Harrison Ford at 70: His best bust-ups
We love Harrison Ford. And not just because he's Han Solo or Indiana Jones. We love him because he doesn't take crap off anyone. Because he's the grumpiest man in Tinseltown (see this passive aggressive shocker on Letterman if you don't believe us). And because he knows it, and has (slowly) learnt to have fun with it.
[Related video: Harrison Ford watches 'Indiana Jones' for the first time]
[Related story: Why we still love 'Blade Runner']
Ford, amazingly, has also turned 70… which surely won't improve his mood. Still, it's a fitting time to celebrate the career of a genuine Hollywood icon in a way we're sure he'll appreciate: through his many rows and spats. Happy birthday Harrison! You grumpy old b*****d…
Ford vs. George Lucas
Without George Lucas, Harrison Ford might still be a carpenter. Fact. The 'Star Wars' bigwig apparently spotted Ford while the out of work actor was building cabinets in his house, and promptly cast him in 'American Graffiti'. They clashed during shooting of 'Star Wars' though, mainly because of Lucas' dreadful dialogue. Ford's succinct summary: "George, you can type this s**t, but you can't say it" has passed into geek folklore, but at the time seriously undermined the fledgling director, already struggling with a grumpy crew. The pair made up, possibly after 'Star Wars' made a boat full of cash, and they worked together again on 'Indiana Jones'.
Ford vs. Ridley Scott
One of the most epic actor/director spats in history happened on the rain-sodden, freezing set of 'Blade Runner'. Ridley Scott once said Ford was the "biggest pain in the arse" he had ever worked with. "He knows a lot… and that's the problem." Ford has been similarly glowing about the project, describing it as a "f**king nightmare". Two massive, miserable egos. The film turned out okay though.
Ford vs. Josh Hartnett
…unlike 'Hollywood Homicide', which saw its two leads fight throughout. Ford and co-star Josh Hartnett (remember him?) apparently never made eye contact during filming and bickered while on promotional duties. Ford called Hartnett a "punk", while the youngster retaliated with "old fart".
Ford vs. Shia LaBoeuf
Harrison Ford had another Beef, this time with 'The Beef'. Shia LaBeouf told a mag that Steven Spielberg and the cast "dropped the ball" with 'Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull'. He may have been right, but Ford was furious. "He's a f**king idiot", said the veteran star. "As an actor, I think it's my obligation to support the film without making a complete ass of myself."
Ford vs. Papa Smurf
Harrison Ford's blockbuster 'Cowboys And Aliens' was beaten at the box office by 'The Smurfs' in 2011… and he wasn't happy. Speaking to Conan O'Brien, he said that he was disgusted his wife took their son to see 'The Smurfs' and so helped out a rival. He then ripped the head off a Papa Smurf doll. Was he joking? We're not sure.
Ford vs. special effects
It's ironic that Ford, whose career was launched by special effects trailblazer 'Star Wars', slated CGI a few decades later. "With the CGI, suddenly there's a thousand enemies instead of six - the army goes off into the horizon. You don't need that," he said while promoting 'Cowboys And Aliens' (a movie with LOTS of special effects). "That's something that's consistently happening and it makes these movies like video games and that's a soulless enterprise." He does have a point though.
Ford vs. Chewbacca
Of course, Ford does have a sense of humour buried very, very deeply beneath that craggy, desolate exterior. He showed it in this superb skit on the Jimmy Kimmel show. "Daniel Craig's my wookie b**ch now!"
Do you love Harrison Ford as much as we do? Leave your tributes to the man, the legend, below...
P.S. Do you remember this hilarious spoof video featuring the movie star?