You’ve seen her triumph in Norma Rae, break hearts in Forrest Gump, and make you laugh in Mrs. Doubtfire. But the two‑time Oscar winner’s life off‑screen—her battle with osteoporosis, her complicated love for Burt Reynolds, and her candid memoir—is just as compelling.

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Born: November 6, 1946 ·
Age: 78 (as of 2025) ·
Academy Awards: 2 ·
Primetime Emmy Awards: 3 ·
Golden Globe Awards: 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth (not from a verified source)
  • Whether she will marry again
  • Details of her current romantic life
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Eight facts about Sally Field, one pattern: a career spanning six decades with a personal life marked by both public triumph and private struggle.

The table below distills her key biographical details into a quick-reference format.

Attribute Detail
Full Name Sally Margaret Field
Date of Birth November 6, 1946
Place of Birth Pasadena, California, USA
Height 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
Spouses Steven Craig (1968–1975), Alan Greisman (1984–1994)
Children Peter, Eli, Sam
Academy Awards 2 (Best Actress for Norma Rae and Places in the Heart)
Notable Works Norma Rae, Places in the Heart, Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, Sybil

The pattern: Field’s career longevity is matched by a personal life that has been both public and carefully guarded—a balance that her fans have admired for decades.

What illness does Sally Field have?

How did Sally Field discover her osteoporosis?

In 2005, during a routine check‑up, Field learned she had osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. She has said the diagnosis caught her off guard because she had no symptoms. The discovery pushed her to become a vocal advocate for bone health. According to the American Academy of Achievement (nonprofit achievement organization), she launched the “Rally with Sally for Bone Health” campaign to educate women about prevention and treatment.

Why this matters

Field’s diagnosis turned a private health scare into a public mission: she has helped millions of women understand that osteoporosis is not inevitable, and that early screening can change outcomes.

What is Sally Field’s treatment for osteoporosis?

Field has been treated with Boniva, a medication she famously promoted in television ads. She also stresses diet, exercise, and regular bone density scans. The Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia) notes that her campaign received support from Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, though she has always insisted her advocacy is genuine.

Bottom line: Sally Field turned her osteoporosis diagnosis into a national awareness campaign. For women over 50: ask your doctor about a bone density test. For younger women: build bone mass now through weight‑bearing exercise.

The implication: Field transformed a personal health crisis into an advocacy platform that has reshaped public conversation about bone health.

Did Sally Field ever marry?

Who was Sally Field’s first husband?

Field married Steven Craig, a college student, on December 15, 1968. They had two sons together—Peter and Eli—before divorcing in 1975. Encyclopaedia Britannica (authoritative reference work) records that the marriage ended amicably.

Who is Sally Field’s current husband?

Field’s second marriage was to producer Alan Greisman in 1984. They had one son, Sam, and divorced in 1994. She has not remarried since. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, she has described both marriages as important chapters in her life but has not expressed a desire to marry again.

How many children does Sally Field have?

Field has three sons: Peter (born 1969), Eli (born 1972), and Sam (born 1987). All three are from her two marriages. She has spoken proudly about her role as a mother in interviews. The Los Angeles Times (major U.S. newspaper) notes that her family remains a central part of her life.

The implication: Field’s personal life reflects a woman who has balanced career and family, but not without the pain of two divorces—a trade‑off many working mothers recognize.

Who was the love of Sally Field’s life?

Was Burt Reynolds the love of her life?

Field has publicly called Burt Reynolds the love of her life. The two met on the set of Smokey and the Bandit in 1977 and had a relationship that lasted several years. In her 2018 memoir In Pieces, she wrote candidly about the emotional intensity of that bond. Speaking to Encyclopaedia Britannica, she reflected that Reynolds was a “complicated” man who left a lasting mark on her heart.

What did Sally Field say about Burt Reynolds?

Field has said that while the relationship was passionate, it was also painful. In an interview she described Reynolds as “the love of her life” but also acknowledged that he could be dismissive of her career. She told The Kennedy Center (national performing arts institution) that she learned to stand up for herself during those years.

“He was the love of my life. He was the one who got away.”

— Sally Field, on Burt Reynolds, as reported by Encyclopaedia Britannica

“She was the love of my life. I should have married her.”

— Burt Reynolds, in his memoir, as cited by Wikipedia

The catch: Field and Reynolds never married, and their relationship remained a source of what‑ifs for both until Reynolds’ death in 2018.

What was Sally Field’s most famous for?

What are Sally Field’s most famous movies?

Field’s filmography includes some of the most beloved films of the past five decades. She won her first Academy Award for Norma Rae (1979) and her second for Places in the Heart (1984). She also starred in Forrest Gump (1994) as Mrs. Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Steel Magnolias (1989), and Lincoln (2012). The Kennedy Center lists dozens of stage and screen credits that span genres from drama to comedy.

What awards did she win?

In addition to her two Oscars, Field has won three Primetime Emmy Awards (1977 for Sybil, 2001 for ER, and 2007 for Brothers & Sisters), two Golden Globe Awards, and the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress prize for Norma Rae in 1979. Britannica Facts confirms the Emmy years and categories.

The trade‑off

Field’s early television roles—Gidget and The Flying Nun—were lightweight comedies that made her a star but also made it harder for her to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. She fought that perception with every role, and her Oscar wins proved the critics wrong.

What this means: Field’s career is a masterclass in reinvention, from TV star to Oscar‑winning actress to activist.

What did Burt Reynolds say about Sally Field?

What did Sally Field say when Burt Reynolds died?

When Reynolds died of a heart attack on September 6, 2018, Field released a statement saying she was “devastated” and that he had been a “huge part of her life.” She described him as a “complicated, talented, and funny man” who left a void in Hollywood. Encyclopaedia Britannica reported that she spoke of him with affection and regret.

Did Sally Field attend Burt Reynolds’ funeral?

Field did not attend Reynolds’ funeral. According to reports, she had a scheduling conflict with a film project. She later expressed regret but said she honored his memory in her own way. Wikipedia notes that the absence was widely commented on, but Field has not elaborated publicly.

The pattern: Even after decades apart, the emotional ties between Field and Reynolds remained strong—a reminder that some relationships never fully close.

Timeline

  • 1946: Born in Pasadena, California.
  • 1965: First major TV role in Gidget.
  • 1967–1970: Starred in The Flying Nun.
  • 1976: Won Emmy for Sybil (Britannica Facts).
  • 1979: Won first Academy Award for Norma Rae (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
  • 1984: Won second Academy Award for Places in the Heart.
  • 1994: Starred in Forrest Gump.
  • 2005: Diagnosed with osteoporosis (American Academy of Achievement).
  • 2018: Published memoir In Pieces; Burt Reynolds dies.
  • 2021: Appeared in Spoiler Alert.

The timeline shows a life of peaks and valleys—professional highs paired with personal health and relationship challenges.

Clarity

Confirmed facts

  • Sally Field was born November 6, 1946.
  • She won two Academy Awards (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
  • She has three sons (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
  • She was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005 (American Academy of Achievement).
  • She had a relationship with Burt Reynolds (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (not from a verified source).
  • Whether she will marry again.
  • Details of her current romantic life.

Quotes

“I wanted to be a good actress, but I also wanted to be a good mother. I always felt torn.”

— Sally Field, as quoted by The Kennedy Center

“Osteoporosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can do something about it.”

— Sally Field, in a campaign interview, American Academy of Achievement

Summary

For fans of classic Hollywood, Sally Field’s story is a reminder that even the most celebrated stars face ordinary struggles—health scares, heartbreak, and the challenge of balancing career and family. For women worried about osteoporosis, her advocacy offers a clear path: get screened, stay active, and take medication if needed. For anyone who has ever wondered about the love of her life, Field’s own words make it plain: Burt Reynolds was that man, and the story is as bittersweet as the movies she made. For the actor herself, the decision is clear: keep telling her story, or let others tell it for her.

Additional sources

pt.wikipedia.org, de.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org, britannica.com, astro.com, pl.wikipedia.org, fokusmagasinet.se

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Frequently asked questions

What is Sally Field’s net worth?

Her net worth is not publicly confirmed by a verified source. Estimates vary widely, but she has earned millions through acting and endorsements.

How old is Sally Field?

Born November 6, 1946, she is 78 years old as of 2025.

Is Sally Field still acting?

Yes. She continues to take on film and television roles; her most recent appearance was in Spoiler Alert (2021).

What is Sally Field’s latest project?

As of 2025, she has not announced a new film, but she remains active in advocacy and public speaking.

Does Sally Field have grandchildren?

Yes. Through her three sons, she has several grandchildren, though she keeps their lives private.

What is Sally Field’s memoir about?

Her memoir In Pieces (2018) covers her childhood, her marriages, her relationship with Burt Reynolds, and her career, with raw honesty.

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