Harrison Ford said he views his relationship with fans as being part of the customer service industry [1].
This perspective highlights a shift in how veteran actors perceive the commercial nature of celebrity and the expectations of the modern audience. By framing the profession as a service, Ford acknowledges the transactional element of storytelling and fame.
Ford shared these thoughts during The Hollywood Reporter's Comedy Actor Emmy Roundtable [1]. The discussion took place at the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica [1]. During the event, he addressed the specific dynamic between a performer and the people who consume their work.
Ford said that the core of the profession is based on the delivery of a product to a consumer. He said, "We sell stories" [1]. This framing suggests that the actor serves as a medium through which the audience accesses a narrative experience.
By comparing the role to customer service, Ford suggests that the actor's primary responsibility is to satisfy the audience's desire for a compelling tale. This approach strips away the mystique often associated with movie stardom, replacing it with a professional obligation to the viewer.
The conversation occurred as part of a broader roundtable focusing on the comedic craft and the industry's current landscape [1]. Ford's comments stand out for their pragmatism regarding the entertainment business.
“"We sell stories."”
Ford's characterization of acting as 'customer service' reflects a pragmatic view of the entertainment industry. Rather than viewing the actor as an untouchable artist, this perspective positions the performer as a service provider in a commercial ecosystem. It underscores the reality that high-budget cinema and television are products designed for consumer satisfaction, where the 'service' is the emotional and narrative engagement of the audience.
