Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has reportedly stepped down as a presenter at the 2025 Oscars after being diagnosed with shingles, a viral infection known for causing a painful rash.
The 83-year-old “Indiana Jones” icon received his diagnosis on Friday and made the decision to withdraw from the prestigious awards ceremony by Saturday morning, according to Sources.
Despite the setback, sources close to Ford have assured fans that the actor is resting comfortably and is in stable condition.
Shingles, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is not life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable, often requiring significant recovery time.
Representatives for Ford have yet to comment on the situation.
Ford’s withdrawal comes just days after he was announced as one of the presenters for the Oscars, joining a star-studded lineup that included Rachel Zegler, Zoe Saldaña, Samuel L. Jackson, and Gal Gadot.
His last public appearance was at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards in Los Angeles on February 23, where he was photographed beaming alongside his Shrinking co-star Wendie Malick, who played his on-screen love interest.
Despite his recent health challenges, Ford has remained in good spirits. In an interview published on February 27, the actor opened up about his physical fitness while discussing the filming of Season 2 of 1923, a role that requires him to spend considerable time on horseback.
“I think the demands are not really as daunting as they look,” Ford said with his trademark humility.
“I spent half an hour on a horse, and from a contemporary point of view, you look at that and think, ‘Wow, people used to do that all the time.’ But honestly, it’s not that difficult.”
Ford’s resilience extends beyond his professional life. Earlier this year, he faced personal stress when his Brentwood, California, estate was threatened by the devastating Palisades fire in January.
The actor was photographed riding in the back of a police car as officers assisted him in checking on his property.
In a moment that captured his laid-back demeanor, Ford was seen sipping an iced beverage during the outing, opting for comfort over protective gear.
The fire, which caused widespread destruction in the area, added to what has been a challenging period for the veteran actor.
As Ford focuses on his recovery, fans around the world are sending their well-wishes, hoping to see the beloved star back on his feet—and perhaps back on horseback—soon.
His absence from the Oscars will undoubtedly be felt, but his health remains the top priority.
