See Sally Field's Iconic Life as a Film and Broadway Star in Photos
Sally's own life is just as fascinating as the characters she plays.
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Whether you saw her first in Smokey and the Bandit, Gidget, or Mrs. Doubtfire, Sally Field's trademark smile and undeniable grace have made her a joy to watch on the big screen and the small screen over the years. But true to her status as a bonafide Hollywood legend (and now Kennedy Center honoree), Sally has also lived a life that's worthy of its own on-screen portrayal.
These 40 photos from Sally’s most iconic moments and roles reveal a behind-the-scenes look at her venerable (and very much ongoing) career. Through her many award show wins, star-studded relationships, health struggles, and impassioned activism, she’s always inspired us to work hard and reach for the stars — whether on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or otherwise.
A Star Is Born
Sally Margaret Field was born on November 6, 1946 in Pasadena, California, to actress Margaret Field and army officer Richard Dryden Field. Before following her mother's footsteps into a career as a thespian, she wowed on the field as a high school cheerleader. This 1965 headshot shows young Sally with her sights set on stardom.
"Gidg-It" Girl
In 1965, Sally landed her first role as Frances "Gidget" Lawrence, a So-Cal surfer girl, in the sitcom Gidget. Although the show only lasted one season, it was considered revolutionary for featuring lead female characters on television.
The Flying What?!
With the 1967 debut of The Flying Nun, America saw Sally trade in her bikini for a habit. Despite the sitcom's success and lasting legacy in popular culture, Sally wasn't "over the moon" about her role as Sister Bertrille. "I didn't want to do it. I was trying to figure out who I was, but I knew who I wasn't: a flying nun," Sally told Oprah in 2008.
Wedding Bells
Sally married her high-school sweetheart Steven Craig in 1968. During their seven-year marriage, the couple had two boys, Peter and Elijah Craig.
Serious Business
The 1976 TV movie Sybil gave Sally, who once again played the titular character, an opportunity to demonstrate her dramatic capabilities. Her portrayal of a student with multiple-personality disorder earned her her first Emmy award. Sally later told Oprah the role "changed everything."
When Arnold Met Sally
That was also the year of Sally's first starring role in a film. Stay Hungry, which also featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jeff Bridges, was a lighthearted movie about a bodybuilder who refuses to sell his gym. It was a big box office success.
Action and Adventure
Smokey and the Bandit burst onto the scene in 1977 and became an instant classic. Sally's co-star Burt Reynolds personally called her to offer the role of Carrie (or "Frog," as she was called by the Bandit). "He said he had this movie and the script wasn't very good but that he trusted me and would make it work," she told Oprah.
RELATED: Sally Field Remembers Burt Reynolds
Lovers in the Limelight
Smokey and the Bandit didn't just lead to a trilogy of films, but to a relationship between Sally and Burt as well. The two began dating in 1977 and maintained an on-and-off relationship for three years.
A Sinking Sequel
Seven years after the first Poseidon Adventure movie premiered, Sally acted in the sequel: Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly met with rave reviews.
Drama Queen
As with her television career, Sally worked her way from screwball comedy to prestige drama. The 1980 film Norma Rae netted Sally an Oscar for Best Actress.
And the Winner Is ...
Sally shared the spotlight during her first Academy Awards with Dustin Hoffman, who took home the Best Actor title for his role in Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980. Neither would become a stranger to the award show.
Back with the Bandit
Sally and Burt reunited in 1980 for Smokey and the Bandit II. The release of the film coincided with the end of their relationship, which Sally described as confusing and complicated: It was "not without loving and caring, but really complicated and hurtful to me," she told The New York Times in 2018.
We Like Her, We Really Like Her
Sally's role in 1984's Places in the Heart helped solidify her legacy as a Hollywood legend. While accepting her Best Actress award at the 57th Academy Awards, she spouted her famous and often misquoted line: "The first time I didn't feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!"
Another Shot at Love
In 1984, Sally married Alan Greisman. They had a son named Samuel before getting divorced in 1993.
Working With Tom
Before she famously paired up with Tom Hanks for 1994's hit film Forrest Gump, Sally and Tom actually worked together on another movie called Punchline. The 1988 comedy is about a young stand-up comic who helps a housewife break into the field.
Causes and Kids
This 1989 photo shows Sally with her son Samuel at a Women's Rights Rally. Sally has remained dedicated to the cause throughout her life.
Golden Girls
In 1989's Steel Magnolias, Sally joined fellow star actresses Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts for a compelling dramedy that led to her being nominated for a Golden Globe.
More Funny Business
The year 1993 saw Sally's comedic side in full force. After co-starring with Robin Williams in the memorable film Mrs. Doubtfire — in which Robin dons matronly getup to fool his family — Sally hosted Saturday Night Live.
Act, Sally, Act
In 1994, Sally played Tom Hanks's mother in Forrest Gump — despite being just nine years his senior — which went on to earn Best Picture at the 67th Academy Awards.
A New Career
After over 30 years in front of the camera, Sally made her directorial debut with 1996's The Christmas Tree, a made-for-TV movie featuring non-flying nuns.
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