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Sally Field: The Hollywood Legend with Two Oscars
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Sally Field, born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, is an acclaimed American actress whose versatile career spans over five decades, earning her two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards for her remarkable performances in both film and television.
Sally Field's Early Life in Pasadena
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Sally Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, to Margaret Field, an actress, and Richard Dryden Field, an Army officer.
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Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother later married actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney.1
Field's early exposure to the entertainment industry through her mother and stepfather likely influenced her future career path. She attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, where she was involved in drama and cheerleading, graduating in 1964.3
At 17, Field began her acting career, landing the lead role in the television sitcom "Gidget," which set the stage for her future success as a television actress.3
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Despite facing challenges in transitioning from TV to film, Field's determination led her to study with renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg, which significantly enhanced her skills and versatility as an actress.2
This training would later prove instrumental in her critically acclaimed performances in dramatic roles such as "Sybil," where she portrayed a woman with dissociative identity disorder, and "Norma Rae," which earned her an Academy Award.1
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Breakthrough: Early Television Fame as Sybil
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Sally Field's breakthrough as a serious actress came with her portrayal of Sybil Dorsett, a woman with dissociative identity disorder, in the 1976 television film "Sybil." This role earned Field her first Primetime Emmy Award and critical acclaim, proving her range beyond comedy
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. Her success continued with the 1979 film "Norma Rae," where she played a factory worker turned union organizer. This performance won Field her first Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a versatile and compelling dramatic actress2
. These roles marked a significant shift in Field's career, allowing her to transition from television sitcoms to complex, award-winning performances in both TV and film.2 sources
Sally Field (Photos)
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Sally Field's Filmography
Sally Field's extensive filmography showcases her versatility as an actress across various genres. Here is a selection of her notable film roles:
Field's filmography demonstrates her range from comedies like "Smokey and the Bandit" to critically acclaimed dramas such as "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart," both of which earned her Academy Awards
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Stay Hungry | Mary Tate Farnsworth | Early dramatic role |
| 1977 | Smokey and the Bandit | Carrie "Frog" | Comedy with Burt Reynolds |
| 1979 | Norma Rae | Norma Rae Webster | Academy Award for Best Actress |
| 1981 | Absence of Malice | Megan Carter | Co-starred with Paul Newman |
| 1984 | Places in the Heart | Edna Spalding | Second Academy Award for Best Actress |
| 1989 | Steel Magnolias | M'Lynn Eatenton | Ensemble comedy-drama |
| 1993 | Mrs. Doubtfire | Miranda Hillard | Comedy with Robin Williams |
| 1994 | Forrest Gump | Mrs. Gump | Iconic role as Tom Hanks' mother |
| 2012 | Lincoln | Mary Todd Lincoln | Portrayed Abraham Lincoln's wife |
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. Her ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most respected actresses3
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Awards and Honors: Oscars, Emmys, and More
Sally Field's illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades, recognizing her exceptional talent across various mediums. Her awards showcase her versatility as an actress in both dramatic and comedic roles:
Field's performances in "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart" earned her critical acclaim and two Academy Awards for Best Actress
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series | Sybil |
| 1980 | Academy Award | Best Actress | Norma Rae |
| 1980 | Golden Globe | Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama | Norma Rae |
| 1985 | Academy Award | Best Actress | Places in the Heart |
| 1985 | Golden Globe | Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama | Places in the Heart |
| 2001 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series | ER |
| 2007 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Brothers & Sisters |
| 2014 | National Medal of Arts | - | Lifetime Achievement |
| 2019 | Kennedy Center Honors | - | Lifetime Achievement |
| 2023 | Screen Actors Guild | Life Achievement Award | - |
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. Her television work, including roles in "Sybil" (where she portrayed a woman with dissociative identity disorder) and "Brothers & Sisters," garnered her three Primetime Emmy Awards3
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. These honors reflect Field's ability to excel in both film and television, as well as in dramatic and comedic roles, cementing her status as one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.3 sources
Sally Field's Interviews (Videos)
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Sally Field's Personal Life
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Sally Field's personal life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She married Steven Craig in 1968 and had two sons, Peter and Eli, before divorcing in 1975.
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Field later had a high-profile relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, her co-star in several films including "Smokey and the Bandit."2
In 1984, she married film producer Alan Greisman, with whom she had her third son, Sam, before divorcing in 1993.1
Throughout her career, Field has balanced her roles as an Academy Award-winning actress with motherhood, often drawing on her personal experiences to inform her performances in films like "Steel Magnolias" and "Norma Rae."3
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In her 2018 memoir "In Pieces," Field courageously shared intimate details of her life, including experiences with abuse, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a woman in the entertainment industry.2
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Closing Thoughts on Sally Field
Sally Field's remarkable career spans over five decades, showcasing her versatility as a television actress and film star. From her early roles in comedy movies to her Academy Award-winning performances in "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart," Field has consistently demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of a woman with dissociative identity disorder in "Sybil" marked a turning point, proving her dramatic range beyond comedy. Field's collaborations with renowned directors and co-stars like Burt Reynolds, James Garner, and Paul Newman have resulted in memorable performances that have stood the test of time.
Throughout her career, Field has tackled complex roles that have earned her critical acclaim, from her iconic portrayal in "Norma Rae" to her ensemble work in "Steel Magnolias." Her ability to seamlessly transition between television and film, as well as between comedy and drama, has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most respected actresses. Field's personal life, including her marriages to Steven Craig and Alan Greisman, has informed her performances, adding depth to her portrayals of strong, multifaceted women. As a two-time Academy Award winner and three-time Emmy recipient, Sally Field's enduring legacy in the entertainment industry serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a testament to her extraordinary talent and perseverance.
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Related
What are some of Sally Field's most memorable roles in comedy movies
How did Sally Field's portrayal of characters with dissociative identity disorder impact her career
What was Sally Field's experience working with directors like Steven Craig and James Garner
How did Sally Field's roles in films like Norma Rae and Steel Magnolias contribute to her critical acclaim
What are some key moments from Sally Field's career that led to her Academy Award wins
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