Before Acting in Front of the Camera, Harrison Ford Was Behind It as a Camerman for The Doors

The life of an artist in any medium is often a life outlined by unexpected adventures and peculiar paths. After all, if you aren’t hitting it big, the only way to make a livelihood is by working odd jobs. Well, that is exactly what Harrison Ford did before he got his big break. Before scoring his big break with the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, Ford was a carpenter and had landed some smaller roles in television shows. However, his most fascinating odd job is when he served as a cameraman for The Doors on their 1968 concert film, Feast Of Friends.

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In the late 60s, The Doors were one of the hottest bands in the world. Consequently, Harrison Ford saw an opportunity, an opportunity both financially and regarding his career. Ford came across the opportunity after a friend of his invited him to work on the project as a second unit cameraman. Ford agreed, though, after the week-long tour concluded, he could not believe what he had seen.

The Doors Were a Little Much for Harrison Ford

In 1989, while promoting his blockbuster hit, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Harrison Ford sat down with MTV’s Big Picture Show. During that interview, Ford briefly opened up about his time as a cameraman for the rambunctiously hedonistic band. Jokingly, he stated, “When it was over, I was one step away from joining a Jesuit monastery.”

“I thought it was cool, I thought it was hip, but I couldn’t keep up with those guys. It was too much,” continued Ford. Concerning his role as a cameraman, Harrison Ford added, “I was part of the camera crew, second camera. I don’t think any of it was in focus, not a bit of it.”

Even the most imaginative minds probably couldn’t fathom what transpired during Ford’s week-long stint with the group. Though, according to his comments, it was seemingly nothing appropriate for TV. Hence, he did not divulge exactly what transpired during the interview. Regardless, everyone needs to get their start somewhere, and for Harrison Ford, this small endeavor certainly helped get the ball rolling.

Following this job, Ford would go on to claim his role as Bob Falfa in George Lucas’ 1973 film, American Graffiti. Four years later, Ford was launched into the mainstream thanks to his iconic role as Han Solo.

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