It’s rare to see a celebrity today who has not had work done, especially because of the amount of pressure often placed on famous women. It’s hard to be a woman in Hollywood, but – even at 76 years old – Sally Field has defied most of the “rules” put in place.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born in 1946 in Pasadena, California, Sally Field first rose to fame in television series such as Gidget and The Flying Nun. However, she didn’t stop there. Field, now 76 years old, developed into an impressive actress and activist, making a successful transition into film after her television career.
Iconic Films and Awards
Field starred in a plethora of iconic films that have left lasting impressions on audiences. From Smokey and the Bandit to Norma Rae, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump, her talent knows no bounds. In recognition of her remarkable career, she received the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in February of 2023. This prestigious accolade adds to her already impressive list of awards, which includes two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, two SAG Awards, and a Tony nomination.
A Humble Speech and Complicated Acting History
Field is not only known for her acting skills but also for being a vocal activist. Described as ageless and talented, she delivered a humble acceptance speech for her SAG Achievement Award that shed light on her intricate journey as an actress.
“Offstage, I felt shy and careful and hidden. But onstage, I never knew what I would say or do. I would surprise myself. I wasn’t looking for the applause or attention, even though that’s nice,” she confessed. “Acting, to me, has always been about finding those few, precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive. The task has always been to find a way to get to that.”
Styled in a beautiful black dress with her naturally gray hair, Field radiated beauty and grace during the award ceremony. Reflecting on her almost 60-year acting career, she shared, “They opened and revealed parts of myself I would not have known otherwise. I’ve worked my whole life. In all of these almost 60 years, there is not a day that I don’t feel quietly thrilled to call myself an actor.”
Embracing Aging Naturally
When Field played Doris Miller in 2016, an aging and eccentric woman, she spoke openly about the idea of aging naturally. In an interview with NPR, she stated, “I’m an old woman, 70 is old, and that’s okay. I’ve gathered strength behind my years, I owned them, I’ve earned them, I’ve deserved them, I have a right to have them. And I don’t like my neck, I don’t like a lot of things but it’s okay.”
This is not the first time Field has discussed her choice to age gracefully. In a 2009 interview with Good Housekeeping, she revealed how she resisted the urge to get work done throughout her career. Field believes it’s essential to appreciate and respect who we are at every stage of life. She mentioned, “I see myself on TV, and I say, ‘Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck. And your face is falling down, and your eyes are so puffy.’ But then I see some of the women (who have had plastic surgery) who I thought when they were younger were so beautiful. Now I think, Oh, dear, don’t do that! And it seems to be terribly disrespectful to who they are now.”
Field’s choice to embrace her natural self is something to admire, and we believe she is beautiful at any age. How about you? What do you think about her decision to stay true to herself?
