Sally Field, 76, Responds to Critics Who Called Her “Ugly” and Opens Up About Silent Disease

At 76, Sally Field exudes the same radiance she possessed at 19. Yet, behind the scenes, her life unfolds with a challenging past, tumultuous love affairs, and an ongoing health battle. Despite these trials, she confronts criticism about her appearance. Let’s delve into the intricate tapestry of Sally Field’s life, uncovering the myriad experiences that have shaped her journey.

Challenging childhood and Hollywood rise

Field’s journey began with a challenging childhood shaped by her stepfather’s influence. Renowned for portraying strong maternal figures, Field first graced the limelight in the 1960s with the sitcom Gidget.

Despite its brevity, the show catapulted her into Hollywood, becoming a driving force in her career. Her escape from a challenging childhood led her to pursue acting at Columbia Pictures, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The field gained Hollywood’s attention with the film Sybil and achieved critical acclaim with her Academy Award-winning performance in Norma Rae.

“The woman I worked with, a great actress, on The Flying Nun, grabbed me to the back of the sound stage and put a piece of paper in my hand because I was really depressed,” she recalled her situation.

Contentment in singlehood

Field’s passion for acting blossomed in high school, setting the stage for a successful career. Despite facing two divorces, including a relationship with Burt Reynolds, Field found contentment in singlehood, focusing on her career and enjoying the joys of motherhood with her son.

Aging gracefully and naturally

Approaching 76, Field embraced the aging process with grace. In a 2016 interview, she candidly acknowledged her status as an “old woman,” emphasizing the acceptance of aging’s inevitable changes. Choosing to age naturally, she commended women resisting plastic surgery, advocating for self-respect and appreciation of one’s present self.

She realized the importance of respecting and appreciating one’s present self rather than striving for an idealized image from the past. “I see myself on TV and say, ’Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck.’ And your face is falling, and your eyes are so puffy,” Field explained.

Facing osteoporosis and criticism

Diagnosed with osteoporosis before turning 60 in 2005, Field, despite a healthy lifestyle, faced the unpredictable nature of this “silent disease.” Unfortunately, in 2018, social media trolls targeted her appearance, reflecting the darker side of online interactions.

Social media trolls targeted her on Twitter, making hurtful comments about her looks. Some individuals resorted to insults, calling her “ugly” and making derogatory remarks about her physical features. Such comments are disrespectful and reflect the negative side of online interactions.

Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis due to hormonal changes during menopause, which lead to decreased bone density. Despite Field’s efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and calcium intake, she couldn’t prevent the diagnosis, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the disease.

Sally Field’s odyssey becomes a beacon for those opting for natural aging, gracefully and resiliently embracing the journey through time. This decision empowers individuals and catalyzes a positive transformation in societal norms. Their acceptance of natural aging becomes an inspiration, encouraging others to embrace their unique beauty.