It’s hard to be a woman in Hollywood, but Sally Field has chosen to defy many of the “rules” put in place.
We love her work in films like Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias. Some of our favorite work from her, though, isn’t on screen but in her personal approach to challenging ageism and bullying throughout her career.
At 78, Field still radiates the same charm she had at 19 — though she continues to face criticism about her appearance.
Early life and career
Field’s early life came with challenges, particularly the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather, Jock Mahoney — something she revealed in her 2018 memoir, according to The New York Times.
Her first acting role was in the hit 1960s sitcom Gidget, which quickly launched her to stardom and led to more serious roles in projects like Sybil and Norma Rae — the latter earning her an Academy Award.
As the years went on, Field became known for portraying strong maternal figures in popular films like Soapdish and Not Without My Daughter.
“The woman I worked with, a great actress, on The Flying Nun grabbed me backstage and put a piece of paper in my hand because I was really depressed,” she recalled.
Aging naturally
As she has grown older, Field has been open about embracing aging with grace. In a 2016 interview with Good Housekeeping, she said she has accepted being an “old woman.” During that interview, she explained that she chooses to age naturally, recognizing that growing older is inevitable.
The acclaimed actress emphasized the importance of respecting and appreciating her current appearance, rather than turning to plastic surgery to recreate how she once looked.
“I see myself on TV and say, ‘Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck.’ And your face is falling, and your eyes are so puffy,” Field said.
Facing internet trolls and health issues
However, by choosing to age naturally, Field has unfortunately become a target for harsh criticism from online trolls, some of whom have called her “ugly.”
These comments appeared on X, where users made hurtful remarks about her appearance. Sadly, this kind of criticism is common for many celebrities, even though it shouldn’t be.
Recently, Field has brushed off these remarks, reaffirming that she prefers to age naturally regardless of what others say.
The actress has also been quietly dealing with osteoporosis, a condition she was diagnosed with before turning 60 in 2005, though she rarely speaks about it. Women are more vulnerable to this illness due to hormonal changes during menopause, which can lead to reduced bone density. Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly, there was no way for her to prevent it, she told WebMD.
“I always knew I fit the risk profile. I was thin, small-boned, Caucasian, and approaching 60. But I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full-blown osteoporosis,” Field said.
“My bones seemed to be getting steadily thinner without any signs or symptoms I could see or feel.”
Given her battle with osteoporosis, it’s disheartening to see Field face online bullying, especially from people who don’t know her. Still, her commitment to aging gracefully continues to inspire others who choose to do the same.
If you admire Sally Field, you might also be interested in learning more about her relationship with Burt Reynolds — and why she didn’t speak to him during the final 30 years of his life.
