At 78, Sally Field’s Truthful Reflections Are Striking a Chord with Audiences

Her portrayal of a determined factory worker in Norma Rae (1979) won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and she later won a second Oscar for Places in the Heart (1984).

Throughout her career, she sought roles with emotional honesty, often portraying characters who defied stereotypes and revealed inner strength.

This commitment to truth — both in her work and in her personal life — is a thread that runs throughout Field’s public narrative, even when it involves revisiting uncomfortable parts of her past.

A Moment That Captured the Public’s Attention

In early December 2022, Field appeared on Watch What Happens Live, a late‑night show hosted by Andy Cohen. The conversation was breezy and playful at first, with audience members calling in to chat about Field’s memorable film roles.

Then Cohen asked a seemingly lighthearted question: “Who was the worst on‑screen kiss you ever had?”

Field paused with a mischievous grin, as if weighing the question carefully. Then she surprised everyone.

Holding nothing back, she named Burt Reynolds, the legendary movie star with whom she once shared both a romantic and professional partnership.

The audience reacted with laughter and surprise — not at the name itself, but at the unfiltered candor of the response. Field explained that shooting romantic scenes with Reynolds was awkward, joking that it involved “a lot of drooling.”

But the joke wasn’t mean‑spirited — it was matter‑of‑fact, delivered with a relaxed confidence that reflected decades of perspective. That blend of honesty and humor is one of the qualities that sets Field apart from many of her peers. Continue reading…