Harrison Ford is leaving behind his iconic “Indiana Jones” hat and is pretty emotional about it. As the 80-year-old actor prepares to say goodbye to the role after the final movie, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” he shared why his character and the franchise are loved by fans worldwide.

In a BBC Radio 1 interview, Ford said, “I think the thing that I most admire about them is the depth and subtlety of the emotions and the importance of emotion in these films. As this last one concerns age and frailty and changing nature of life, it was especially compelling to me because I am of that age, and I wanted it to feel real for the audience. I wanted them to see the complexity of that experience with someone they’ve spent 40 years with.”

Ford has played Indiana Jones five times in the popular franchise. During the heartfelt interview, Ford discussed his gratitude for his fans as his chapter with “Indiana Jones” finally ends. “And I must say to you thank you sincerely,” Ford tearfully added. “It means the world to me.”

Ford also got choked up during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival last month. He attended the “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” premiere with his wife, Calista Flockhart. Variety reported that once the film concluded, a standing ovation lasted more than five minutes in the Palais des Festivals.

Cannes Festival Director Thierry Frémaux also awarded Ford a surprise Palme d’Or. The award was founded in 1955 and is the highest prize at the festival. According to Variety, Ford said, “I’m very moved by this. They say when you’re about to die, you see your life flash before your eyes, and I just saw my life flash before my eyes. A great part of my life, but not all of my life. My life has been enabled by my lovely wife, who has supported my passion and my dreams, and I’m grateful.”

Ford may be turning 81 soon, but he’s shown little signs of slowing down. He’s scheduled to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking over the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in “Captain America: New World Order.” He also stars in two popular shows, “1923,” the “Yellowstone” prequel with co-star Helen Mirren and “Shrinking,” alongside Jason Segel. Both shows have been renewed for a second season.