Why Harrison Ford Refused to Talk About Carrie Fisher’s Book

Carrie Fisher will forever be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. From her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia in Star Wars to her wit and advocacy for mental health, she left an indelible mark on the world. However, beyond her portrayal of the beloved princess, Fisher was also known for being refreshingly candid about her personal life. In 2016, Fisher released The Princess Diarist, a memoir that caused waves in the entertainment world due to her revelation about a secret love affair with her Star Wars co-star, Harrison Ford.

In The Princess Diarist, Fisher opened up about her three-month-long relationship with Ford, which occurred during the filming of the original Star Wars in 1976. At the time, Fisher was 19, while Ford, aged 33, was married with two children. Fisher described her shock and naiveté regarding the romance, recounting the sense of awe she felt being noticed by Ford.

She wrote, “A tiny part of me felt like I’d won the man lottery, and here I was both counting and spending the money. I was shocked by the fact that he fancied me. I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him.”

The revelation, understandably, sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among Star Wars fans. For decades, their on-screen chemistry had been admired, but Fisher’s candidness about their off-screen relationship came as a surprise. It was a secret that had remained under wraps for nearly 40 years, and its revelation left many wondering how Ford, a notoriously private actor, would respond.

Ford’s reaction to Fisher’s memoir, however, was one of notable restraint. In an interview with GQ, Ford acknowledged that he was aware of the book before its publication and that he had been given a heads-up about its contents. Despite this, he chose to keep his thoughts largely private, admitting to feeling “strange” about the memoir but refusing to engage in detailed discussions about it.

When asked if he had read The Princess Diarist, Ford tersely responded, “No.” Prodded further about his feelings toward the book, Ford offered only a guarded reply, saying, “With Carrie’s untimely passing, I don’t really feel that it’s a subject that I want to discuss.” This sentiment echoed his approach to the relationship itself, as the affair had remained private for decades.

Fisher’s passing in 2016 clearly played a significant role in Ford’s decision to avoid discussing the memoir. In the wake of her death, Ford expressed his grief and sorrow, paying tribute to her vibrant personality and the unique bond they shared. Fisher’s legacy, for Ford, extended far beyond their brief romantic involvement. She was a friend, a talented artist, and someone who had made an indelible impact on his life.

By choosing not to comment on Fisher’s memoir or delve into the specifics of their relationship, Ford demonstrated a sense of respect for Fisher’s memory and legacy. Rather than focus on the personal details she shared in her book, he seemed intent on preserving the broader, more meaningful aspects of their connection.

Ford’s silence on the matter, however, speaks volumes. It reveals his commitment to privacy, his deep respect for Fisher, and his desire to allow her legacy to remain untarnished by tabloid speculation. In the end, while The Princess Diarist offered a glimpse into the private lives of two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, Ford’s refusal to discuss the topic further ensured that Fisher’s memory would be protected and honored in the way he believed she deserved.

Though fans may never know Ford’s full thoughts on the memoir or their affair, his actions—marked by dignity and discretion—speak to the profound respect he held for his co-star. Carrie Fisher may have opened up to the world about their time together, but Harrison Ford’s silence ensures that some stories remain just between them.