The Reluctant Movie Star

Notoriously private Harrison Ford barely managed to survive the American Film Institute's tribute to him. The man who just about ruled the last three decades of American motion pictures enjoyed a night of great fun and lots of stars, televised Wednesday night on CBS from 8 to 9 p.m. ET Wednesday.

The Early Show's Mark McEwen spoke to Ford about his reaction to the honor.

"Well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I think they say," Ford said, adding, "It was a bit of a strain, but I'm very appreciative of the honor."

Among those honoring Ford were George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

"First, there was a void. Then, there was George," Ford quipped. "He really made so much difference in the progress of my career. Came along with American Graffiti when I was a carpenter. You can't imagine having more of a push behind you than the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. And that all comes down from George and Steven, of course. So I'm ever so grateful to those two guys."

Star Wars changed his career and brought him worldwide fame.

"I regret the loss of anonymity. I really would prefer to pass less noticed through life," says the actor. "But it's the deal with the devil. On the other side of it all came the opportunity that came with the familiarity. And they are worthy opportunities."

His Oscar nomination for his performance in Witness was especially meaningful to him.

"As much as I have acknowledged George and Steven's great help in building my career, at a certain point I needed to demonstrate a capacity to take on the challenges of a leading man role in a film without George or Steven," Ford explained. "There was some industry speculation, I suppose, at that time whether or not I could be successful at that. Witness was a successful film by all accounts, and so I think that question was laid to rest at that point. It was a silly question, anyway."

It does seem especially silly, looking back on a career spanning 33 years, with box office receipts of more than $3 billion.