Being a woman in Hollywood isn’t easy, but Sally Field has decided to stand up to the often harsh and unwritten rules of this world. She’s celebrated for her stellar performances in classics like Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias. Throughout her career, Field has also gained respect for her stance against ageism and her refusal to yield to bullying. At 78, she retains the elegance and charisma of her youth, even as she faces criticism regarding her looks.
Field’s journey hasn’t been without its hardships. In her 2018 memoir, she opened up about enduring sexual abuse by her stepfather, Jock Mahoney. These difficulties didn’t hold her back, and she soared to fame with the successful 1960s sitcom Gidget, leading to more serious and acclaimed roles such as those in Sybil and Norma Rae, with the latter earning her an Academy Award. Over the years, Field became known for portraying strong maternal figures in cherished films like Soapdish and Not Without My Daughter.
During her early career, Field was transparent about her hurdles. She recalled an instance while filming The Flying Nun when a fellow actress offered her support during a testing period. It’s moments like these that have shaped her perspective on both her personal life and her work.
As the years have passed, Field has embraced aging naturally. In a 2016 chat with Good Housekeeping, she talked about coming to terms with being an “old woman” without opting for surgeries or cosmetic procedures. To Field, aging with grace involves valuing and respecting her evolving appearance instead of trying to hold onto her youth. While she confessed to being occasionally daunted by her reflection on TV, saying, “I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,” or “Your face is falling, and your eyes are so puffy,” she emphasizes the importance of dealing with aging gracefully and with respect.
Field’s commitment to aging naturally has, unfortunately, made her the subject of negative comments from online trolls, particularly on places like X (previously known as Twitter). Yet, she continues to disregard the hateful remarks and remains true to her principles. Her ability to withstand public scrutiny is indeed motivating.
In addition to fighting ageism, Field quietly navigates a personal health challenge. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005, before turning 60. This condition poses a particular risk to women as menopause brings hormonal changes, leading to decreased bone density. Field matched the risk profile—petite, Caucasian, and approaching 60. Even with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, she discovered that osteoporosis was inevitable. She mentioned to WebMD, “I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full-fledged osteoporosis. My bones appeared to be getting steadily thinner without any signs or symptoms I could see or feel.”
Her fight with osteoporosis adds another layer of resilience to her narrative, making the harsh online remarks she faces all the more disappointing. Despite this, Field’s unwavering commitment to embracing her age naturally and authentically continues to inspire many. Her story reminds us that resilience and self-acceptance are potent tools when facing life’s hurdles, whether in the public eye or in private.
