Alan Austen | Finding Ford Interview 9

Star Wars & Indiana Jones Actor

Finding Ford Interviews Actor Alan Austen (Screenshot)

Alan Austen Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark Finding Ford Interview

Meeting Alan Austen

I first met Alan back in 2016 at Dale-Con 4 where I was looking after the guests, performing at the welcome dinner, and hosting Q&A‘s. It was actually his first convention appearance, and he attended with fellow guest and friend Derek Lyons. We got along really well, and have met up a few times at conventions over the years.

A Man of Many Roles

Alan was in; The Empire Strikes Back as a Hoth Rebel, a Snow Trooper, a Bespin Guard, and a Stormtrooper! He also appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark as a German soldier.

Connecting With Harrison Ford

Alan was one of the two Stormtroopers (along with John Mogridge) who put Han Solo in the Carbon Freezing chamber in Empire. Along with his other roles in the film (which was his first), managed to connect with Harrison Ford on a few occasions.

Alan Unmasked on set of The Empire Strikes Back (next to John Hollis AKA Lobot)

Alan Austen Unmasked on set of Empire Strikes Back

Ⓒ Lucasfilm

Alan Austen Struck By The Wrath Of God in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Alan Austen as German Soldier in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Ⓒ Lucasfilm

West Sussex

As you know, Director Steve and I had interviewed Robert Watts earlier in the day (20th June 2022), after which we packed up and high tailed it over to Alan’s home to interview him. It was very kind of him to invite us over, and we had a great time chatting about his work on both films.

That Connection

We cannot of course reveal the details of our chat, but what we can say is that after meeting Harrison on Empire, Alan worked with him again on Raiders. That connection led to something pretty cool happening, and all will be revealed in Finding Ford. After a full day it was time to hit the road home, I got back through my door about 3:30am…phew!

Expect More From Alan

Alan shared with us that he is currently working on a book, about his time in the film industry. So we would urge you to keep an eye out for that, and we will shout about it too! After retiring from acting in 2000 vowing never to return, he came back to star in Salient Minus Ten, directed by my friend Emma Dark. Please take a few moments to give it a watch on the link below.

Thanks for having us over Alan, and until next time…

May The Ford Be With You.

Two Old Friends After The interview

Alan Austen with Finding Ford Creator Patrick James O'Hare

Watch Alan Austen in Salient Minus Ten

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