Photo:American Broadcasting Companies via Getty; Frazer Harrison/Getty
American Broadcasting Companies via Getty; Frazer Harrison/Getty
Field has been honored for her work many times over, and she’s still having fun (most recently starring in80 for Bradywith Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Rita Moreno); she’s also had some memorable offscreen romances and raised three children.
As she turns 77, look back at her incredible life and career in photos.
01of 32Growing Up Sally FieldSeth Poppel/Yearbook LibraryBorn and raised in Pasadena, California, Sally Field attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys. She graduated in 1964, but not before she waselected homecoming princessduring her senior year.Fieldreturned to her alma materin 2010, when they named their performing arts center in her honor. At the unveiling of a new sign bearing her name, the actress praised her school’s drama department, noting that it “quite simply saved my life” in that she could “most truly and absolutely” be herself while involved.
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Growing Up Sally Field
Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library
Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Sally Field attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys. She graduated in 1964, but not before she waselected homecoming princessduring her senior year.
Fieldreturned to her alma materin 2010, when they named their performing arts center in her honor. At the unveiling of a new sign bearing her name, the actress praised her school’s drama department, noting that it “quite simply saved my life” in that she could “most truly and absolutely” be herself while involved.
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‘Gidget’ and Other Early Laughs
American Broadcasting Companies via Getty
As her career progressed in the sitcom genre, Field hoped to break out of television, though she previously said this was met withbacklash and rejection. Speaking at the 2015 Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston, the actress recalled her agent saying she wasn’t “good enough” or “pretty enough” to be in films. “And I said, ‘You’re fired,’ " she added.
03of 32Starting a FamilyJack Knox/Hulton Archive/GettyField married her first husband, Steven Craig, in 1968. They welcomed two sons, Peter and Eli, before separating in 1973.
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Starting a Family
Jack Knox/Hulton Archive/Getty
Field married her first husband, Steven Craig, in 1968. They welcomed two sons, Peter and Eli, before separating in 1973.
04of 32Growing Her HomeRon Galella/WireImageField and Craig welcomed their firstborn, Peter, in 1969, while she was working onThe Flying Nun. In tandem with her early experiences on a set and working with a crew, she was also experiencing the beginning of motherhood. “My life was happening beside itself,” she remembered in a2016 conversation with Jess Cagle. “My focus was on what was happening inside of me.“Peter accompanied his mother to the 8th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1982, when she won for her starring role inAbsence of Malice.
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Growing Her Home
Ron Galella/WireImage
Field and Craig welcomed their firstborn, Peter, in 1969, while she was working onThe Flying Nun. In tandem with her early experiences on a set and working with a crew, she was also experiencing the beginning of motherhood. “My life was happening beside itself,” she remembered in a2016 conversation with Jess Cagle. “My focus was on what was happening inside of me.”
Peter accompanied his mother to the 8th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1982, when she won for her starring role inAbsence of Malice.
05of 32Adding AnotherRichard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via GettyIn 1972, Field became a mother of two with the arrival of her son Eli Craig (pictured here with Mom in 2002).
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Adding Another
Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty
In 1972, Field became a mother of two with the arrival of her son Eli Craig (pictured here with Mom in 2002).
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Major Acclaim
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
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Movie-Making Memories
Bettman/Getty Images
08of 32Falling for Burt ReynoldsBurt Reynolds and Sally Field inSmokey and the Bandit(1977).Michael Ochs Archives/GettyOn the set of their filmSmokey and the Bandit, Field and her costar Burt Reynolds lit aromantic flamethat burned long after the production wrapped in 1977, lasting even after they finished the sequel,Smokey and the Bandit II, in 1980.The two broke it off after three years of consistent dating and two years on-and-off, as Field hassince clarified. But according to Reynolds, who died in 2018, theNorma Raestar always held a special place in his heart. In a 2015 interview withVanity Fair, he called her “the love of my life” and opened up about the heartache he still felt.“Even now, it’s hard on me. I don’t know why I was so stupid,” he told the magazine. “Men are like that, you know. You find the perfect person, and then you do everything you can to screw it up.”
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Falling for Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds and Sally Field inSmokey and the Bandit(1977).Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
On the set of their filmSmokey and the Bandit, Field and her costar Burt Reynolds lit aromantic flamethat burned long after the production wrapped in 1977, lasting even after they finished the sequel,Smokey and the Bandit II, in 1980.
The two broke it off after three years of consistent dating and two years on-and-off, as Field hassince clarified. But according to Reynolds, who died in 2018, theNorma Raestar always held a special place in his heart. In a 2015 interview withVanity Fair, he called her “the love of my life” and opened up about the heartache he still felt.
“Even now, it’s hard on me. I don’t know why I was so stupid,” he told the magazine. “Men are like that, you know. You find the perfect person, and then you do everything you can to screw it up.”
09of 32Longtime LoveRon Galella/WireImage.Throughout their five-year relationship, Reynolds and Field worked together on several films afterSmokey and the Bandit. In 1977, they costarred inHeroes; the following year, they shared the screen in bothThe EndandHooper.After Reynolds' death, Fieldspoke to Diane Sawyerabout her lasting impressions of the star and their time together.“We were sort of, you know, deeply entangled,” she said in 2018. “That nature of it wasn’t just, ‘Oh, this is a love affair.’ There was some ingredient between us having to do with my caretaking and him needing to be taken care of.“Field also admitted that shedidn’t have much contactwith her former boyfriend in the 30 years leading up to his death: “I would feel him kind of reach out to me via the press. It was something he would do even when we were dating. He would speak to me about things he could call me on the phone about.”
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Longtime Love
Ron Galella/WireImage.
Throughout their five-year relationship, Reynolds and Field worked together on several films afterSmokey and the Bandit. In 1977, they costarred inHeroes; the following year, they shared the screen in bothThe EndandHooper.
After Reynolds' death, Fieldspoke to Diane Sawyerabout her lasting impressions of the star and their time together.
“We were sort of, you know, deeply entangled,” she said in 2018. “That nature of it wasn’t just, ‘Oh, this is a love affair.’ There was some ingredient between us having to do with my caretaking and him needing to be taken care of.”
Field also admitted that shedidn’t have much contactwith her former boyfriend in the 30 years leading up to his death: “I would feel him kind of reach out to me via the press. It was something he would do even when we were dating. He would speak to me about things he could call me on the phone about.”
10of 32Snagging Gold StatuesBarbara Rosen/IMAGES/GettyField gained next-level acclaim for her starring performance inNorma Rae. She took home an array of awards, most notably her very first Oscar. She also won the Cannes award, accolades from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and National Society of Film Criticsandher first Golden Globe.
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Snagging Gold Statues
Barbara Rosen/IMAGES/Getty
Field gained next-level acclaim for her starring performance inNorma Rae. She took home an array of awards, most notably her very first Oscar. She also won the Cannes award, accolades from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and National Society of Film Criticsandher first Golden Globe.
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Into the ’80s
Everett Collection
12of 32Another Big WinSally Field.Time Life Pictures/GettyField won a second Oscar for her leading performance in 1985’sPlace in the Heart. Heracceptance speechfor the Best Actress accolade went on to be famously misquoted throughout her career.While many believed Field exclaimed, “You like me! You really like me!” the actress actually shared some details about her journey to stardom. Her real words were, “I haven’t had an orthodox career, and I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it. And I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!”
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Another Big Win
Sally Field.Time Life Pictures/Getty
Field won a second Oscar for her leading performance in 1985’sPlace in the Heart. Heracceptance speechfor the Best Actress accolade went on to be famously misquoted throughout her career.
While many believed Field exclaimed, “You like me! You really like me!” the actress actually shared some details about her journey to stardom. Her real words were, “I haven’t had an orthodox career, and I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it. And I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!”
13of 32Another Knot TiedRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyAlan Greisman and Field wed in 1984 and split 10 years later. Together their share one son, Sam, who was born in 1987.
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Another Knot Tied
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Alan Greisman and Field wed in 1984 and split 10 years later. Together their share one son, Sam, who was born in 1987.
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A Complete Family
Kevin Winter/WireImage
In February 2023, a grown-up Sam Greisman shared his adoration for his mother inan essay for PEOPLE, opening up about their tight connection and his gratitude for Field.
“My mom has given me permission to be messy, to struggle, to fight with her, to rage at her when I have no one else to yell at, given me permission to pick out all of her award show dresses, because … well, no explanation needed,” he wrote. “She has taught me that life, like art, is about picking yourself up and dusting yourself off, like she has done countless times.”
“I welcomed him to welcome himself and find that part of his life,” she said, later adding: “Sam was always Sam, this wonderful human that he is, from the time he was born … Some people actually shut their children out of the house when they’re young, they’re teenagers – they’re having a hard enough time to be teenagers and own any part of sexuality. I’m still trying to figure it out!”
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Starring in ‘Soapdish’
Everett
16of 32Comedy ClassicSNAP/REX/ShutterstockIn the beloved 1993 movieMrs. Doubtfire, Field played Miranda Hillard, the ex-wife of Robin Williams' Daniel Hillard, mother of his children and eventually the employer of his alter ego, Euphegenia Doubtfire. Field and Williams also shared the screen with Pierce Brosnan, who appeared as Miranda’s new boyfriend.
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Comedy Classic
SNAP/REX/Shutterstock
In the beloved 1993 movieMrs. Doubtfire, Field played Miranda Hillard, the ex-wife of Robin Williams' Daniel Hillard, mother of his children and eventually the employer of his alter ego, Euphegenia Doubtfire. Field and Williams also shared the screen with Pierce Brosnan, who appeared as Miranda’s new boyfriend.
17of 32Getting Sketchy on ‘SNL’Gene Page/NBC/NBCU Photo BankIn 1993, Field appeared onSaturday Night Liveto host the show’s Christmas episode during its 19th season.
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Getting Sketchy on ‘SNL’
Gene Page/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
In 1993, Field appeared onSaturday Night Liveto host the show’s Christmas episode during its 19th season.
18of 32A Historic RoleSunset Boulevard/GettyOne of Field’s most memorable (and most quoted) performances was in the 1994 Oscar-winning filmForrest Gump. Though she’s only 10 years older than Tom Hanks, she played his character’s determined and loving mother, Mrs. Gump.Of her many moving moments in the film, Field’s most famous line from the movie may be when she tells her son, “Life’s a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
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A Historic Role
Sunset Boulevard/Getty
One of Field’s most memorable (and most quoted) performances was in the 1994 Oscar-winning filmForrest Gump. Though she’s only 10 years older than Tom Hanks, she played his character’s determined and loving mother, Mrs. Gump.
Of her many moving moments in the film, Field’s most famous line from the movie may be when she tells her son, “Life’s a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
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An ‘ER’ Emmy
Kevin Winter/Getty
20of 32Sally Rallies for HealthFernando Leon/GettyIn 2005, Field revealed she’d been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Her experience with the bone fragility disease led her to become the spokesperson for Bone Health, a group advocating for those who suffer from it as well. Field also started her own awareness campaign called Rally with Sally for Bone Health.
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Sally Rallies for Health
Fernando Leon/Getty
In 2005, Field revealed she’d been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Her experience with the bone fragility disease led her to become the spokesperson for Bone Health, a group advocating for those who suffer from it as well. Field also started her own awareness campaign called Rally with Sally for Bone Health.
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Mother of ‘Brothers & Sisters’
22of 32Triple Emmy WinnerRobert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesIn 2007, Field won her third Emmy for her portrayal of Nora Walker in the ABC drama. At the end of her acceptance speech, Fieldcontroversially spoke outagainst the Iraq war. Her comment — “If the mothers ruled the world, there would be no g—— wars in the first place” — was censored during the Fox broadcast.Field also took home a 2009 SAG Award for her work onBrothers & Sisters.
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Triple Emmy Winner
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
In 2007, Field won her third Emmy for her portrayal of Nora Walker in the ABC drama. At the end of her acceptance speech, Fieldcontroversially spoke outagainst the Iraq war. Her comment — “If the mothers ruled the world, there would be no g—— wars in the first place” — was censored during the Fox broadcast.
Field also took home a 2009 SAG Award for her work onBrothers & Sisters.
23of 32Lady in ‘Lincoln’Twentieth Century FoxFor her role as First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln in the historical dramaLincoln, Field was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 85th Annual Academy Awards. The 2012 film earned a nod for Best Picture, and Field’s costar, Daniel Day-Lewis, won in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of the 16th United States president.At the Palm Springs Film Awards in February 2023, over a decade after the film premiered, Field shared a cheeky detail about her relationship withLincolndirector Steven Spielberg. According to the actress, she and the award-winning filmmaker were onceset up on a date, though they never actually pursued a romantic relationship.“For almost 50 years — is it really? — we have gone through this life that’s been filled with good and bad, the laughter and the angst,” she recalled of Spielberg, to whom she was presenting the Vanguard Award. “He has been my biggest supporter and a constantly welcoming place.”
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Lady in ‘Lincoln’
Twentieth Century Fox
For her role as First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln in the historical dramaLincoln, Field was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 85th Annual Academy Awards. The 2012 film earned a nod for Best Picture, and Field’s costar, Daniel Day-Lewis, won in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of the 16th United States president.
At the Palm Springs Film Awards in February 2023, over a decade after the film premiered, Field shared a cheeky detail about her relationship withLincolndirector Steven Spielberg. According to the actress, she and the award-winning filmmaker were onceset up on a date, though they never actually pursued a romantic relationship.
“For almost 50 years — is it really? — we have gone through this life that’s been filled with good and bad, the laughter and the angst,” she recalled of Spielberg, to whom she was presenting the Vanguard Award. “He has been my biggest supporter and a constantly welcoming place.”
24of 32Spider StarMichael Loccisano/GettyMarvel’s 2012 adaptation ofThe Amazing Spider-Manfeatured Field in the role of Aunt May alongside fellow castmates Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Denis Leary and Martin Sheen. She reprised the role in the 2014 sequelThe Amazing Spider-Man 2.
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Spider Star
Michael Loccisano/Getty
Marvel’s 2012 adaptation ofThe Amazing Spider-Manfeatured Field in the role of Aunt May alongside fellow castmates Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Denis Leary and Martin Sheen. She reprised the role in the 2014 sequelThe Amazing Spider-Man 2.
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Street of Stardom
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
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National Treasure
AP
27of 32
Becoming ‘Doris’
Aaron Epstein
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Theatrical Pursuit
Julieta Cervantes.
During their show’s run, the on-stage mother and daughterspoke to PEOPLEabout their time in the spotlight together. Ferris noted her costar’s exciting disposition, saying, “She’s a spitfire. I think people have an idea of Sally being this sweet mother, and she is — but she’s also, she’s feisty.”
Field’s performance also earned her her first and only Tony nomination in 2017.
29of 32A Story to TellGrand Central Publishing.In 2018, Field opened up about the many chapters of her life in amemoir titledIn Pieces. The book, which she described as “incredibly raw, intimate and personal,” explores the highs and lows of her life and career. She opens up about the instances of sexual abuse she’d suffered, her “complicated” relationship with former beau Burt Reynolds and the trials of growing up a woman in the 1950s.“I knew I had a story to tell and I knew I had to tell it. It’s taken me a great deal of time to figure out exactly what it was,” Field told PEOPLE ahead of her book’s release. “I have this life that no one really knows … or at least I didn’t even know truly.”
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A Story to Tell
Grand Central Publishing.
In 2018, Field opened up about the many chapters of her life in amemoir titledIn Pieces. The book, which she described as “incredibly raw, intimate and personal,” explores the highs and lows of her life and career. She opens up about the instances of sexual abuse she’d suffered, her “complicated” relationship with former beau Burt Reynolds and the trials of growing up a woman in the 1950s.
“I knew I had a story to tell and I knew I had to tell it. It’s taken me a great deal of time to figure out exactly what it was,” Field told PEOPLE ahead of her book’s release. “I have this life that no one really knows … or at least I didn’t even know truly.”
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Kennedy Center Honor
John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty
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Sporty Star
80 For Brady.Paramount Pictures
Beyond the four iconic leading ladies,80 for Bradyboasts a decorated list of cameos from Billy Porter, Guy Fieri, Harry Hamlin and, of course,Tom Bradyhimself.
Rob Gronkowski, who also appears in the flick, spoke to PEOPLE abouthis appreciationfor Field’s on-set style.
“She walked around with the swagger of a 30-, 40-year-old,” he said. “Sally Field was an inspiration, just how on top of it she still is. She can just project and have charisma right on the spot, and you can tell why she’s been on top of her game throughout her whole entire life.”
32of 32A Life of AchievementsKevin Winter/GettyAt theSAG Awardsin 2023, Field receivedthe highest honorof the evening: the Life Achievement Award. Her formerAmazing Spider-Mancastmate Andrew Garfield introduced the trailblazing star with heartfelt praise, citing not only his experience working with her but other stars’ accounts, as well.“You’re a North Star for all of us, especially, of course, in inspiring, liberating and empowering women, charting a previously pathless path in an era of often unimaginative and one-dimensional female roles,” said the actor, who played Field’s superhero nephew in the Marvel movie.Garfield added that Jane Fonda called the night’s honoree “the epitome of greatness,” and he said that Julia Roberts, Field’s formerSteel Magnoliascostar, called her “a unicorn. That rare type of person who can be a mentor and a best friend all at the same time.“As Field accepted the milestone accolade on stage, she reflected on her journey to becoming a Hollywood icon and the obstacles she ran into along the way.“Acting to me has always been about finding those few precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive. So the task has always been to find a way to get to that. To get to the work, to claw my way to it, if necessary,” Field recalled.She looked back on her various roles in productions across genres, reflecting on the “fierceness” with which she fought to break out of sitcoms in the ’60s and ’70s. Then, as she wrapped up her speech, Field celebrated her fellow actors who fought their own uphill battles for seats at the table.“When I look around this room tonight, I know my fight — as hard as it was — was lightweight compared to some of yours. I thank you and I applaud you,” the actress said in her concluding remarks. “And I know that for you, just like for me, it has not been easy. But you know what? Easy is overrated.”
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A Life of Achievements
At theSAG Awardsin 2023, Field receivedthe highest honorof the evening: the Life Achievement Award. Her formerAmazing Spider-Mancastmate Andrew Garfield introduced the trailblazing star with heartfelt praise, citing not only his experience working with her but other stars’ accounts, as well.
“You’re a North Star for all of us, especially, of course, in inspiring, liberating and empowering women, charting a previously pathless path in an era of often unimaginative and one-dimensional female roles,” said the actor, who played Field’s superhero nephew in the Marvel movie.
Garfield added that Jane Fonda called the night’s honoree “the epitome of greatness,” and he said that Julia Roberts, Field’s formerSteel Magnoliascostar, called her “a unicorn. That rare type of person who can be a mentor and a best friend all at the same time.”
As Field accepted the milestone accolade on stage, she reflected on her journey to becoming a Hollywood icon and the obstacles she ran into along the way.
“Acting to me has always been about finding those few precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive. So the task has always been to find a way to get to that. To get to the work, to claw my way to it, if necessary,” Field recalled.
She looked back on her various roles in productions across genres, reflecting on the “fierceness” with which she fought to break out of sitcoms in the ’60s and ’70s. Then, as she wrapped up her speech, Field celebrated her fellow actors who fought their own uphill battles for seats at the table.
“When I look around this room tonight, I know my fight — as hard as it was — was lightweight compared to some of yours. I thank you and I applaud you,” the actress said in her concluding remarks. “And I know that for you, just like for me, it has not been easy. But you know what? Easy is overrated.”
source: people.com
