They didn't believe he'd make it. Today, he's worth $300 million.

In a recent interview, one of Hollywood's most famous actors recalled the surprising advice a film studio executive gave him years ago. Harrison Ford revealed that the suggestion involved changing his "pretentious" name and hairstyle. "He asked me to cut my hair like Elvis Presley," the "Indiana Jones" star revealed.

Although Harrison Ford is currently one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in the Dream Factory, his beginnings in the film industry were not easy. Before achieving global fame, the future movie star struggled unsuccessfully for a dozen years to break into Hollywood. He made his screen debut in 1966, playing a cameo role as a bellhop in the crime thriller "Smart Ed." Ford wasn't even credited. Under his contract with Columbia Pictures, the film's producer, he earned just $150 a week for his work on set.

Speaking with Variety, the 83-year-old star of "The Fugitive" recalled a meeting with the studio's head of new talent. The actor, who had hoped for words of encouragement or an offer to star in another production, was met with a painful disappointment. He was told that "there's no future in this industry" unless he undergoes an image makeover.

" He wanted me to change my name. He thought Harrison Ford was too pretentious for a young man. Then he asked me to cut my hair like Elvis Presley. I refused. My seven-year contract ended after a year and a half," Ford revealed.

Harrison Ford on the beginnings of his career / Hutchins Photo / PAP

The star, however, had to wait a while for major success. At one point, constant rejections at casting calls even forced him to abandon his dream profession – he decided to try his hand at being a… carpenter. His breakthrough came in the early 1970s, when Ford landed a small role in George Lucas' drama "American Graffiti."

It was thanks to this episode that the unknown actor caught the attention of producer Fred Roos , who later helped him land an audition for "Star Wars." To his own surprise, Ford landed the role. His role as Han Solo in the iconic film catapulted him to immense popularity and launched a brilliant career that spanned decades.

The three-time Saturn Award winner revealed that he met the Columbia Pictures executive many years later at an industry event.

"He sent me a card and wrote, 'I missed it.' I looked around and couldn't remember which one, but then he nodded and smiled, and I thought, 'Oh yeah, I know you,'" Ford recalled.

The star, whose net worth is estimated at $300 million, once revealed in an interview with People that his dreams of acting had nothing to do with the desire to acquire a great fortune and win the admiration of viewers.

"Nobody believes me, but I really didn't want to be famous or rich. I just wanted to work as an actor, earn a living that way, so I wouldn't have to look for additional sources of income," he assured.