Sally Field, now 78 years old, has lived a remarkable life filled with professional triumphs, personal struggles, and unforgettable relationships.

Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, Field’s career spans decades, from her early television roles to acclaimed performances on stage and screen.

Recently, she opened up about a deeply personal connection with the late Robin Williams, sharing insights that reveal the complexity of their relationship and her own emotional journey.

This candid reflection offers fans a rare glimpse into the woman behind the iconic roles and the heartfelt truths she carries.

 

Born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, Sally Field grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry.

Her mother, Margaret Field, was an actress, and her stepfather, Jock Mahoney, was a stuntman and actor.

This early exposure to Hollywood’s workings instilled in her a passion for acting and an understanding of the challenges involved in show business.

 

Field’s breakthrough came in the 1960s with the TV series *Gidget* (1965–1966), where she played a spirited teenage girl.

Although the show lasted only one season, it introduced her to audiences and showcased her natural charm.

She then starred in *The Flying Nun* (1967–1970), portraying Sister Bertriel, a nun with the quirky ability to fly.

Despite the show’s lighthearted tone, Field’s comedic timing and warmth made her a beloved television figure.

Determined to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress, Field studied under renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg.

Her dedication paid off with a breakthrough role in the 1976 TV movie *Sybil*, where she portrayed a woman with multiple personalities.

Field’s powerful performance earned her an Emmy Award and critical acclaim, marking a turning point in her career.

 

The late 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for Field.

She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress: first for *Norma Rae* (1979), where she played a working-class woman fighting for labor rights, and again for *Places in the Heart* (1984), a poignant story set during the Great Depression.

Her Oscar acceptance speech, where she famously said, “You like me right now, you like me,” remains one of the most memorable moments in awards history.

 

Beyond her Oscar-winning roles, Field demonstrated remarkable versatility.

She appeared in popular films such as *Smokey and the Bandit* (1977), *Steel Magnolias* (1989), *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993), and *Forrest Gump* (1994).

On television, she earned another Emmy for her role in *Brothers & Sisters* (2006–2011) and received praise for her stage performances, including *The Glass Menagerie*.

Even into her seventies, Field continued to act with passion and skill.

Her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s *Lincoln* (2012) garnered another Oscar nomination, underscoring her enduring talent and commitment to storytelling.

 

Field’s personal life has been as rich and complex as her career. She married actor Steven Craig in 1968, with whom she had two sons, Peter and Eli Craig.

Both sons followed creative paths—Peter as a novelist and screenwriter, and Eli as an actor and filmmaker. The marriage ended in divorce in 1975.

 

In the late 1970s, Field’s high-profile romance with actor Burt Reynolds captured public attention.

The couple starred in several films together, including *Smokey and the Bandit* and its sequel.

Their chemistry on and off screen made them one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, though their relationship was tumultuous and ended in the early 1980s.

 

Field later married film producer Alan Greisman in 1984, and they had a son, Sam.

Unlike his older brothers, Sam chose a quieter life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

Field has been openly supportive of Sam, especially after he came out as gay, becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

 

One of the most poignant revelations from Field’s recent reflections concerns her relationship with Robin Williams.

The two actors famously worked together in the 1993 film *Mrs.Doubtfire*, where Field played Miranda Hillard, the ex-wife of Williams’s character.

Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, blending humor, tension, and affection.

 

Field has shared that their connection went beyond acting.

“I really loved him, but it wasn’t like a romance. It was more complicated than that,” she said.

Their relationship was marked by a deep emotional bond that was layered and multifaceted.

Field described Williams as a whirlwind of energy and creativity—someone who could make everyone laugh uncontrollably, then suddenly express profound sensitivity.

She also revealed an undercurrent of sadness in Williams that she sensed even during the happiest moments.

“I could see the sadness, even when he was making everyone laugh,” Field explained.

This awareness brought a protective instinct and a bittersweet feeling, knowing the pain he carried behind his brilliance.

 

Field’s openness about her feelings includes regret for not expressing more while Williams was alive.

“I miss him terribly, but I also know that I didn’t always say the things I should have said when he was alive,” she admitted.

This vulnerability reflects a theme in Field’s later years: embracing honesty about life’s complexities and the importance of speaking one’s truth before it’s too late.

 

Her reflections serve as both a tribute to Williams’s genius and a reminder of the fragile balance between light and darkness that many creative souls navigate.

Williams, for Field, was not just a friend and co-star but a deeply human figure whose legacy continues to inspire.

Field has also been candid about her own struggles, particularly during her teenage years.

In her memoir *In Pieces*, she wrote about experiencing severe depression—a heavy emotional burden that shaped her early life.

She described this period as marked by anxiety, restlessness, and a profound search for identity and purpose.

 

This internal struggle was not merely sadness but a complex feeling of incompleteness and urgency.

Field’s journey through these dark times adds depth to her performances and explains her enduring empathy for the characters she portrays.

 

Sally Field’s life is a testament to resilience, talent, and authenticity. From her early days as a TV starlet to her acclaimed film career and her role as a mother and advocate, she has navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood with grace.

Her recent revelations about Robin Williams and her own emotional battles enrich the public’s understanding of her as a person, not just a performer.

 

At 78, Field continues to inspire with her courage to share her truths, reminding us all of the importance of connection, compassion, and speaking from the heart.

Her story is a powerful example of how vulnerability can coexist with strength, and how the complexities of life can fuel both art and healing.

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