Sally Field Unveils Shocking Truths About ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ at 78

At 78, Sally Field has finally opened up about her time on the set of the iconic film “Smokey and the Bandit,” revealing surprising truths that have remained hidden for decades.

From her tumultuous relationship with co-star Burt Reynolds to the challenges she faced in her early career, Field’s revelations provide a captivating glimpse into Hollywood’s past.

Born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, Sally Field grew up in a world shaped by contrasting influences.

Her mother, Margaret Field, was an actress who worked with Paramount Pictures, while her father, Richard Dryden Field, was an army officer who instilled discipline in her life.

This blend of glamour and order shaped Field into a resilient individual, capable of navigating the complexities of her career.

Field’s childhood was marred by her parents’ divorce when she was just four years old.

The pain of this event lingered throughout her life.

A few years later, her mother remarried stuntman and actor Jock Mahoney, but this new marriage brought its own darkness.

In her 2018 memoir, “In Pieces,” Field revealed that Mahoney took advantage of her during her teenage years, a secret that profoundly impacted her self-perception and worldview.

Despite the turmoil at home, Field found solace on film sets alongside her mother.

This exposure ignited her passion for acting, allowing her to escape her troubled reality.

She began using acting as a means of expression during her school years, discovering her natural talent for performance.

At 17, a chance encounter at a party led to her auditioning for an acting workshop at Columbia Studios, marking the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry.

Field’s breakthrough came in 1965 when she was cast as the lead in the TV series “Gidget.”

Despite initial skepticism about her future, the show’s reruns gained immense popularity, solidifying her status as a rising star.

Following “Gidget,” she starred in “The Flying Nun,” a role that, while successful, left her feeling unfulfilled as she yearned for more complex characters.

In the early 1970s, Field took a bold step by appearing topless in the film “Stay Hungry,” hoping to break free from her innocent image.

However, the film’s limited release did not yield the desired results, leaving her frustrated.

For nearly three years, she turned down sitcom roles, determined to redefine her career.

During this period, she studied at the Actor’s Studio under the legendary Lee Strasberg, pouring her energy into honing her craft.

Field’s persistence paid off when she landed the role of Mary Tate in “Stay Hungry,” a film that introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major acting role.

Although the film didn’t achieve box office success, it garnered critical acclaim, particularly for Field’s performance.

The turning point of her career came with the miniseries “Sybil,” where she portrayed a woman with dissociative identity disorder, a role that required immense emotional depth and preparation.

The success of “Sybil” catapulted Field into the spotlight, earning her an Emmy Award and establishing her as a serious actress.

Her newfound recognition opened doors, leading to her casting in “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977, a role that would further define her career.

Initially, Field was hesitant about the film, believing the script to be subpar.

However, Reynolds, who was already a major star, insisted she was perfect for the role, ultimately convincing her to join the project.

Filming “Smokey and the Bandit” presented its own set of challenges.

With a modest budget of $4.3 million, the crew faced intense summer heat while shooting car chase scenes.

Despite these difficulties, the atmosphere on set was lively, largely due to Reynolds’ penchant for practical jokes.

The film premiered on May 27, 1977, and became an unexpected hit, grossing over $126 million at the box office.

Field and Reynolds shared undeniable chemistry, both on and off the screen.

Their connection blossomed quickly, with Field describing their bond as immediate and intense.

However, beneath the surface, their relationship was fraught with complications.

Reynolds struggled with substance abuse, using drugs like Percodan and Valium during filming.

Field, concerned for his well-being, attempted to intervene by arranging for him to see a doctor, but he dismissed her efforts.

In her memoir, Field candidly reflected on their relationship, noting the mix of passion and turmoil.

She described Reynolds as a controlling figure, often dictating her career choices, which created tension between them.

Despite the challenges, Reynolds later expressed deep regret for how he treated Field, calling her the love of his life in a 2015 interview.

Field’s personal life was equally complex.

She married Steven Craig in 1968, a relationship that began as a high school romance but ultimately ended in divorce.

They had two sons, Peter and Eli, who both ventured into the entertainment industry.

Field’s second marriage to film producer Alan Greisman in 1984 also faced struggles, leading to their divorce in 1994.

Throughout her career, Field remained committed to activism, particularly advocating for LGBTQ+ rights after her son Sam came out as gay.

Her dedication to equality and social justice has been a significant aspect of her life, culminating in her receiving the Ally for Equity award in 2012.

In a recent interview, Field revealed that her onscreen kiss with Reynolds in “Smokey and the Bandit” was the worst she ever had, surprising fans who admired their on-screen chemistry.

She admitted that much of the film’s charm stemmed from improvisation rather than the script itself, showcasing the creative energy that permeated the set.

As she reflects on her remarkable journey, Sally Field’s story is one of resilience, passion, and complexity.

From her early struggles to her triumphs in Hollywood, she has navigated the challenges of fame while remaining true to herself.

Her revelations about “Smokey and the Bandit” and her relationship with Burt Reynolds shed light on the intricacies of their connection, offering fans a deeper understanding of the woman behind the iconic roles.

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