Sally Field, an Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning actress, has captivated audiences for decades with her unforgettable roles in films and TV shows like Forrest Gump, Brothers and Sisters, Lincoln, and Steel Magnolias. At 76, Field reflects not only on her storied career but also on the personal challenges that have shaped her life. Her 2018 memoir, In Pieces, offered an unflinching look at her experiences, including sexual abuse by her stepfather and struggles with depression, self-doubt, and loneliness.
The Early Years
Born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, Sally Field grew up in a family touched by show business. Her mother, Margaret Field, was an actress, while her father, Richard Dryden Field, worked as a salesman. After her parents divorced, her mother married actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney. Sally, her brother Richard, and their half-sister, Princess O’Mahoney, lived in a complex household dynamic.
Field’s career began in 1965 with the titular role in the sitcom Gidget. Though the series was canceled after one season, it marked the start of a long and prolific career. She gained greater visibility starring in The Flying Nun, which ran for three seasons. Field later admitted she struggled during this time, battling depression while navigating a role she disliked. “I just had to put my head down and go to work and do the very best job I could,” she recalled.
Field’s big-screen debut came in 1967 with The Way West. A decade later, her role in Smokey and the Bandit alongside Burt Reynolds catapulted her to stardom. The 1979 drama Norma Rae earned her first Academy Award, followed by a second Oscar for Places in the Heart in 1984. Field’s portrayal of the loving yet strong-willed mother in 1994’s Forrest Gump, a film that won six Oscars, remains one of her most iconic performances.
A Complicated Personal Life
Sally Field’s personal life has been as complex as her career. She married Steven Craig in 1968, and the couple had two sons, Peter and Eli, before divorcing in 1975. Her second marriage to Alan Greisman in 1984 produced a son, Samuel, but ended in 1994.
Field’s romantic relationship with Burt Reynolds, which lasted from 1976 to 1980, was tumultuous. In her memoir, she described Reynolds as controlling and manipulative, revealing how he convinced her to skip the Emmy ceremony where she won for Sybil. The two hadn’t spoken for 30 years before Reynolds’ death in 2018.
In In Pieces, Field also opened up about the abuse she endured from her stepfather, Jock Mahoney, during her teenage years. Her mother, she later discovered, had known about the abuse but chose to believe Mahoney’s false claims that it happened only once while he was drunk. Writing the memoir, Field explained, was her way of understanding her mother and ultimately finding forgiveness. “It was the only way I was going to find the pieces of my mother that I couldn’t put together,” she shared.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Sally Field treasures time spent with her grandchildren, often playing video games with them in the same room where she keeps her Oscars and Emmys. Despite her illustrious career, Field shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent film Spoiler Alert and her role in the 2023 release 80 for Brady are testaments to her enduring passion for storytelling.
Director Steven Spielberg, who worked with Field on Lincoln, praised her legacy: “As an actor, she dared this town to typecast her, and then simply broke through every dogmatic barrier to find her own way — not to stardom… but to great roles in great films and television. Through her consistently good taste and feisty persistence, she has survived our ever-changing culture, stood the test of time, and earned this singular place in history.”
Sally Field’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on both Hollywood and the hearts of her audience.
Fans notice concerning detail in a recent photo of 83-year-old Martha Stewart, leading to widespread comments
Martha Stewart is a well-known personality with a global following, but she recently faced backlash for a social media post that many have deemed “tone-deaf”.
The 83-year-old lifestyle mogul received significant praise earlier this year for her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. However, her latest Instagram update has not sparked the same enthusiasm among her audience.
On August 29, Stewart shared a photo from a cruise she took along Greenland’s east coast. The image features her enjoying a cocktail with the caption: “End of the first zodiac cruise from @swanhelleniccruises into a very beautiful fjord on the east coast of Greenland. We actually captured a small iceberg for our cocktails tonight”.
While Stewart likely meant her post to be lighthearted, it quickly drew criticism from followers who felt her use of an iceberg for her drink was insensitive. Many comments flooded in, expressing concern over her reference to a “small iceberg” amid the ongoing climate crisis. One user remarked: “Martha, the ice caps are meltin, don’t put them in your drink”.
Another follower stated: “I generally admire Martha and her extravagant lifestyle, but it feels a bit tone-deaf for wealthy individuals to enjoy cocktails with icebergs while the planet is suffering”. A third commenter humorously pointed out the absurdity of the situation: “As the climate warms due to the greed of a few, billionaires vacation at melting icebergs, scooping them up for cocktails. Sounds like something out of a dystopian novel!”
One user echoed similar sentiments, expressing their disillusionment: “Global warming and melting ice caps, yet we need glacier ice for cocktails?! I’ve been a fan for years, but seeing this while struggling to afford groceries is disheartening”.
Earlier this year, Stewart made headlines for confidently posing in swimwear for the cover of Sports Illustrated. She shared details about her preparation for the shoot, stating: “I didn’t starve myself, but I avoided bread and pasta for a few months”. She also emphasized her commitment to fitness, mentioning her regular Pilates routine.
In a keynote speech at a Las Vegas event, she highlighted the positive reception of her cover, noting that it inspired women of all ages to feel empowered: “The feedback was incredibly encouraging, showing that if I can do it, they can too”. What are your thoughts on Martha’s recent Instagram post? Share your opinions in the comments!
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