Is Mary Marquardt Still Facing Health Issues? Everything You Should Know About Her

Mary Marquardt, the ex-wife of Harrison Ford, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incurable disease, shortly after her divorce from the ‘Blade Runner’ actor. After their separation, she turned herself away from the media spotlight, so, many are curious about the update of her health issues.

Marquardt and Ford were a formidable couple back in the 1960s and the 1970s. The tales of her being a supportive wife through Harrison’s thick & thin is one to look for in Hollywood. However, their relationship didn’t withstand the test of time. Read the full article to know more.

Key Takeaways:

• Mary Marquardt is still suffering from health problems; she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the late 1980s.
• Famous as the ex-wife of actor Harrison Ford, Mary is a former chef and illustrator.
• She married her college-time boyfriend Harrison Ford on June 18, 1964, & was instrumental in supporting Ford in his early career.
• They divorced in 1979 after Ford’s extra-marital affair with Carrie Fisher, who was the latter’s co-star in Star Wars.
• While together, they welcomed two sons: Benjamin Ford and Willard Ford.

Is Mary Marquardt Still Facing Health Issues?

Yes, unfortunately, Mary is still facing health issues to this day, but there are no updates on how is she doing and if she is getting any better. Marquardt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the late 1980s, a few years after her divorce from Ford.

MS is a disease that affects the body’s central nervous system and spinal cord.

Despite her ailments, she was able to raise her two sons: Ben and Willard, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Harrison Ford.

Marquardt’s Sons Didn’t Know Their Mother’s Illness

Mary’s eldest son, Ben, stated in a 2017 YouTube video, Reimagining MS with Celebrity Chef Ben Ford, that his mother was living with multiple sclerosis for more than 3 decades. According to him, when they were young, they didn’t have an idea of her illness as its symptoms changed all the time.

Moreover, she used to keep her battle with deteriorating health a secret from her loved ones. But as Marquardt’s family got a hold of her disease, more supporting hands came.

Lost Her Cooking Skills: Passed The Legacy To Her Son

While she got accustomed to the sickness, Mary, who is a former chef, lost her ability to cook. Rather than abandoning cooking, she taught her son, Ben, how to cook and prepare dishes. Now, Benjamin is a chef-restaurateur.

Mary Marquardt Worked As A Chef

Born in 1945, in an American family, Mary, started as a cook and later became a chef. She is a Rippon College alum where she was one of the most popular cheerleaders but shifted her focus to culinary arts after graduation.

As reported, even after her divorce from Harrison, she and her son, Ben, continued to work at her former husband-owned Filling Station, in Culver City, California. But as her health condition began to worsen, she opted to remain at home and raise her kids.

Where Did Mary And Her Ex-Husband Harrison Ford Meet?

It was during their college days at Ripon College, that Mary met Harrison, whom she would marry (later divorce). Both of them were teenagers at the time; while Ford had an ambition for an acting career, she wanted to turn her cooking passion into a profession.

Marquardt Was A Formidable Support During Ford’s Early Struggle

The now-former couple married on June 18, 1964, but at that time, none had a flourishing career of their own. As Ford was longing for a career in showbiz, his then-wife Mary aided him in every possible way she could.

To find better opportunities for her spouse, she pursued her husband to travel to Los Angeles and drove their Volkswagen bus to the Pacific coast. Ford first tried out as a voice artist but didn’t seal the deal, instead, he got a $150-per-week deal with ‘Columbia Pictures’ in California.

It was the tip of the iceberg for the success to come for Harrison.

Immense Fame & Infiedielity Led To Divorce

During the mid-70s, Ford landed in a handful of successful projects like American Graffiti (1973), and The Conversation (1974), before his big break in 1977 as Han Solo in Star Wars.

Although Harrison’s fame was beginning to climb up, the intense work schedule also began to impact his marriage to Mary.

After the actor’s extra-marital affair with his Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher came to light, his & Mary’s relationship was done for. In 1979, Marquardt and Ford had a low-profile divorce, ending 15 years of marriage.

Mary’s Sons With Harrison Are Both Successful In Their Careers

In the first 2 years of their marriage, Marquardt and Ford became parents for the first time, as they welcomed son Benjamin “Ben” Ford, on September 22, 1966. Their second son, Willard Ford was born on May 14, 1969.

Ben followed his mother’s footsteps and took cooking. Now, he is a chef and restaurateur who co-owns Ford’s Filling Station at Los Angeles International Airport. On the other, Willard is a successful clothier & entrepreneur; he is the owner of Strong Sports Gym and Ludwig Clothing Company.

Aside from her own sons, Mary is the stepmother of her husband’s kids from other relationships: Malcolm Ford (b. March 10, 1987) & Georgia Ford (b. June 30, 1990), with Melissa Mathiason, and Liam Flockhart (adopted) with Calista Flockhart.

Mary Marquardt’s Net Worth

Marquardt’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2023, thanks to her career as a chef in her heydays. When she divorced Ford, he was in the early stage of good earnings, so, it’s not clear if she received an alimony.

There is no denying that because of Harrison’s successful career and status as one of Hollywood’s wealthiest performers, more people are curious about her first wife’s fate. While she remains low-key, the luxurious lifestyle of her ex-husband Ford is not new in Hollywood- after all, he owns a net worth of $300 million.