Who is Malcolm Ford? Harrison Ford's musician son turned to drugs after his parents separated when he was a teen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As the highly anticipated release of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' draws near, the spotlight once again shines on the legendary actor Harrison Ford. Today, we delve into the life of his son Malcolm Ford, who has faced numerous obstacles despite his father's immense success. Being born into a family of exceptional talent doesn't automatically guarantee an easy path in life. Malcolm, son of Harrison Ford and screenwriter Melissa Mathison, possesses innate musical abilities, and has diligently honed his skills to establish his own identity. Today, we explore what makes him an intriguing figure beyond his association with the Hollywood legend.
Early life and challenges
Malcolm was born on October 3, 1987, in the United States. He is Harrison's first child from his second marriage to Melissa Mathison. Along with two half-brothers, Benjamin and Willard, from his father's previous marriage, Malcolm has a younger biological sister named Georgia Ford, born on June 30, 1990. Growing up, Malcolm attended a regular school in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Dealing with his parents' separation
Malcolm faced the challenges of his parents' separation during his teenage years. Harrison and Melissa were married on March 14, 1983, and remained together for nearly 17 years before their split in August 2001. Their divorce was finalized on January 6, 2004, with Melissa receiving an estimated $118 million settlement and future royalty shares from films made during their marriage.
The news of his parents' separation hit Malcolm hard, and he struggled to accept the new reality. Coping with the emotional turmoil, he turned to drugs and eventually sought help through a rehab facility. Family therapy played a vital role in his recovery, allowing him to find solace and redirect his focus toward a fresh start. Throughout this transformative journey, Malcolm discovered a deep passion for music.
Delving into music
In the wake of his parents' divorce and his personal challenges, Malcolm channeled his energy and passion into music. In 2008, he met Jack Byrne, the son of actor Gabriel Byrne and actress Ellen Barkin, in New York. At the time, Malcolm had already dropped out of college, while Byrne was still attending high school. The two bonded over their shared interests in blues music, Call of Duty, and marijuana. Jack became Malcolm's guitar mentor, and their friendship grew.
Inspired by their musical connection, Malcolm and Jack decided to form a band. In 2008, they established The Dough Rollers as a two-piece outfit. Over time, the band evolved and welcomed Julia Tepper as their singer. Her encouragement prompted the duo to explore different genres and expand their musical horizons. After playing numerous gigs and shows, the band released their self-titled debut album in 2010, featuring ten tracks spanning country, blues, and more.
Artists Malcolm Ford & Max Snow make a statement by pushing culture forward. #MakeLove http://t.co/xFK1gZi0K4 pic.twitter.com/x5zVVGfz6C
— Gap (@Gap) December 21, 2013
Following the departure of Julia Tepper, The Dough Rollers released their second album, 'Someday Baby,' in 2011. To bolster the band's success, Malcolm and Jack recruited drummer Kyle Olsen and bassist Josh Barocas. With Malcolm as the lead singer and backup guitarist and Jack contributing vocals and guitar, the band solidified its lineup. They signed with Third Man Records, owned by Jack White, and released their first EP, 'Gone Baby Gone,' in 2014. The Dough Rollers have shared stages with renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, John Mellencamp, and Queens of the Stone Age, garnering an expanding fan base.
The loss of Malcolm's mother
While Malcolm was finding his path through music, tragedy struck once again. On November 4, 2015, Malcolm's mother, Melissa Mathison, passed away at the age of 65 after battling neuroendocrine cancer in Los Angeles. Melissa, a highly respected screenwriter, was known for her work on iconic films like 'E.T. The Extraterrestrial' and 'Black Stallion.' Her death deeply affected Malcolm, as he shared a close bond with his mother.
A private personal life
Similar to his father, Malcolm keeps his personal life largely shielded from the public eye. One notable romantic connection was his brief relationship with Canadian model Jessica Stam in 2008. Jessica, recognized as part of a group of "Doll Faces" supermodels, ranked among the top-earning models at the time. However, aside from this relationship, information regarding Malcolm's romantic involvements remains scarce. Meanwhile, he proudly wears his passion for tattoos, adorning his arms with various designs that add to his musician persona. In the short documentary/comedy movie 'Water to Wine,' he appeared as a snowboarder, showcasing his diverse interests. Notably, his father made a cameo as a favor to his son, playing the role of Jethro the bus driver.
Siblings and family
Malcolm shares a unique family dynamic with his two half-older brothers, his biological sister, and an adopted brother from his father's third marriage. Benjamin Ford, his eldest half-brother, was born on September 22, 1966, from Harrison Ford's first marriage. Benjamin pursued a career as a professional chef and owns Ford's Filling Station gastropubs in Los Angeles and at LAX Terminal 5. He is happily married to Emily Tomerlin and has two children.
Willard Ford, Malcolm's second eldest half-brother, was born on May 14, 1969. Willard owns a boxing gym called Strong Sports Gym in Los Angeles, as well as the Ludwig Clothing Company. He co-owns Ford & Ching and has a son named Eliel, born in 1993. As Malcolm Ford continues his journey in music, he navigates the complexities of life with resilience and determination, according to a biography by Spock&Christine.