Being a woman in Hollywood can be really tough, but Sally Field has decided to break many of the ‘rules’ that are often expected.
We admire her performances in movies like Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias. However, what we appreciate even more is her personal fight against ageism and bullying throughout her career.
At 78, Field still shines with the same energy she had at 19, even though she continues to face comments about her looks.
Early Life and Career
Field faced some difficulties early on, especially because of the abuse she experienced from her stepfather, Jock Mahoney, which she talked about in her 2018 memoir, according to The New York Times.
Her first big break came with the popular 60s sitcom Gidget, which launched her into fame and led to more serious roles in films like Sybil and Norma Rae, the latter of which won her an Academy Award.
As time went on, Field became famous for playing strong motherly characters in popular films like Soap Dish and Not Without My Daughter.
She shared a memory about a talented actress she worked with on The Flying Nun, who once pulled her aside and handed her a note when she was feeling really down.
Aging naturally
As she gets older, Field has openly talked about embracing aging with dignity. In a 2016 interview with Good Housekeeping, she mentioned that she has come to terms with being an “old woman.” She also shared that she prefers to age naturally, recognizing that getting older is something we all have to face.
The skilled actress emphasized the value of respecting and appreciating her current appearance instead of resorting to plastic surgery to chase after her younger self.
I watch myself on TV and think, “I really wish that wasn’t happening to my neck.” My face looks droopy, and my eyes are super puffy, Field said.
Facing internet trolls and health issues
Field has chosen to embrace aging naturally, but this decision has made her a target for mean internet trolls who have called her “ugly.”
These trolls have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to insult her looks and make hurtful remarks about her appearance. Unfortunately, this kind of negativity is something many celebrities face, even though it’s really unfair.
Recently, Field has decided to ignore the hurtful comments, stating that she still prefers to age naturally, no matter what others think.
The actress is also managing her silent illness, osteoporosis, which she was diagnosed with before she turned 60 in 2005, but she doesn’t often talk about it.
Women are unfortunately more likely to get this terrible disease because of the hormonal changes that happen during menopause, which can cause their bones to become weaker. Field shared with WebMD that despite her efforts to live healthily and exercise regularly, she couldn’t avoid the diagnosis.
“I always knew I was at risk. I was thin, had small bones, was Caucasian, and was getting close to 60. But I was shocked at how fast a woman could go from being at risk to actually having osteoporosis,” Field explained.
“It felt like my bones were getting thinner and thinner, but I couldn’t see or feel any signs of it.”
It’s really upsetting to see Field being bullied online, especially by people who don’t even know her, especially since she’s dealing with osteoporosis. Still, her determination to age gracefully serves as a great example for others who want to do the same.