Harrison Ford Opens Up About College Depression

The legendary actor details his struggles with isolation and pizza deliveries during his time as a student.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, greasy pizza box lid, capturing the worn texture and faint reflections in dramatic studio lighting to abstractly represent the themes of isolation and depression in the story.The worn, discarded remnants of a pizza delivery, a symbol of the isolation and depression that actor Harrison Ford grappled with during his college years.Ripon Today

In a recent interview, 83-year-old actor Harrison Ford has revealed details about his experience with severe depression while attending college at Ripon College in the early 1960s. Ford described a period of intense isolation, where he would frequently shut himself off from others and spend much of his time confined to his room, only getting up to order pizza. The depression made it difficult for Ford to engage with his academic responsibilities, with the actor recalling days where he would reach the door of a classroom building but turn around without going inside.

Why it matters

Ford's personal history with mental health provides important context to his recent work in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama series 'Shrinking', which focuses on themes of mental health and personal struggle. By opening up about his own experiences, the legendary actor sheds light on the challenges many college students face and the importance of seeking support.

The details

Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, Ford explained that during his time at Ripon College, he would frequently shut himself off from other people, spending much of his time confined to his room. '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,' the actor recalled. Ford noted that the depression made it difficult to engage with his academic responsibilities, stating that there were days when he would reach the door of a classroom building, touch the door, and then turn around and walk back without ever going inside.

  • Ford attended Ripon College in the early 1960s.

The players

Harrison Ford

An 83-year-old legendary actor known for his iconic roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.

Ripon College

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

The takeaway

Ford's openness about his personal struggles with depression during his college years provides valuable insight into the challenges many students face and the importance of seeking support. His experience also aligns with the themes explored in his recent work, highlighting the actor's commitment to addressing mental health issues in his art.