Harrison Ford Reflects on Battling Depression in College

The 'Star Wars' icon opened up about his mental health struggles during his university years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:23pm

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An abstract, high-contrast photograph of a crumpled, textured piece of paper in shades of gray and black, conveying a sense of isolation and inner turmoil.A textured, moody close-up captures the emotional weight of Harrison Ford's personal battle with depression during his college years.Ripon Today

In a candid interview, legendary actor Harrison Ford revealed that he struggled with severe depression while attending Ripon College in Wisconsin. Ford described isolating himself in his dorm room, rarely venturing out, and even getting expelled just days before graduation due to plagiarism in his senior thesis. However, the actor credits a drama class with helping him find a sense of community and purpose, ultimately changing the trajectory of his life.

Why it matters

Ford's openness about his mental health challenges during a formative period of his life provides an important perspective on the struggles many young people face in college. His story highlights the value of finding supportive communities and creative outlets, even in the midst of personal turmoil.

The details

Ford recalled spending most days isolated in his single dorm room, only getting up to order pizza and then returning to bed. He said he would rarely attend class, and when he did, he would just 'touch the door on the outside of the building, and turn around and walk back.' Ford admitted he was 'more than depressed' and 'socially ill, psychologically not well' at the time. However, enrolling in a drama class proved to be a turning point, as Ford discovered a community of 'storytellers' who helped him feel like he belonged.

  • Ford attended Ripon College in Wisconsin in the early 1960s.
  • Four days before his college graduation, Ford was expelled for plagiarism in his senior thesis.

The players

Harrison Ford

An acclaimed American actor best known for his roles in the 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises.

Ripon College

A private liberal arts college located in Ripon, Wisconsin, where Ford attended in the early 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“I would get up out of my single bed, go to a phone, order a pizza, go back and lay down in bed until the pizza came. I would eat the pizza, throw the wrappers in the corner, go back to sleep.”

— Harrison Ford, Actor

“I was more than depressed. I think I was ill. I was socially ill, psychologically not well.”

— Harrison Ford, Actor

“I think I simply found my place amongst storytellers. It was the story that gave me a focus and an opportunity to think about something and be part of it with a group of people. It really changed my world, changed my life.”

— Harrison Ford, Actor

What’s next

Ford did not indicate any specific future plans or events related to this story.

The takeaway

Harrison Ford's candid account of his mental health struggles in college serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of finding supportive communities and creative outlets, even in the midst of personal turmoil. His story underscores the transformative impact that discovering one's true passion can have on an individual's life trajectory.