“She Can Hang with the Guys”: Harrison Ford Opens Up About Helen Mirren’s Unique Strengths

Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, recently shared his admiration for his 1923 costar Helen Mirren, calling her “a broad” for reasons that go beyond mere compliment. In a candid interview published on February 26, 2025, by People magazine, Ford reflected on their dynamic off-set during the filming of 1923 season 2, where the two actors portray the married couple Jacob and Cara Dutton. Ford’s description of Mirren was affectionate and respectful, underlining the deep mutual respect the two share as seasoned actors.

Ford explained that the term “broad” was meant with no disparagement, clarifying that it refers to a woman “that has the bandwidth to hang with men—not just to be a lady with them, but to actually hang with them.” He further emphasized, “She’s a real cool lady,” praising Mirren for her ability to engage with the male cast in an egalitarian manner, underscoring her laid-back yet strong personality.

A Long-Standing Friendship and Professional Partnership

Ford and Mirren’s collaboration on 1923 is far from their first. The two iconic stars first worked together in 1986 on The Mosquito Coast, directed by Peter Weir. Their reunion on 1923 brings a new dimension to their professional relationship, as they now share the screen as a married couple, Jacob and Cara Dutton, in the Yellowstone prequel series. This long-standing history likely contributes to the ease with which Ford describes Mirren, reflecting the deep mutual trust and respect they’ve developed over the years.

Mirren echoed Ford’s sentiments during the interview, noting that their off-set interactions were equally casual and comfortable. “We’d sit around together and shoot the s— off-set,” she added, highlighting the relaxed and friendly atmosphere between them. This casual camaraderie mirrors the dynamic seen on-screen, where the two share an undeniably natural and engaging chemistry as the Duttons.

Understanding the Term “Broad”

Historically, the term “broad” has carried mixed connotations, particularly in mid-20th-century American slang, where it was sometimes used in a derogatory manner to refer to women, often in an informal and objectified way. However, Ford’s use of the term in 2025 was intended as a positive, affectionate description. He specifically clarified that there was no disparagement in calling Mirren a “broad,” and his admiration was based on her ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with male colleagues, both professionally and socially. This reflects a deeper level of respect for Mirren’s strength and versatility, traits that she brings to both her professional and personal life.

Ford’s comment also highlights the collaborative and inclusive environment on set, where informal, gender-neutral interactions are valued. This sentiment is echoed by Mirren, who remarked on the admiration the male cast has for Ford, noting, “All the other blokes absolutely love him, and quite rightfully so” (People). Their off-set relationship is marked by mutual affection, with both actors appreciating each other’s work and contributions to the series.

Media Reception and Public Perception

Ford’s remarks have been widely discussed in the media, but there has been little controversy surrounding the use of the term “broad.” Coverage in outlets such as People and The Hollywood Reporter suggests that Ford’s comment was taken in the spirit it was intended—a compliment that reflects admiration and respect for Mirren’s professionalism and personality. The positive reception of these remarks points to the enduring rapport between the two actors and their longstanding collaboration.

This casual, respectful dynamic was also highlighted in previous media discussions, such as an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2023, where Mirren shared her excitement about filming intimate scenes with Ford. “I had to pretend to be cool” while filming bedroom scenes, she joked, indicating the ease with which the two actors work together, even in more challenging or personal moments.

A Legacy of Trust

The professional trust that Ford and Mirren share was also highlighted in The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage of their decision to join 1923 without even reading the scripts. Mirren expressed, “If Harrison was involved, I knew it would have a certain quality,” showing the deep level of trust and admiration that informs their work together. This trust, built over decades of collaboration, contributes to their comfortable and genuine dynamic on set, allowing them to push boundaries while maintaining an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie.

Conclusion: A Compliment Reflecting Professional Admiration

Harrison Ford’s description of Helen Mirren as a “broad” for her ability to “hang with men” and her “cool” demeanor underscores the strong, mutually respectful relationship they share, both on and off-screen. His comment reflects a deep admiration for her personality and professionalism, reinforcing their close bond as co-stars and friends. In an industry often marked by formality and distance, the warmth and informality between Ford and Mirren provide a refreshing example of genuine collaboration, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Their dynamic in 1923 season 2 continues to capture the hearts of audiences, driven by the respect and chemistry they share—a bond that has been decades in the making.