It can be quite challenging to be a woman in Hollywood, yet Sally Field has made the bold choice to challenge many of the established ‘rules.’
We admire her performances in iconic films such as Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias. However, some of her most impactful contributions come from her personal commitment to fighting against ageism and bullying throughout her career.
At 78, Field radiates the same energy she had at 19, even as she continues to face scrutiny regarding her looks.
Early life and career
Field faced several obstacles early on, particularly due to the sexual abuse she endured from her stepfather, Jock Mahoney, a revelation she shared in her 2018 memoir, according to The New York Times.
Her debut in acting came with the popular 60s sitcom Gidget, a role that propelled her into the spotlight and opened doors for more serious film roles in productions like Sybil and Norma Rae, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award.
Over the years, Field became recognized for her performances as strong maternal characters in beloved films such as Soap Dish and Not Without My Daughter.
She reminisced about a moment on the set of The Flying Nun when a talented actress took her aside during a tough time, handing her a note because she was feeling quite down.
Embracing aging
As she continues to age, Field has openly discussed her approach to growing older with dignity. In a 2016 interview with Good Housekeeping, she expressed her acceptance of being an “old woman.” She emphasized her decision to embrace natural aging, acknowledging that getting older is a part of life.
The gifted actress highlighted the significance of valuing her current appearance instead of resorting to plastic surgery in an attempt to replicate her younger self.
often catch myself on TV and think, “Oh, I wish my neck looked different.” It’s tough to see my face sagging and my eyes looking so puffy,” Field shared.
Confronting online negativity and health challenges
By opting for a natural aging process, Field has unfortunately become a target for harsh online critics who have labeled her as “ugly.”
These trolls have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to mock her appearance and make hurtful remarks about how she looks. Unfortunately, this kind of negativity is all too common for many celebrities, even though it shouldn’t be.
Recently, Field has chosen to ignore the hurtful comments, expressing her commitment to aging gracefully, no matter what others think.
Additionally, the actress has been managing her silent battle with osteoporosis, a condition she was diagnosed with before she turned 60 in 2005, but she seldom discusses it.
Women unfortunately face a higher risk of this devastating illness due to the hormonal shifts that occur during menopause, which can result in a reduction in bone density. Despite all her efforts—such as leading a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly—Field shared with WebMD that there was no way to avoid the diagnosis.
“I always recognized that I fit the risk profile. I was petite, had a small frame, was Caucasian, and approaching my 60s. But I was shocked at how swiftly a woman could transition from being at risk to developing full-blown osteoporosis,” Field remarked.
“My bones seemed to be gradually thinning without any visible signs or symptoms that I could detect.”
It’s disheartening to see Field facing online bullying, especially from those who don’t know her, given her struggle with osteoporosis. Nevertheless, her determination to embrace aging with grace serves as a source of inspiration for many who aspire to do the same.
If you admire Sally Field, you might also want to explore her relationship with Burt Reynolds and discover why they lost touch in the last 30 years of his life.
