Born in Los Angeles, CA. A former babysitter for Francis and Eleanor Coppola, she entered American film as a location assistant for THE GODFATHER, PART II (1974). She was an executive assistant on APOCALYPSE NOW (1979). Her first screenwriting credit was THE BLACK STALLION (1979). Other notable writing credits, alone or in collaboration, include THE ESCAPE ARTIST (1982), TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE (1983, segment #2 as Josh Rogan), THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD (1995) and KUNDUN (1997, also co-producer). Mathison was married to actor Harrison Ford, with whom she has 2 children, from 1983 to 2004.  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1982: E-T -- THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 1 nomination