Being a woman in Hollywood isn’t easy, but Sally Field has long defied expectations. Known for iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias, Field also stands out for her stance against ageism and bullying in the industry.
At 78, she still radiates the charm she had at 19, even as she faces criticism over her appearance. Field’s early life was marked by trauma, including abuse by her stepfather—a painful experience she shared in her 2018 memoir. She got her start in the ‘60s sitcom Gidget, later earning acclaim with roles in Sybil and Norma Rae, the latter winning her an Oscar.
Field often portrayed strong maternal figures in films like Soap Dish and Not Without My Daughter. Despite pressures to maintain a youthful look, she embraces aging naturally. “I see myself on TV and think, ‘I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’” she once admitted, but added that she’s accepted aging as inevitable.
Choosing not to alter her appearance has made her a target for online trolls, but Field remains unapologetic. She’s also quietly managed osteoporosis since 2005, a condition she was at high risk for due to her build and age. “My bones were getting thinner without any signs I could see or feel,” she said.