Sally Field, a distinguished presence in Hollywood, has graced the industry since the 1960s. Over her nearly six-decade-long career, she has garnered recognition and praise for her exceptional talent and accomplishments. Sally has thrived as a leading actress in both film and television, showcasing her versatility as a director as well. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sally is known for her compassion and unwavering dedication to social causes.
Sally Field was born on November 8, 1946, in Pasadena, California. Born to Margaret Field and a father who served in World War II, her parents’ relationship ended in separation, after which Margaret married Jock Mahoney, a multifaceted figure in the entertainment world as both an actor and a stuntman. Growing up in such an environment, it was almost inevitable that Sally would find her path to success as an actress. Her journey began with roles in television shows like “Gidget” and “The Flying N.”
Throughout the years, Sally has cemented her place in the industry. On February 26, 2023, she graciously accepted the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, reflecting on her illustrious career in film and television during her heartfelt speech.
Despite her 76 years, Sally Field remains as radiant and elegant as the characters she has brought to life on screen. Her modesty and insight only add to her charm, endearing her to generations of fans who continue to cherish her presence.
Sally has encountered a challenging journey grappling with her aging process, exacerbated by an underlying health condition that has affected her physical well-being. Moreover, she has contended with disparaging feedback regarding her appearance. Thankfully, Sally has found solace and strength in the unwavering support and inspiration of her family, enabling her to reclaim her confidence and resilience. For further insight into Sally’s story, including her medical struggles and the role of her family, read on.
A vocal advocate against ageism in the entertainment realm, Sally has been outspoken about the disproportionate impact it has on women, sparking significant discourse. The media and online platforms often perpetuate negative criticisms and unrealistic standards, particularly concerning women’s physical appearance. Female celebrities and public figures, especially as they age, frequently face harsh scrutiny and unfounded accusations of resorting to cosmetic interventions to conceal their years.
According to her interview with Good Housekeeping in 2009, Sally has consistently been hesitant to undergo any type of surgical procedure.
“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.”
As time has progressed, Sally has continued to flourish in her career, securing roles albeit perhaps not as prominent as those of her youth. Nevertheless, her stance on ageism remains unwavering.
In a 2019 NPR interview discussing her film “Hello, My Name is Doris,” Sally openly addressed her age, reflecting on how she has reconciled with the changes that accompany aging.
“I’m an old woman, 70 is old, and that’s OK,” Sally asserted. “I’ve amassed strength over the years, I’ve embraced them, I’ve earned them, I’ve deserved them, I have every right to them. And though I may not like certain aspects, like my neck, it’s OK.”
Despite her public persona, many are unaware of Sally’s undisclosed medical condition, which has affected her physical appearance. In a 2006 interview with WebMD, a year after she publicly disclosed her battle with osteoporosis, Sally confessed to long harboring concerns about her susceptibility to the condition.
“At nearly 60, I was slender, petite, Caucasian, and approaching age 60. Yet, I was astonished at how swiftly a woman could transition from being at risk to suffering from full-blown osteoporosis.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, osteoporosis is a prevalent condition characterized by a decline in bone density and mass. It’s important to note that this ailment is triggered by the decrease in estrogen levels that women undergo as they approach menopause, as estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density.
Consequently, Sally has encountered backlash on social media regarding her appearance, with some individuals labeling her as “ugly,” “disgusting,” and mocking her for appearing droopy. Despite this negativity, the Academy Award-winning actress remained steadfast, finding strength, confidence, and support from her loved ones.
In 1968, Sally entered matrimony with Steven Craig, and together they welcomed two sons, Peter Craig and Eli Craig. Peter gained renown as a screenwriter, while Eli pursued a path in acting and directing. Sadly, the union dissolved in 1975. Following a brief interval, Sally embarked on a relationship with Burt Reynolds, though it was Alan Greisman whom she wed in 1984. They welcomed a son, Sam Greisman, before parting ways in 1994.
“The three things I cherish most in life are my sons. They embody kindness, love, and productivity, each with their own array of talents and achievements,” Sally fondly shared with Closer Weekly.
