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The Daily Insight

Who is Melissa Mathison, Harrison Ford’s ex-wife?

Author

Samuel Coleman

Published Jan 25, 2026

Melissa Mathison, Harrison Passage’s ex, was a commended screenwriter known for her work on E.T. the Extra-Earthbound
Her joint effort with Steven Spielberg on E.T. moved her to distinction, displaying her ability for creating convincing stories
Mathison’s inheritance reaches out past her relationship with Portage, as her own screenwriting commitments left an enduring effect on the entertainment world

Melissa Mathison, a name that frequently stays in the shadows regardless of her remarkable commitments to the entertainment world, is most popular as the previous spouse of unbelievable entertainer Harrison Passage. Nonetheless, her own achievements as a screenwriter have made a permanent imprint on the true to life scene. As we dive into the existence of Melissa Mathison, we uncover a skilled and visionary person who aided shape probably the most darling movies within recent memory.

Early Life and Profession Starting points:

Born on June 3, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, Melissa Mathison grew up enthusiastically for narrating. She went to the College of California, Berkeley, where she fostered her abilities as an essayist and before long wound up attracted to the universe of film. Her most memorable break came when she was acquainted with chief Francis Portage Coppola, who perceived her true capacity and welcomed her to aid the scriptwriting system for his film The Adoptive parent Part II.

Forward leap with E.T. the Extra-Earthbound:

Nonetheless, it was Melissa Mathison’s coordinated effort with acclaimed chief Steven Spielberg that shot her to noticeable quality. In 1982, Mathison wrote the content for E.T. the Extra-Earthbound, an inspiring story that caught the creative mind of audiences around the world. The film turned into a social peculiarity and stays a getting through work of art. Mathison’s capacity to make a convincing and sincere story reverberated with watchers, and she procured basic praise for her work.

Individual Life and Relationship with Harrison Passage:

During the creation of End of the world Now in 1976, Melissa Mathison met Harrison Passage, who at the time was a rising star. The couple got hitched in 1983 and had two kids together, Malcolm and Georgia. Their marriage went on for a long time before they isolated in 2000, yet they kept a dear fellowship even after their separation.

Later Profession and Heritage: Following the progress of E.T. the Extra-Earthbound, Melissa Mathison kept on dealing with various ventures, exhibiting her flexibility as a screenwriter. She teamed up again with Spielberg on the film The BFG (2016) and chipped away at other outstanding motion pictures like The Indian in the Cabinet (1995) and Kundun (1997), which she additionally co-created.

Melissa Mathison 1950-2015: Remembering Greatness

— One Perfect Shot (@OnePerfectShot) November 5, 2015


Mathison’s work was described by her capacity to make convincing accounts that joined creative mind, feeling, and social pertinence. She had an interesting ability for creating stories that resounded with the two kids and grown-ups, procuring her a standing as one of the business’ most achieved screenwriters.

Passing

Sadly, Melissa Mathison died on November 4, 2015, at 65 years old because of neuroendocrine disease. Her troublesome passing abandoned a void in the entertainment world, yet her excellent ability and commitments to film will be for all time recollected and loved.

Melissa Mathison’s excursion in the realm of film is a demonstration of her ability and devotion. Notwithstanding her relationship with Harrison Passage, Mathison’s inheritance reaches out a long ways past her previous marriage. Her capacity to catch the hearts of audiences through her narrating proceeds to rouse and engage ages of moviegoers. As we praise her commitments to the entertainment world, it is fundamental to perceive Melissa Mathison as a cultivated essayist and visionary who assumed an instrumental part in making realistic wizardry.