Sally Field is a name synonymous with Hollywood excellence, a celebrated actress whose career spans decades and includes numerous accolades, from Academy Awards to Emmy wins.

Yet, despite her many successes and the iconic roles that have defined her legacy, there remains one episode from early in her career she still refuses to watch — an episode from the 1967 television sitcom *The Flying Nun*.

This episode, titled *With Love from Irving*, symbolizes a difficult chapter in Field’s journey as an actress, reflecting both the challenges of typecasting and the struggle for artistic respect.

Born Sally Margaret Field on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, Field was introduced to the entertainment world at a young age.

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

This early exposure to show business laid the foundation for her future career.

Field first captured national attention in the 1960s with lighthearted television sitcoms that showcased her natural charm and buoyant personality.

She became a household name starring in *Gidget* (1965–1966), where she played the perky teenage sweetheart, and then in *The Flying Nun* (1967–1970), portraying Sister Bertriel, a young nun whose lightweight frame allowed her to catch the wind and fly.

These roles brought her fame and public affection but also confined her to a narrow range of comedic, lightweight characters.

While *The Flying Nun* was commercially successful and remains a pop culture staple, Field found the show’s tone and her role frustrating.

She felt it trivialized her talent and locked her into a persona that did not represent her true artistic aspirations.

The episode *With Love from Irving* — centered on Sister Bertriel helping a lovesick pelican deliver notes, leading to comedic chaos — epitomized everything she disliked about her early career.

For Field, this episode was more than just a silly plot; it was a painful reminder of how Hollywood saw her: as a quirky, adorable novelty rather than a serious actress.

At just 21 years old, she was grappling with the cancellation of *Gidget* and immense pressure from Columbia Pictures and the network to accept her fate as a comedic television star.

The exaggerated premise and physical comedy required in this episode left her feeling foolish and artistically stifled.

Determined to break free from typecasting, Field sought to prove herself beyond sitcom roles.

She studied method acting with the esteemed Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio, a transformative experience that helped her develop the skills needed for more demanding roles.

This dedication culminated in her career-defining performance in the 1976 television movie *Sybil*, where she portrayed a woman with dissociative identity disorder, a role that earned her an Emmy Award and critical acclaim.

Her transition to film stardom was solidified with her Academy Award-winning performance in *Norma Rae* (1979), where she played a southern textile worker turned union organizer — a role that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Her memorable Oscar acceptance speech, “You like me, you really like me,” expressed her heartfelt relief at finally being recognized as a serious artist.

Following *Norma Rae*, Field’s career flourished throughout the 1980s and 1990s with a series of critically acclaimed films, including *Places in the Heart* (1984), which earned her a second Academy Award, *Steel Magnolias* (1989), *Mrs.Doubtfire* (1993), and *Forrest Gump* (1994).

These roles showcased her remarkable emotional range and versatility, firmly establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

Beyond acting, Field also ventured into directing and activism. She directed the film *Beautiful* (2000) and episodes of various television series.

She has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and health awareness, openly sharing her experiences with osteoporosis and speaking out on issues affecting women.

Field’s personal life has been marked by significant relationships and motherhood.

She was first married to Steven Craig, with whom she had two sons, Peter and Eli Craig, both of whom pursued creative careers in writing, screenwriting, acting, and directing.

Later, she married producer Alan Greisman, with whom she had a son, Sam Greisman, who is openly gay and a source of pride for Field, who supports LGBTQ+ rights fervently.

Her relationship with actor Burt Reynolds in the late 1970s was both passionate and complicated, marked by professional collaborations and personal challenges.

Despite the difficulties, the relationship left a lasting impact on her life and career.

Despite decades of success and acclaim, Field has never been able to watch *With Love from Irving*.

The episode’s physical comedy, including chasing a pelican and exaggerated flying gestures, made her feel foolish at a time when she was desperate to be taken seriously.

The heavy, uncomfortable nun’s habit she wore during filming added to her physical and emotional discomfort.

In her memoir *In Pieces*, Field reflects candidly on this period, describing how the show symbolized her struggle against Hollywood’s pigeonholing and her fight to control her own narrative.

Watching that episode is not simply about revisiting a role; it is a vivid reminder of the long and difficult journey she endured to earn respect as a serious actress.

Sally Field’s refusal to watch *With Love from Irving* is emblematic of her broader struggle for artistic freedom and recognition.

It represents a young woman’s fight to be seen as more than a television novelty — to be recognized for her depth, courage, and emotional honesty.

While she has since become one of the most respected figures in American cinema, that single episode remains locked away in her memory, not out of shame but because it marks a time before her voice found its true strength.

Today, Sally Field stands as a testament to perseverance and talent, an artist who overcame early typecasting to deliver some of the most powerful performances in film and television history.

Her story inspires not only actors but anyone fighting to be seen and heard for who they truly are.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.