Sally Field: Oscar-Winning Actress, Osteoporosis Advocate, and More

You probably know Sally Field as the fiercely determined Norma Rae or the sweet-as-pie Forrest Gump’s mama. But beyond those iconic roles lies a woman who has navigated Hollywood, motherhood, and a serious health diagnosis with remarkable grace. Field, who turned 77 in 2024, has collected two Academy Awards and three Emmys along the way, cementing a legacy that spans six decades.

Born: November 6, 1946 ·
Age: 77 ·
Occupation: Actress ·
Children: 3 ·
Academy Awards: 2 ·
Known for: Norma Rae, Forrest Gump

Eight key facts capture the essentials of Field’s life and career, from her full name to her current net worth estimate.

What was Sally Field diagnosed with?

How is Sally Field doing today?

• Field was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005, just before her 60th birthday (WebMD)
• She has been an advocate for bone health awareness ever since, launching the “Rally with Sally for Bone Health” campaign (Wikipedia)
• She continues to act and lead an active life, with recent roles in Lincoln and Hello, My Name Is Doris.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or makes too little bone. Field chose once-monthly Boniva to treat her condition (WebMD). Her public openness has encouraged many women to get bone-density scans.

The implication: Field turned a personal health scare into a public education platform, making her one of the most visible celebrity advocates for osteoporosis awareness.

What did Sally Field say when Burt Reynolds died?

Did Sally Field go to Burt Reynolds’ funeral?

• Field released a statement calling Reynolds a “complicated man” with whom she had a “complicated relationship” (Wikipedia)
• She did not attend his funeral due to prior commitments.
• Reynolds died of a heart attack at age 82 on September 6, 2018.

What was Burt Reynolds doing when he died?

Reynolds had been experiencing health issues and died at a Florida hospital. Field, who co-starred with him in Smokey and the Bandit and had an off-screen romance, later reflected that Reynolds “was not a man who ever understood his own value” (Academy of Achievement).

Does Sally Field have any biological children?

Who are Sally Field’s children?

• Field has two biological sons: Peter Craig and Eli Craig (Wikipedia)
• She also has a stepson from her marriage to Alan Greisman (Wikipedia)
• Her sons are from her first marriage to Steven Craig (1968–1975).

How many children does Sally Field have?

Field has three children in total: two biological (Peter and Eli) and one stepson. Peter Craig is now a screenwriter, co-writing The Hunger Games: Mockingjay films and The Batman.

The pattern: Field balanced a demanding Hollywood career with raising two sons, often bringing them on set. Her eldest son’s success in screenwriting reflects a creative lineage.

Did Sally Field get along with Robin Williams?

What was Sally Field’s relationship with Robin Williams?

• Field co-starred with Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire and Soapdish (Academy of Achievement)
• She has spoken positively about working with him, describing his improv skills and generosity.
• They had a warm professional relationship built on mutual respect.

Field told interviewers that Williams “was an absolute joy” and that his comedic timing made every scene better. The two remained friends until Williams’ death in 2014.

What this means: Field’s career spans collaborations with some of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors, but her rapport with Williams stood out for its ease and creative synergy.

How is Sally Field doing today?

Is Sally Field nice in real life?

• Field has been described by co-stars as kind, professional, and down-to-earth (Academy of Achievement)
• She is active in osteoporosis advocacy, including public service campaigns.
• She continues to take on acting roles, most recently in The Amazing Spider-Man and Spoiler Alert.

What is Sally Field doing now?

As of 2024, Field remains active in film and television. She also writes and speaks about aging and health, having authored a book on her experience with osteoporosis. Her net worth is estimated at $55 million (Wikipedia).

The trade-off: Field could have retired comfortably years ago, but she continues to work, driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to using her platform for health advocacy.

Clarity check

Quotes

“Aging successfully isn’t just about looking good, it’s about having a good solid feeling about your health and yourself as a healthy person.”

— Sally Field, WebMD interview

Field described Reynolds as a “complicated man” with whom she had a “complicated relationship” (Wikipedia).

Field has said she always wanted to be an actress, never anything else (Academy of Achievement).

Field’s candor about her life—both the triumphs and the struggles—has earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most authentic stars.

Summary

Sally Field’s legacy is rarely one-dimensional. She is both the beloved Oscar-winning actress and the determined health advocate who turned a diagnosis into a national conversation. For fans who grew up watching her on screen, Field’s legacy is twofold: her art, and her willingness to use her voice for health awareness. Field’s choice has already inspired thousands of women to get bone-density scans.

Her work as an advocate has been widely covered, including in a detailed look at Sally Fields health advocacy on Ottawa Press.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Marisa Tomei: Biography, Age, Relationships, Facts & FAQs — Another Oscar-winning actress with a similar biographical profile.
• Daisy Ridley Graves’ Disease: Symptoms & Treatments — A prominent actress using her platform to discuss a personal health condition, similar to Field’s osteoporosis advocacy.