Sally Field: A Legendary Career of a Beloved Actress

Sally Field, a renowned actress, boasts an impressive collection of major awards, including the Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. Her notable performances in films such as “Forrest Gump,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Lincoln,” and “Steel Magnolias” have left a lasting impact on audiences.

Commencing her acting journey in 1965, Field took on the lead role in “Gidget.” Since then, her career has encompassed a wide range of TV shows, movies, and Broadway performances.

Beyond her professional success, Sally Field has been open about the challenges she faced in her personal life. In her 2018 memoir titled “In Pieces,” she candidly discusses the hardships she endured, including confronting sexual abuse from her stepfather. The memoir delves into her experiences with depression, self-doubt, and loneliness, offering readers a glimpse into the more difficult aspects of her life journey.

Sally Field entered the world on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, to parents deeply connected to the entertainment industry. Her mother, Margaret Field (nee Morlan), pursued a career as an actress, while her father, Richard Dryden Field, worked as a salesman.

Following her parents’ divorce, Margaret Field remarried to actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney. Sally Field has a brother named Richard Field, and from her mother’s second marriage, she gained a half-sister named Princess O’Mahoney. Both Richard and Princess O’Mahoney are still alive, contributing to the family’s enduring connections over the years.

Sally Field embarked on the journey of marriage with Steven Craig in 1968, and together, they welcomed two sons, Peter and Eli. However, their union faced challenges, leading to a divorce in 1975.

In 1984, Field entered into a second marriage with Alan Greisman, and the couple had a son named Samuel. Despite the new chapter in her personal life, the marriage with Greisman also encountered difficulties, ultimately resulting in a divorce in 1994.

Between the years 1976 and 1980, Field was romantically involved with actor Burt Reynolds. This period of her life, marked by the complexities of their relationship, is detailed in her memoir, shedding light on the challenges she faced during this time.

In her memoir, Sally Field recounts the controlling behavior of Burt Reynolds and reveals how he persuaded her not to attend the Emmy ceremony where she won for her role in “Sybil.”

Interestingly, Reynolds passed away just before the release of Field’s book. In his own memoir, titled “But Enough About Me” and published in 2015, he referred to their failed relationship as “the biggest regret of my life.” This acknowledgment from Reynolds provides a posthumous reflection on the challenges and regrets surrounding their time together.

Over the course of the 30 years leading up to his death, Sally Fields revealed that she and Burt Reynolds had no communication. She stated, “He was not someone I could be around,” emphasizing that being in his company was detrimental to her well-being. Fields explained that Reynolds harbored misconceptions about their relationship, believing her significance to him exceeded reality. However, Sally chose to avoid confronting these issues.

As of now, Sally Field keeps her Oscars and Emmys in a TV room where she enjoys playing video games with her grandkids. Despite this, there are no indications that Field plans to retire. Her film “Spoiler Alert” is set to release next week, and she also has another project titled “80 for Brady” scheduled for 2023. This suggests that she continues to actively engage in her career in the entertainment industry.

The quote from Steven Spielberg highlights Sally Field’s remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. Spielberg, who directed her in “Lincoln,” commends Field for challenging the industry’s norms and forging her own path. He emphasizes her ability to break through limitations, not just in achieving stardom but in securing significant roles in notable movies and TV shows. According to Spielberg, Field’s enduring success is attributed to her consistently good choices and determined spirit, allowing her to navigate the evolving landscape of the entertainment world and secure a unique and lasting place in history.

The statement also acknowledges Field’s enduring popularity over more than six decades, attributing it to her genuine choices, resilience, and her ability to find fulfillment in family life and the role of a grandmother. Spielberg views Field’s story as an inspiration, encouraging everyone to approach each phase of life with gratitude and grace, drawing lessons from her journey.