From Margaritaville to Hollywood: Harrison Ford Reveals Jimmy Buffett’s Surprising Impact on His Style

Harrison Ford, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, is not typically the type to make a fashion statement. However, even the most stoic of stars can be influenced by those they admire, and Ford recently revealed that the late Jimmy Buffett, the beloved “Margaritaville” rock star, had a surprising impact on his personal style.

During the Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett event at the Hollywood Bowl, Ford shared a humorous and heartfelt story about how Buffett inspired him to make an impulsive decision that led to a lasting change—getting his ear pierced. Ford, now 82, reminisced about a particularly memorable lunch with Buffett and legendary CBS News correspondent Ed Bradley. It was Bradley’s birthday, and after a long—some might say “boozy”—meal, Ford noticed that both Buffett and Bradley had earrings. In a spontaneous moment of inspiration, Ford decided to join in. “Right after lunch, I got my ear pierced,” Ford recalled. “That’s just how infectious Jimmy’s coolness is.”

Ford went on to describe how the moment embodied Buffett’s unique ability to influence those around him. “Infectious enough for a 40-year-old man to spontaneously get his f—ing ear pierced,” Ford said with a laugh. “And infectious enough to create an entire culture around his music.” The actor reflected on how Buffett’s laid-back, fun-loving spirit was not just a trend but a lifestyle that extended far beyond his music. “There will never be another like Jimmy,” Ford added, emphasizing the indelible mark Buffett left on the world.

But it wasn’t just Buffett’s style that impressed Ford—it was his kindness and generosity of spirit. Ford spoke about the generosity of Buffett’s character, noting that “usually cool guys are not that nice,” but Buffett defied that stereotype. “He was more than nice,” Ford said. “He was kind. He was beloved by his family, by his friends, by his band, his crew and his collaborators, and he loved them all back.”

Buffett’s influence on Ford wasn’t limited to fashion and personality; it even stretched to how Ford approached life. In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ford had shared how a near-fatal plane accident in 2015 had prompted him to make significant life changes. Among those changes was a newfound appreciation for safety, especially when it came to flying vintage airplanes—a hobby Buffett himself had a passion for. Ford reflected on the incident, explaining that he didn’t want to experience another close call and acknowledged that, as Buffett famously said, “S— happens.”

This tribute event, which brought together an array of stars like Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Jane Fonda, and Woody Harrelson, was a testament to the widespread love and admiration for Jimmy Buffett. His influence was felt not only in the world of music but also in the hearts and minds of those who were lucky enough to call him a friend.

As Ford’s story reminds us, Jimmy Buffett’s legacy isn’t just about tropical tunes and carefree living—it’s about kindness, spontaneity, and living life to the fullest. Whether it was inspiring an actor to get his ear pierced or shaping a culture of joy and camaraderie, Buffett’s impact on Hollywood and beyond is undeniable. As Ford so aptly put it, “There will never be another like Jimmy.”