owns Ford’s Filling Station, a gastropub in Los Angeles. He also appeared in several television shows and published a cookbook. Her youngest son, Willard Ford, as opposed to his siblings went on to become an entrepreneur. He operated with other businesses including Strong Sports Gym and the Kim Sing Theatre.

Mary was highly supportive of her children’s ventures, always proud of watching her children grow and get successful in their endeavors. Despite fame status by their father, Mary provided stable childhood to her kids.

READ ALSO: Harrison Ford Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More

Legacy and Public Image

The public image that has been created of Mary Marquardt is essentially based on the fact that she is married to Harrison Ford. However, huge efforts are made in keeping her private life, and am always focused on developing personal life and career. More so, she is not interested in the celebrity lifestyle and avoids media attention.

Mary’s legacy has close ties not only to her marriage with Ford but also to her life as a chef and her being a mother. The fact that she is lesser known than the ex-husband makes little difference; she is pertinent in her own right, for having devoted time, energy, and attention to her family and professional life.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com