An actor would be foolish to do something that might hold up the picture, or more importantly incapacitate him. If an actor does do a stunt he needs to make sure a stunt man stands by to see that it's done correctly.

He was promoted to commander in 1963 and captain in 1968. He suggested doing a western series instead which resulted in the "modern day western" series Cade's County. Death
Ford suffered a series of minor strokes which left him in frail health in the years leading up to his death.

Despite his versatility Ford was best known for playing ordinary men in unusual circumstances.