2) Sally Field responds to critics who called her “ugly”
As time went on, Sally Field earned recognition for her powerful portrayals of maternal roles in iconic films like Soap Dish and Not Without My Daughter.
Reflecting on her early days in Hollywood, Field once shared a touching memory from The Flying Nun set. “A great actress I worked with saw how down I was,” she said. “She pulled me aside behind the sound stage and slipped a note into my hand—because I was really struggling.” That moment of quiet support left a lasting impression.
Embracing Aging with Grace
As she’s grown older, Field has spoken candidly about aging naturally. In a 2016 interview with Good Housekeeping, she shared her thoughts openly, calling herself an “old woman” and saying she’s made peace with it.
Rather than chasing a youthful appearance through cosmetic procedures, Field chose to embrace her natural beauty. “Aging is going to happen,” she said, “and I want to honor the way I look now, not try to force a version of myself from the past.”
Still, she admitted it isn’t always easy. “Sometimes I see myself on TV and think, ‘Oh, I wish that wasn’t happening to my neck.’ Your face changes, your eyes get puffy—but that’s life.”
Trolls, Health Battles, and Rising Above It All
Of course, aging naturally in the public eye comes with its own challenges—especially when it comes to the internet. Despite her iconic status, Field has been the target of cruel online comments, with some trolls calling her “ugly” and criticizing her appearance on X (formerly Twitter).
Sadly, these kinds of remarks are all too common for public figures. But Field isn’t letting it get to her. She’s made it clear: regardless of what strangers online say, she’s proud to age on her own terms.
Behind the scenes, Field has also been dealing with a private health issue—osteoporosis. Diagnosed just before her 60th birthday in 2005, Field rarely talks about the condition, but it’s something she’s had to quietly manage for years.
A Silent Illness Many Women Face
Osteoporosis, which leads to thinning bones and increased fracture risk, is more common in women due to hormonal changes after menopause. Even though Field has always led a healthy, active lifestyle, the diagnosis still came as a surprise.
“I fit the risk profile,” she told WebMD. “I’m thin, small-boned, Caucasian, and I was approaching 60. Still, I was shocked at how fast a woman can go from being at risk to actually having osteoporosis.”
She added, “My bones were getting thinner, and I had no idea—no symptoms, nothing I could see or feel.”
A Message of Strength and Self-Respect
Despite her health struggles and the harsh words thrown at her online, Sally Field remains a symbol of resilience and authenticity. Her choice to age naturally—while enduring both physical and emotional challenges—is a powerful message for anyone looking to grow older with grace and confidence.
Let’s celebrate people like Field, who remind us that aging is not something to be feared or fixed, but embraced and honored for the journey it reflects.