50 Facts About Sally Field

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Sally Field's journey to stardom began in Pasadena, California. Her early life and initial steps into acting laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

1. Sally Margaret Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California.
2. Her mother, Margaret Field, was a former model, and her father, Sol Paul Field, was an engineer.
3. Field's childhood was marred by trauma when her stepfather, Jules Alexander, sexually abused her.
4. She graduated from Birmingham High School in the San Fernando Valley.
5. Field's acting career began after she enrolled in a summer workshop at Columbia Studios.
6. A casting agent noticed her talent and invited her to audition for the TV series "Gidget."

Breakthrough and Early Television Roles

Field's early television roles helped her gain popularity and set the stage for her future success.

7. Field was chosen over 75 other actresses to play the title role in "Gidget."
8. "Gidget" established her as a popular performer with TV audiences.
9. She continued her TV career with roles in "The Flying Nun" (1967–1970) and "The Girl with Something Extra" (1973–1974).
10. Field studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg to transition to more serious roles.

Major Career Milestones

Field's career is marked by numerous accolades and significant achievements.

11. Her portrayal in "Sybil" (1976) earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
12. Field won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1980 for "Norma Rae."
13. She received her second Oscar in 1985 for "Places in the Heart."
14. Field has won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
15. She made her Broadway debut in 2002 with Edward Albee's "The Goat; or, Who Is Sylvia?"
16. Field earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in "The Glass Menagerie" in 2017.

Philanthropy and Activism

Beyond acting, Field has made significant contributions to various causes.

17. Diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005, she created the "Rally with Sally for Bone Health" campaign.
18. Field has supported women's rights and mental health initiatives.
19. She has served on the board of directors of Vital Voices since 2002.
20. In 2013, Field received the Human Rights Campaign Ally for Equality Award.
21. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
22. Field received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2023.
23. She was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2019.
24. Field received the National Medal of Arts in 2014.

Memorable Film Roles

Field's versatility as an actress is evident in her diverse film roles.

25. She portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (2012).
26. Field played Aunt May in "The Amazing Spider-Man" (2012) and its sequel.
27. Her role in "Hello, My Name Is Doris" (2015) earned her a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination.
28. Field co-starred in "80 for Brady" (2023) with Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin.
29. She voiced Sassy in "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993).
30. Field played Mrs. Gump in "Forrest Gump" (1994).
31. She portrayed Miranda Hillard in "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993).
32. Field played M’Lynn Eatenton in "Steel Magnolias" (1989).
33. She starred in "Absence of Malice" (1981) alongside Paul Newman.
34. Field received a Golden Globe nomination for "Kiss Me Goodbye" (1982).
35. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for "Smokey and the Bandit" (1977).
36. Field played a supporting role in "Two Weeks" (2006).

Television Success and Directing

Field's success extends to television and directing.

37. She won three Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in "Sybil," "A Woman of Independent Means," and "Brothers & Sisters."
38. Field received additional Emmy nominations for "A Woman of Independent Means" and "Brothers & Sisters."
39. She directed her first feature film, "Beautiful," in 2000.
40. Field appeared in the Netflix series "Maniac" (2018).
41. She starred in the series "Dispatches from Elsewhere" (2020).
42. Field appeared in the HBO series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" (2022–present).

Personal Life and Legacy

Field's personal life and legacy are as impactful as her career.

43. Field had a high-profile relationship with Burt Reynolds in the late 1980s.
44. Her memoir, "In Pieces," published in 2018, revealed her traumatic childhood.
45. Field made her professional stage debut in Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1965.
46. She has been a passionate advocate for women's rights and mental health.
47. Field has supported artistic education programs, believing in the power of the arts to transform lives.
48. She collaborated with Steven Spielberg on "Lincoln" (2012).
49. Field worked with Tom Hanks on "Forrest Gump" (1994).
50. She collaborated with Robin Williams and Pierce Brosnan on "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993).

Sally Field's Lasting Legacy

Sally Field's career is nothing short of legendary. From her early days as Gidget to her powerful performances in "Norma Rae" and "Lincoln," she's shown incredible range and depth. Winning two Academy Awards, three Emmys, and a Golden Globe, Field's talent is undeniable. But it's not just about the awards. Her advocacy for women's rights, mental health, and osteoporosis awareness shows her commitment to making a difference. Field's memoir, "In Pieces," gives a raw look into her life, revealing the struggles and triumphs that shaped her. Whether on screen, stage, or in her activism, Sally Field continues to inspire. Her impact on Hollywood and beyond is profound, making her a true icon. As she keeps taking on new roles and challenges, Field's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations.