Sally Field Embraces Ageing Gracefully, Finding Joy as a Grandmother of Five

Sally Field, the iconic actress who has captivated audiences for decades, has embraced the journey of ageing with grace and authenticity. In a world obsessed with youth, Field has chosen to celebrate the beauty of growing older, inspiring many with her honesty and self-acceptance.

From ‘Gidget’ to Grandmotherhood: Sally Field’s Inspiring Journey of Life, Love, and Acceptance

Field found success in Hollywood after appearing in the show “Gidget,” which launched her career4. She once said that she had a blast filming the series, where she played a teenager5. Although “Gidget” was short-lived, it opened doors to other roles, which turned her into a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. The show kept her motivated during a difficult childhood with her stepfather, and she used the acting opportunity as an escape.

Field went on to star in the sitcom, “The Flying Nun,” which ran from 1967 to 1970 for three seasons6. Later, the newly awarded Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award winner, enrolled at Actors Studios from 1973 to 1975 to hone her acting talent and left as a dramatic actress6. She landed more serious roles, appearing in the 1976 film “Sybil” and as a union organiser in the 1979 drama film “Norma Rae”. Her performance in “Norma Rae” earned her an Academy Award.

Finding Love and Family

Field’s personal life has been marked by both joy and heartbreak. Her first marriage to her high school sweetheart, Steven Craig, lasted from 1968 to 1975. The couple had two sons, Peter and Eli, before parting ways. Field later married film producer Alan Greisman in 1984, and they had a son named Samuel8. However, they split in 1994.

Despite the challenges, Field has found immense happiness in her role as a mother and grandmother. She has five grandchildren: Colin, Isabel, Ogden, Noah, and Sophie, and a friend revealed that she enjoys having so many grandkids with whom she plays and has fun9. Field became a first-time grandmother in 1998 when her eldest son Peter and his first wife, Amy Scattergood, welcomed their daughter Isabel9. They had another daughter, Sophie, in 2001. Peter later remarried and had a son, Ogden, with Jennifer DeFrancisco. Field’s middle child, Eli, and his spouse, Sasha Craig, welcomed a son, Noah, in 2006, and another son, Colin, in 2014.

Sally loves her life the way it is. And she doesn’t see herself marrying again.

Field has spoken about the pride she feels for her sons, stating: “The three things I’m most proud of in my life are my sons. They are kind, loving, and productive people. Each with their own list of talents and accomplishments”.

Her sons have followed creative paths. Peter is a successful screenwriter who has worked on films like “The Batman,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “The Hunger Games,” and “The Mother”. He is also an author and has written books such as “Blood Father” and “The Martini”. Eli is an actor and director known for films such as “Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil,” “Zombieland,” and “Little Evil”. Samuel is also a writer and director.

Field has been a vocal advocate for her son Samuel, who came out as gay several years ago. She has spoken about the importance of parental acceptance, stating in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, “It’s important to have a parent speak about raising a magnificent, proud, intelligent, funny and lovable, sexy gay son”.

Ageing Gracefully and Facing Health Challenges

As Field entered her 60s, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. This diagnosis came as a surprise to Field, who had always maintained a healthy lifestyle. She explained, “I always knew I fit the risk profile. I was thin, small-boned, Caucasian, and heading toward age 60. But I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full-fledged osteoporosis”.

Field’s experience with osteoporosis highlights the realities of ageing, even for those who prioritize their health. Despite the challenges, she has continued to live a full and active life.

Field has spoken candidly about her decision to age naturally, a choice that has not always been met with kindness in the youth-obsessed world of Hollywood. She has addressed her ageing process and said she had embraced it. While there are some things she doesn’t like about growing old, she has made peace with it.

Finding Peace and Contentment in a Beach House

Amid the demands of her career and family life, Field has found solace in a peaceful ocean-view home18. After selling her larger Malibu home in 2011, she downsized to a three-bedroom, four-bathroom property in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. The home, which she purchased for $2.3 million in 2012, is described as having “explosive ocean, canyon, mountain, and city views”.

The house features a modern kitchen, spacious living areas with high ceilings, and a main bedroom with a private balcony and spa bathtub. Surrounded by trees, the property also boasts a lawn, a stone path, and a charming Dutch door entry.

A Life of Resilience and Grace

Sally Field’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s different chapters with openness and authenticity. From her early days in Hollywood to her current role as a loving grandmother, she has navigated the highs and lows with remarkable resilience and grace. Her decision to age naturally and her advocacy for her son are just two examples of her strength and integrity. Field continues to inspire with her honesty, her talent, and her commitment to living a life true to herself.