FORD. Lifesaving feat. AP
Harrison Ford is known for his heroic roles onscreen—but, last week, he figured in an actual courageous act that further enhanced his exceptional, larger-than-life persona: The engine of the vintage plane he was flying con ked out, so he had to crash-land—on a golf course!
Not only did Ford save his life with his expertise as a pilot, but his choice of “instant” airfield away from residential areas prevented others from getting hurt or even killed.
Ford suffered a long gash on his forehead, but is recovering in a hospital. Other pilots have expressed their admiration for his lifesaving feat, because they note that accidents involving old, one-engine planes all too often end in death.
Fans not surprised
For their part, Ford’s fans aren’t surprised by his expertise and courage, because they know him to be a star who doesn’t just “talk heroic” in the roles he essays, but knows how to make them real and thus “walk the talk.”
Ford is by no means the only show biz star who’s turned out to be capable of courage and heroism in real life. Many years ago, cowboy film star Allan Ladd was admired not just for his onscreen derring-do, but for the fact that, before he became a movie star, he was an Air force pilot in World War II.
Physical impediments
For his part, Sean Connery served in Britain’s Royal Navy. Errol Flynn wanted to serve his country during the war, but was prevented from doing so by physical impediments. Undeterred, he still supported the US armed forces’ war efforts by making propaganda movies like “Objective Burma” (1943).
What about Clark Gable? He was so shocked when his wife Carole Lombard died in a 1942 plane crash while selling war bands that he signed up for military service—even if he was overaged!
HACKMAN. Lied about his age—to serve his country. PHOTO from biography.com
Gene Hackman? He joined the US Marines at only 16 years old—by lying about his age. And, like Errol Flynn, Bob Hope didn’t do any fighting during the war, but became a tireless, one-man propaganda and morale-boosting machine, touring Europe and the Far East to entertain US troops.
Of more recent vintage (2014) is the heroic act attributed to Clint Eastwood, who was at a party when he saw another guest choking on a big slice of cheese. Acting quickly, the famous actor-director performed the Heimlich maneuver—and saved the man’s life.
Sean Penn’s own selfless involvements include starting relief and fundraising organizations to help the victims of the destructive earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
New kidney
For his part, Donnie Wahlberg retweeted a blog post about a fan who was in need of a new kidney. Many potential donors responded, one of them was a match, and the organ transplant was successfully effected. —Stellar heroism takes many forms!