Actress Sally Field has a long-standing career, from starting in films like The Flying Nun and Mrs. Doubtfire alongside legendary Robin Williams to Steel Magnolias and Forest Gump. She has captured the hearts of audiences everywhere for nearly 60 years. Furthermore, her self-confidence now soars, despite some criticism over her appearance. In fact, she’s gracefully responded by going on and living her best life, even publishing an autobiography.
Sally Feild’s Early Days
Born in Pasadena, California in 1946, Sally Field has endured a life full of ups and downs. Her childhood was difficult, resulting from her tumultuous experiences with her stepfather, stuntman Jock Mahoney. Field’s mom, Margaret, married Mahoney in 1952 after separating from Sally’s dad, Richard, in 1951. She was unable to speak freely in their household. Sally Field has an older brother, with whom she’s spent much of her time, and a half-sister
She went to high school at Birmingham High School, in the Van Nuys neighborhood. She hoped early on to make her way into Hollywood. Disclosing once to Oprah Magazine, “I had no idea what I would do after high school. I never even took the SAT.”
Sally Field’s Diverse Hollywood Career
She made her debut on Gidget, which ran from 1956-66. Despite the short run, she went on to perform in many other shows, and eventually movies. She was “The Flying Nun” which aired from 1967-70. After a short break from the limelight to further develop her skills, she debuted again to pursue a more dramatic genre. She appeared as Sybil, a made-for-TV movie that won an Emmy Award in 1977. She then went on to perform on screen more than 60, winning several more awards including a few Academy Awards.
Rocky Life of Love
Like her mother, the beloved actress had a complex love life of her own. She married her high school sweetheart, Steven Craig, in 1968. Going on to have 2 sons, the pair separated seven years later, in 1975. She went on to have a love affair with Burt Reynolds, whom she thought resembled her step-father and ultimately went on to marry film producer Alan Greisman in 1984, had another son, Samuel, and would split 10 years later in 1994.
Sally Field Faces Aging and Health Concerns
The beloved actress has since appeared in a few smaller roles but is notably recognized for her commercials for Osteoporosis medication. She was diagnosed in 2005, just before her 60th birthday. “I always knew I fit the risk profile. I was thin, small-boned, Caucasian, and heading toward age 60. But I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full-fledged osteoporosis.” she shared.
Sally Field Faces Complications Head-on
While most people suffer from weaker bones and joints as they age, women are more prone to this specific condition because of the hormone changes that take place after menopause. Estrogen, the female hormone, serves a multitude of purposes, including supporting healthy bones. However, after menopause occurs, decreased Estrogen production leads to a rapid decline in bone density.
Despite eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking calcium supplements she was unable to avoid the diagnosis and has since become a spokesperson for combating the disease.
Possible symptoms of osteoporosis include loss of height over time, back pain, stooped posture, or bones that suddenly break more easily. Although there is no cure, there are medications and supplements that are designed to help strengthen bone density.
Facing Criticism
In 2018, Sally Field was criticized on Twitter for being “ugly” and “sickening”. Despite the criticism she’s embraced her age and appearance, although it took some time. “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.” She said. Eventually changing her stance to, “I’m an old woman. 70 is old, and that’s OK.”
#BelieveSurvivors pic.twitter.com/uMahGsGt9w
— Sally Field (@sally_field) September 24, 2018
Pressing on with Grace
The proud mother of 3 is now a grandmother to 5 and has shared that a few of her sons have followed in her steps as actors or directors. The three things I’m most proud of in my life are my sons. They are kind, loving, and productive people. Each with its own list of talents and accomplishments.
In 2018, Sally Field released an autobiography entitled “In Pieces,” in which she addressed her struggles in childhood, the hurdles she overcame, her successes and failures both as an actress and mother, and so on. Her son Samuel stated after reading it that, “To see her as someone who grew up confused and made mistakes and went through these traumas, it made me feel more connected to her.”
Living in Bliss
In 2012, she sold her 6.000 sq ft home in Malibu and purchased a 2800 sq ft home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles. For $2.3 million USD, Sally Field now enjoys ocean, mountain, and city views, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a Dutch door entry, and an “enchanted front yard.”
She spends her days enjoying her five grandchildren, three children, and the serenity after all her years of hard work.
Sally Field has endured a lot in her years while working on a versatile acting portfolio. She’s now in a place where she wants to focus on her family and enjoy her remaining days. Regardless of people’s opinion of her current physical state, she radiates happiness and is a role model for many women her age, who also struggle with Osteoporosis.
Keep Reading: Meg Ryan Stopped Acting To Be A “Full Time Mom” – This Is Her Today
Sources
- “Sally Field.” Britannica. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. March 27, 2023.
- “Sally Field health: ‘It was going to get me’ Actress discusses her bone disease condition.” Express. Jessica Knibbs. March 20, 2022.
- “How Sally Field unexpectedly landed Gidget, and how it was much more than a career-launcher.” Me Tv. Staff. June 30, 2022
- “On Verge Of 70, Sally Field Navigates Aging In The Spotlight.” NPR. Staff. March 5, 2016.