Sally Field, the talented actress who has won multiple awards including Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards, is widely recognized for her unforgettable roles in films such as “Forrest Gump,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Lincoln,” and “Steel Magnolias.” At 76 years old, Field has had a remarkable career that spans over six decades.
Field began her acting career in 1965 with the lead role in “Gidget.” Since then, she has graced both the small and big screens with numerous TV appearances, movies, and Broadway performances. She has captivated audiences with her incredible talent and versatility. But beyond her achievements, Field has also been open about her personal struggles.
In her 2018 memoir “In Pieces,” Field bravely discusses the difficult experiences she has faced in her life. She shares about her stepfather’s sexual abuse and opens up about her battles with depression, self-doubt, and loneliness. Her candidness and willingness to share her story have endeared her to many fans.
Born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, Field’s mother, Margaret Field, was also an actress, and her father, Richard Dryden Field, worked as a salesman. Her parents divorced, and her mother later married actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney. Field has a brother named Richard Field and a half-sister named Princess O’Mahoney.
Field’s personal life has also seen its ups and downs. She married Steven Craig in 1968, and they had two sons, Peter and Eli. However, they eventually divorced in 1975. She later married Alan Greisman in 1984, and they had a son named Samuel before their divorce in 1994. Notably, Field was also in a difficult relationship with actor Burt Reynolds from 1976 to 1980.
In her memoir, Field recounts Reynolds’ controlling behavior and how he convinced her not to attend the Emmy ceremony where she won for her role in “Sybil.” Reynolds, who passed away just before her book’s release, later expressed regret about their failed relationship in his own memoir. Despite their past, Field revealed that she had not spoken to Reynolds for 30 years before his passing.
Today, Sally Field is enjoying her life and continues to pursue her passion for acting. She keeps her awards, including Oscars and Emmys, in a TV room where she spends time playing video games with her grandkids. Field shows no signs of retiring from the industry, with her film “Spoiler Alert” set to release next week and another project, “80 for Brady,” scheduled for 2023.
Steven Spielberg, a close friend of Field and director of the film “Lincoln” in which she starred, applauds her contributions to the entertainment industry. He says, “As an actor, she dared this town to typecast her and then simply broke through every dogmatic barrier to find her own way.” Spielberg attributes Field’s success to her good taste, feisty persistence, and ability to adapt and survive in the ever-changing culture of Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Sally Field has won the hearts of viewers everywhere and become an inspiration to many. She has built a meaningful life for herself and her family, embraced the beauty of aging naturally, and found joy in being a grandmother. Field’s story serves as a reminder to all of us to appreciate and embrace each stage of life with grace and gratitude.
