People: George H.W. Bush takes birthday leap at 90
Former President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday on Thursday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in coastal Maine, fulfilling a goal he made five years ago after a similar jump even though he can no longer use his legs.
The nation’s 41st president jumped from a helicopter at about 6,000 feet while harnessed to retired Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott, a former member of the Golden Knights, the Army’s parachute team. Elliott guided Bush to a safe landing on his 85th birthday.
“That’s what he wanted for his 90th birthday and that’s what he got,” Elliott said. “It’s a very good feeling to be involved and be able to turn back time.”
The helicopter picked up Bush outside his Kennebunkport home. His family transported him from his wheelchair to the chopper, singing “Happy Birthday” before it took off.
Bush floated to the ground under a red, white and blue parachute and landed on the lawn of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, where scores of friends and family had gathered. Elliott said Bush’s foot got tangled up underneath him during the landing, causing him to tumble forward onto the ground. A spokesman later said the former president was feeling “fine.”
Ford hurts ankle on ‘Star Wars’ set
Harrison Ford was hospitalized after being injured on the set of “Star Wars: Episode VII.”
Disney said the 71-year-old actor was being treated for an ankle injury that happened during filming Thursday. The “Star Wars” sequel is being filmed outside of London.
The accident wasn’t a stunt sequence, but involved the door of a spacecraft from the film. A local police report on the incident cited a “garage door” injuring a 71-year-old man, but it didn’t name Ford.
The Millennium Falcon, which Ford’s Han Solo piloted in the first “Star Wars” trilogy,” was recently disclosed as part of “Episode VII.”
Disney said shooting will continue.
The birthday bunch
Artist Christo is 79. Magician Siegfried (Siegfried & Roy) is 75. Actor Malcolm McDowell is 71. Actor Richard Thomas is 63. Comedian Tim Allen is 61. Actress Ally Sheedy is 52. Actor Steve-O is 40. Actor Chris Evans is 33. Twin actresses Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen are 28.