It’s hard to be a woman in Hollywood, but Sally Field has chosen to defy most of the “rules” put in place.
We love her work in films like Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias. Some of her most inspiring work, though, isn’t on screen — it’s in how she has pushed back against ageism and bullying throughout her career.
At 78, Field carries the same radiance she had at 19 — yet she still faces criticism about her appearance.
Early life and career
Field’s early years came with challenges, including 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 job was in the hit ’60s sitcom Gidget, a role that launched her into stardom and led to more serious work in films like Sybil and Norma Rae — the latter earning her an Academy Award.
As her career progressed, Field became known for portraying strong maternal figures in films such as Soap Dish and Not Without My Daughter.
“The woman I worked with, a great actress, on The Flying Nun, grabbed me to the back of the sound stage and put a piece of paper in my hand because I was really depressed,” she recalled.
Aging naturally
As she’s grown older, Field has been open about embracing aging with grace. In a 2016 interview with Good Housekeeping, she said she has accepted her status as an “old woman.” She added that she has chosen to age naturally, especially because growing older is inevitable.
The acclaimed actress emphasized the importance of respecting and appreciating how she looks now, rather than using plastic surgery to chase the past.
“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 explained.
Facing internet trolls and health issues
By choosing to age naturally, Field has unfortunately opened herself up to criticism from cruel internet trolls who have called her “ugly.”
These trolls took to X (formerly Twitter), insulting her appearance and making harsh comments about her looks — something far too common for celebrities, even though it shouldn’t be.
Recently, Field has brushed off the negativity, reaffirming that she prefers to age naturally no matter what people say.
The actress has also been dealing with her silent illness, osteoporosis — a condition she was diagnosed with before turning 60 in 2005, though she rarely speaks about it.
Women are more susceptible to this disease due to hormonal changes during menopause, which can lead to decreased bone density. Field told WebMD that despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly, there was no way to prevent her diagnosis.
“I always knew I fit the risk profile… But I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full‑fledged osteoporosis,” she said.
“My bones appeared to be getting steadily thinner without any signs or symptoms I could see or feel.”
Given her battle with osteoporosis, it’s especially sad to see Field being bullied online by people who don’t know her. Yet her commitment to aging gracefully continues to inspire others who choose the same path.
If you’re a fan of Sally Field, you may also be interested in reading more about her relationship with Burt Reynolds — and why she didn’t speak to him during the last 30 years of his life.
