Known for her exceptional range and talent, Sally Field has built a distinguished career in Hollywood, delivering unforgettable performances in both films and television.
Take her role in Steel Magnolias, for example. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of love,
heartbreak, anger, and loss was truly remarkable, especially in the iconic funeral scene.
She’s also widely recognized for starring in beloved films and TV shows like Erin Brockovich, The Flying Nun, Gidget, Forrest Gump, and Smokey and the Bandit.
Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Sally grew up in a working-class family with ties to the entertainment industry. However, her upbringing was far from idyllic. In her autobiography, she revealed she was abused by her stepfather and underwent a secret abortion at the age of seventeen.
Despite these challenges, Sally remained a warm and gracious individual.
These days, Sally is still busy working. In 2020, she took on the role of Janice in the series Dispatches From Elsewhere, and in 2022, she played Jessie Buss in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, a show about the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.
Given her continuous work in the industry, it’s not surprising that Sally makes the occasional interview appearance.
During a December 1 episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” a fan’s bold question led Sally to disclose her least favorite on-screen kiss.
After hearing the question, the 76-year-old actress laughed nervously and asked, “Do I really have to name names?”
Andy Cohen, 54, encouraged her to spill the details, and Sally eventually relented, saying, “This might catch you off guard.”
She revealed that the less-than-ideal kiss came from none other than her former co-star and boyfriend, Burt Reynolds.
Cohen, visibly surprised, asked, “But weren’t you two dating at the time?”
Sally explained that while they were together during the filming of Smokey and the Bandit, she had to “look the other way” during their kissing scenes, as it wasn’t the most enjoyable experience for her.
“Isn’t that something?” Cohen responded, shocked by the revelation.
Field went on to describe how Reynolds would sometimes be “drooling” during their on-screen kisses. The two had met while filming in 1977 and ended up dating for nearly five years.
In his memoir But Enough About Me, Reynolds reflected on his relationship with Sally, expressing regret over how things turned out. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 82 due to a heart attack.
In an interview with Variety in March, Sally opened up about why she distanced herself from Reynolds in the final 30 years of his life. She shared, “He wasn’t someone I could stay around. We just weren’t a good fit. Somehow, he made me believe I was more important to him than I truly was. He wanted something he didn’t have, and I wasn’t willing to be a part of that.”
