Harrison Ford has been pictured for the first time since the Indiana Jones actor was forced to cancel his appearance at the Oscars earlier this month after being diagnosed with shingles.
The 82-year-old appeared to be in decent health as he was photographed arriving at the airport after flying his private jet into LAX on Sunday.
The Star Wars legend looked in good spirits as he disembarked his aircraft wearing a crisp blue shirt with denim jeans and sunglasses.
© BACKGRIDHarrison was also seen carrying his bags, including a briefcase and a rucksack, perhaps to accommodate only a short stint in LA.
The actor was due to make an appearance at the Academy Awards in Hollywood earlier this month, not only as an attendee but to present an award at the prestigious ceremony.
Harrison Ford's recent battle with shingles
However, Harrison had no choice but to cancel the engagement as he had recently received a diagnosis of shingles.
Harrison Ford: 5 suprising facts
© Getty Images1. Advertising man
Alongside his acting career, Harrison became a major figure in Japan due to his appearances in several commercials. His most notable endorsement was for Kirin Lager.
2. Hollywood heartthrob
In his younger years, Harrison portrayed iconic characters like Hans Solo and Indiana Jones, earning him swooning fans. Off camera, Harrison he was married three times and had a three-month romantic affair with Carrie Fisher during the filming of Star Wars.
3. Real-life pilot
Harrison isn't just a pilot in The Expendables - he's a trained aviator who has saved people in real life. Though never asked by authorities, the actor owns multiple planes and helicopters putting his skills to good use. In 2001, he rescued a lost Boy Scout in Wyoming’s Yellowstone, according to ABC News.
4. Spider Ford
While celebrities often have planets named after them, Harrison has a spider species named in his honour. The spider species Calponia harrisonfordi was named after him according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
5. Signature chin scar
One of Harrison's distinct features is his chin scar, which he explained to Parade was the result of "a fast car crash." When he was younger, he was driving to work and veered into a telephone pole while trying to put on his seatbelt.
Entertainment Tonight confirmed the news and stated he was "doing okay and resting at home".
© BACKGRIDWe spoke to dermatology nurse Emma Coleman about what shingles can do to the body. The virus typically occurs after the age of 50 years and in those with compromised immunity.
She explains: "The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash, often on the abdomen. If the rash appears on the face, it can affect the eyes too. The first signs of shingles can be: a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin a headache and general malaise. The shingles rash will often appear a few days following these symptoms and can become pustular."
"The recovery period can be equally tough, and take up to four weeks in some cases. Emma elaborates: "First, the blisters will scab over, and the scabs slowly clear over a period of 2-4 weeks. Antiviral oral medication helps to speed up recovery. Approximately 10-18% of shingles sufferers develop a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia, a nerve pain which lasts for several months after the rash has cleared."
© Agency/NurPhoto/ShutterstockHarrison hasn't spoken out publicly about his illness or recovery, but his choice to fly his own plane to California indicates he's thankfully feeling more himself.
Harrison Ford flies into LAX, leaving 800-acre ranch behind
From the photographs published, it appears Harrison was flying without his wife, Calista Flockhart.
Calista has spent recent weeks over on the East Coast while appearing in an Off-Broadway revival of Sam Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class, which is running until April 6.
It's not known where Harrison was arriving from, but it's common knowledge that the Star Wars legend and keen aviator flies to and from his mammoth ranch in Wyoming, where he and Calista spend a lot of their time.
© Getty ImagesTheir private home, located along the Snake River, has multiple bedrooms to host his family and friends and vast gardens surrounded by trees, which add an extra layer of privacy.
The house is in Jackson Hole, a valley in the mountain ranges near the border of Idaho.
After buying the generously sized plot, Harrison ended up selling off a lot of the land to a nature reserve, which aims to protect natural wildlife and resources.
© FilmMagicHarrison has said in previous interviews that he likes to fly his planes while staying in Wyoming and enjoys a relaxed, rural way of living.
"When I'm up in Wyoming, I just walk out the door and keep walking…if my chores are done and there's nothing more pressing and the weather's good, I'll go flying – I love to fly up there – or walk in the woods, do some work, ride my road bike or mountain bike."
The couple, who have been together since 2002, also have a home in Brentwood, California, so it's likely Harrison will be heading to his second property after arriving in Los Angeles.
