Willard Ford is an American business owner and fitness coach. He is the second son of actor Harrison Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt. He was born on May 14, 1969.
Willard did not seek a career in films. He chose business, fitness, fashion, and design. His work gave him a life away from his father’s fame.
He is best known for Strong Sports Gym and the Kim Sing Theatre. He also worked with clothing and furniture brands. These projects show his wide range of skills.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Willard Ford |
| Date of birth | May 14, 1969 |
| Age | 57 years old in 2026 |
| Nationality | American |
| Work | Business owner and fitness coach |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in American Studies |
| College | University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Father | Harrison Ford |
| Mother | Mary Marquardt |
| Full brother | Ben Ford |
| Half siblings | Malcolm Ford, Georgia Ford, and Liam Flockhart Ford |
| Children | Eliel Ford and Guiliana Ford |
| Main business | Strong Sports Gym |
| Known project | Kim Sing Theatre |
Who Is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford is the younger son of Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt. His older brother is Ben Ford, a chef and food writer. The brothers chose careers outside acting.
Willard grew up before his father became a huge film star. Harrison was still trying to gain steady acting work. The family lived a more normal life at that time.
Willard later built his own name in business. He worked in fitness, fashion, furniture, and building design. He stayed away from movie roles and red carpet fame.
Early Life of Willard Ford
Willard was born on May 14, 1969. He spent his early years with his parents and brother. His father was still building his career during that period.
His mother, Mary Marquardt, cared for the family while Harrison took acting jobs. Harrison and Mary had married in 1964. Their marriage ended in 1979.
Willard was still young when his parents split. He later became part of a much larger family. His father had more children in later years.
Willard Ford’s Parents
Willard’s father, Harrison Ford, is one of the best known actors in film. He played Han Solo in Star Wars. He also played the lead role in Indiana Jones.
His mother, Mary Marquardt, was Harrison’s first wife. She knew him before he became famous. She later kept a quiet life away from public events.
Willard grew up with both fame and family change. Yet he did not use his father’s name to seek acting work. He chose a very different path.
Who Are Willard Ford’s Siblings?
Willard has one full brother named Ben Ford. Ben was born in 1966. He became a chef, restaurant owner, and cookbook writer.
Willard also has two half siblings from Harrison’s marriage to Melissa Mathison. They are Malcolm Ford and Georgia Ford. Both have worked in creative fields.
His youngest half brother is Liam Flockhart Ford. Harrison adopted Liam after marrying actress Calista Flockhart. The wider Ford family has five children.
Willard Ford’s Education
Willard studied at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He earned a degree in American Studies. The subject covers culture, history, and life in the United States.
His studies gave him a broad view of people and society. This may have helped him in his later work. His business projects often joined art with daily use.
Willard did not train for one simple job. He later worked in many fields. These included clothing, furniture, fitness, and building design.
Why Did Willard Ford Avoid Acting?
Willard did not follow his father into films. He showed more interest in business and design. He also cared about sports, fitness, and physical training.
This choice helped him form his own public name. He was not only known as Harrison Ford’s son. His work stood on its own.
Willard built projects that had a clear use. He made spaces for shops, homes, events, and training. His career stayed active and hands on.
Willard Ford and the Kim Sing Theatre
The Kim Sing Theatre became one of Willard’s best known projects. He bought the old building in 2000. It stood in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles.
The site first opened in 1926. It began as a stage venue and later became a cinema. The building had been empty before Willard bought it.
Willard worked with a design team to repair the site. They saved many old parts. They also added new rooms for work, life, and public events.
How Did Willard Ford Change the Theatre?
Willard turned the old theatre into a modern space. It had a home, shops, showrooms, and event rooms. It also had a private outdoor area.
The team kept the old sign and high roof. These parts gave the building its special look. New rooms made the site useful again.
Large brands later used the theatre for events. Nike, BMW, and Pepsi were linked with shows at the site. The building became a known event space.
Willard Ford’s Furniture Work
Willard entered the furniture field through FordBrady. He started the business with John Brady. The company sold modern furniture from new designers.
The Kim Sing Theatre gave the company a place to show its work. Buyers could see the pieces inside a large and well planned space. This helped the brand stand out.
The company later became Ford and Ching. The name changed after Andrea Ching joined the business. The shop stayed close to art and design.
Willard Ford and Ludwig Clothing
Willard also worked in men’s fashion. He helped create Ludwig with designer Mike Dytri. The brand made simple clothes for daily wear.
Its products included shirts, coats, trousers, and hoodies. The clothes had a clean city style. Music and street art helped shape the brand’s look.
Ludwig later opened a shop in Chinatown. This placed the brand near Willard’s other design work. It also gave shoppers a direct place to visit.
What Is Strong Sports Gym?
Strong Sports Gym is Willard’s main fitness business. The gym is based in Pasadena, California. It offers private and small group training.
The gym teaches strength work, boxing, running, and cycling. It also helps people build balance and speed. Each plan can fit the needs of the client.
Willard works as both an owner and coach. He has a strong interest in martial arts and sports. His gym work reflects that long term interest.
Willard Ford’s Work as a Coach
Willard helps clients improve how they move. He teaches safe strength work and sports drills. He also uses boxing, cycling, and running in training.
His work is direct and personal. He spends time with clients in the gym. This is very different from work in film or show business.
Fitness has become a key part of his life. It links his love of sport with his business skills. It also lets him serve his local area.
Willard Ford’s Children
Willard is the father of two children. His son is named Eliel Ford. His daughter is named Guiliana Ford.
His children made Harrison Ford a grandfather. Harrison also has grandchildren through Ben Ford. The Ford family now covers several age groups.
Willard does not place his children in the public eye. He keeps their daily lives private. Most reports only give their names and family link.
Willard Ford’s Private Life
Willard keeps much of his life away from the press. He rarely speaks about close personal matters. He also avoids using family news for fame.
Most public facts about him relate to his work. These include his gym, theatre, clothing brand, and furniture firms. His business history is easier to trace.
This quiet style fits his career. He works with people but does not seek large media attention. He keeps a clear line between work and home.
Willard Ford and Harrison Ford
Willard has shown respect for his father’s work habits. Harrison Ford cares about detail and strong craft. He worked as a carpenter before acting brought fame.
That part of Harrison’s life may have shaped Willard’s interest in buildings and furniture. Both men value useful work. They also care about how things are made.
Their careers look very different. Harrison built a life in film. Willard built a life through fitness, shops, design, and business.
Where Is Willard Ford Now?
Willard remains linked with Strong Sports Gym in Pasadena. His main public work now centers on fitness. He continues to train clients and run the business.
He no longer owns the Kim Sing Theatre. He sold the property in 2016. Yet the project remains a major part of his career story.
Willard still lives a quiet life compared with his father. He keeps his focus on work, health, and family. He does not chase film fame.
Career Story of Willard Ford
Willard has worked in several business fields. His career includes fashion, furniture, fitness, property work, and event spaces. Each field required a new set of skills.
The Kim Sing Theatre showed his care for old buildings. Ludwig showed his interest in fashion. Strong Sports Gym shows his love of health and sport.
His career has changed over time. Yet one theme stays clear. He likes to build useful places, products, and services.
Final Thoughts
Willard Ford is more than the son of a famous actor. He is a business owner who made his own path. He chose work far from Hollywood films.
His best known projects include the Kim Sing Theatre, Ludwig, and Strong Sports Gym. Each project shows a different side of his career.
Willard has kept his family life private. He has also kept his work clear and active. His life shows that a famous name does not set one fixed path.
FAQs
How old is Willard Ford?
Willard Ford was born on May 14, 1969. He turned 57 years old in May 2026. He is the younger son of Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt.
Is Willard Ford Harrison Ford’s son?
Yes, Willard Ford is Harrison Ford’s biological son. His mother is Mary Marquardt. He is the second child from their marriage.
What does Willard Ford do?
Willard Ford is a business owner and fitness coach. He runs Strong Sports Gym. He has also worked in fashion, furniture, design, and property work.
Does Willard Ford have children?
Yes, Willard Ford has two children. His son is Eliel Ford. His daughter is Guiliana Ford. He keeps their lives away from public view.
Did Willard Ford own the Kim Sing Theatre?
Yes, Willard bought the Kim Sing Theatre in 2000. He repaired the building and used it for shops, events, design work, and private living.
