Sally Field Biography, Age, Early Life, Net Worth, Career & More

Sally Field is a celebrated American actress and director, known for her exceptional talent, versatility, and enduring presence in Hollywood. With a career spanning over six decades, she has earned multiple prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and numerous nominations. Field is recognized for her iconic roles in films such as Norma Rae, Forrest Gump, and Steel Magnolias, as well as television series like Gidget and Brothers & Sisters. This article provides a comprehensive look at Sally Field’s biography, age, early life, net worth, and career achievements.

Personal Details Table

Full Name	Sally Margaret Field
Date of Birth	November 6, 1946
Age	77 years old
Place of Birth	Pasadena, California, USA
Nationality	American
Height	5 feet 3 inches (159 cm)
Weight	52 kg (115 lbs)
Profession	Actress, Director
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Net Worth	$55 million

Age

Sally Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California, USA. As of 2024, she is 77 years old. Her zodiac sign, Scorpio, reflects her determination, resilience, and passionate nature—traits that have contributed significantly to her success in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Childhood and Family

Sally Field was born to Margaret Field, an actress, and Richard Dryden Field, a salesman. Her parents divorced when she was just four years old. Her mother later married actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney, who played a significant role in Sally’s upbringing. Growing up in a family connected to Hollywood, Sally was introduced to the entertainment industry at a young age.

Education

Field attended Portola Middle School and later graduated from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California. During her high school years, she was an active cheerleader and participated in various drama productions, which fueled her interest in acting.

Early Challenges

Sally Field’s relationship with her stepfather, Jock Mahoney, was strained. In her memoir, In Pieces (2018), she revealed that she experienced emotional and sexual abuse from Mahoney during her childhood. These difficult experiences shaped her resilience and strength, which she carried into her professional life.

Despite these challenges, Field’s passion for acting drove her to pursue a career in Hollywood. Her first breakthrough came shortly after high school when she landed a role in a popular television series.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Sally Field’s net worth is estimated to be $55 million. Her wealth comes from a long and successful career in television, film, and theater, as well as her work as a director and producer.

Sources of Income

1. Film and Television Roles: Field’s extensive filmography, including award-winning performances, has earned her substantial salaries and residuals.
2. Directing and Producing: In addition to acting, Field has directed and produced several projects, contributing to her overall net worth.
3. Endorsements and Sponsorships: Throughout her career, Field has participated in endorsement deals and promotional campaigns, adding to her income.
4. Theater Performances: Field has also earned income through her work in Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
5. Memoir Sales: Her best-selling memoir, In Pieces (2018), has been another source of revenue.

Real Estate Investments

Sally Field has invested in several properties over the years. She has owned homes in Malibu, Los Angeles, and New York City, reflecting her financial success and smart investments.

Career

Early Career: 1960s

Sally Field’s career began in the early 1960s with her debut role in the television series “Gidget” (1965-1966). She played Frances “Gidget” Lawrence, a bubbly teenage surfer. Although the show lasted only one season, it established Field as a promising young actress.

Following Gidget, she starred in another TV series, “The Flying Nun” (1967-1970), where she played Sister Bertrille, a novice nun who could fly. The series was a commercial success but typecast Field in light-hearted, comedic roles, something she later worked hard to overcome.

Transition to Film: 1970s

Determined to be taken seriously as an actress, Sally Field enrolled in acting classes with renowned coach Lee Strasberg. Her dedication paid off when she earned critical acclaim for her performance in the television film “Sybil” (1976), where she played a young woman with dissociative identity disorder. The role won her an Emmy Award and showcased her dramatic abilities.

Her big-screen breakthrough came with “Norma Rae” (1979), where she portrayed a factory worker who fights for union rights. This performance earned Field her first Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her status as a serious actress.

Continued Success: 1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for Field. She starred in several successful films, including:

• “Absence of Malice” (1981): Opposite Paul Newman, she played a journalist entangled in an ethical dilemma.
• “Places in the Heart” (1984): Her portrayal of a widow struggling to save her farm during the Great Depression earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress.
• “Steel Magnolias” (1989): Field played M’Lynn Eatenton, a strong-willed mother, alongside Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine.

1990s and 2000s

Field continued to deliver memorable performances in the 1990s and 2000s:

• “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993): She played the ex-wife of Robin Williams‘s character in this beloved family comedy.
• “Forrest Gump” (1994): Field portrayed Mrs. Gump, the loving mother of Tom Hanks‘ character. The film won multiple Oscars and remains a classic.
• “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde” (2003): She played Congresswoman Victoria Rudd.

Television Success

Field found success on television once again with the series “Brothers & Sisters” (2006-2011). Her role as Nora Walker, the matriarch of a wealthy family, earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Directing Career

Sally Field ventured into directing with films like “The Christmas Tree” (1996) and “Beautiful” (2000). Her directorial efforts reflect her commitment to storytelling and her desire to explore different aspects of filmmaking.

Recent Work

In recent years, Field has continued to act in film, television, and theater. Notable projects include:

• “Lincoln” (2012): She played Mary Todd Lincoln, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
• “Hello, My Name Is Doris” (2015): A comedy-drama where she played a quirky, older woman pursuing a younger man.
• “Dispatches from Elsewhere” (2020): A drama series on AMC.

Awards and Honors

Sally Field’s remarkable career has earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Two Academy Awards for Best Actress (Norma Rae and Places in the Heart).
• Three Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Two Golden Globe Awards.
• A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2014).
• Kennedy Center Honors (2019) for her contributions to American culture.

Conclusion

Sally Field’s journey from a young television actress to an award-winning Hollywood icon is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and resilience. At 77 years old, she has achieved a net worth of $55 million and continues to inspire audiences with her powerful performances.

Her work in television, film, and theater, combined with her contributions as a director and advocate, has solidified her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Sally Field remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her authenticity, strength, and unwavering commitment to her craft.