Profile of the Day: Sally Field

Posted November 6, 2020 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Sally Field! Today the actress turns 74.

Image: Sally Field / Wikimedia Commons

She was born on November 6, 1946 in Pasadena, California to Richard Dryden Field, an Army officer, and Margaret Field, an actress. After her parents divorced, Field’s mother married stuntman Jock Mahoney. With family already in show business, it was natural for Field to follow suit. She landed her first role as the boy-crazed surfer girl in the sitcom Gidget. Although the series only lasted a single season, it led Field to her next starring role in The Flying Nun.

Following her first Emmy win for her work in the television movie Sybil, Field focused her career on the big screen. In 1977, she appeared in the hit film Smokey and the Bandit opposite Burt Reynolds. The pair would become romantically involved and star in several more movies together. Two years later, she won her first Academy Award for her dramatic turn in Norma Rae.

For decades, she has continued to take on a wide range film and television roles. What’s your favorite Sally Field movie?

Explore Sally Field’s family tree and share how you’re connected to the star!