Sally Field, 76, battled age discrimination in Hollywood and chose not to have plastic surgery
In the world of celebrities, it’s uncommon to find one who hasn’t undergone cosmetic procedures, particularly due to the pressures often faced by famous women. Navigating Hollywood as a woman can be difficult, but at 76 years old, Sally Field continues to defy the usual expectations.
Sally Field, known for her roles in movies like Forrest Gump and Steel Magnolias, was born in 1946 in Pasadena, California. She initially gained fame through TV shows like Gidget and The Flying Nun. However, what truly sets her apart is her personal commitment to challenging ageism throughout her career.
The 76-year-old star has evolved into a remarkable actress and activist, transitioning to film after her TV career. She has been featured in numerous iconic movies such as Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump.
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In February 2023, Field was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and her heartfelt acceptance speech highlighted her extraordinary career. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, two SAG Awards (including the recent Life Achievement Award), and a Tony nomination.
As a passionate activist, Field is often considered ageless and skillful. In her humble SAG Achievement Award speech, she discussed her complex acting journey. She shared that while she felt shy and guarded offstage, onstage she would surprise herself and feel completely alive, emphasizing that acting was not about applause or attention, but about finding those unique moments of genuine presence.
Dressed elegantly in a black gown and showcasing her naturally gray hair, Field epitomized beauty and grace, setting an inspiring example for others.
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“They opened and revealed parts of myself I would not have known otherwise. I’ve worked my whole life. In all of these almost 60 years, there is not a day that I don’t feel quietly thrilled to call myself an actor,” Field said.
In 2016, Field played Doris Miller, an aging, eccentric woman, and shared her thoughts on the character with NPR. She acknowledged being an older woman and embraced her age, stating, “I’m an old woman, 70 is old, and that’s okay. I’ve gathered strength behind my years, I owned them, I’ve earned them, I’ve deserved them, I have a right to have them. And I don’t like my neck, I don’t like a lot of things but it’s okay.”
Field has previously addressed the topic of aging naturally in interviews. In a 2009 conversation with Good Housekeeping, she discussed how she resisted the temptation to undergo cosmetic procedures during her career.
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Field shared her thoughts on seeing herself on TV, saying, “I see myself on TV and I say, ‘Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck. And your face is falling down, and your eyes are so puffy.'” However, she also reflected on some women who underwent plastic surgery, once considering them beautiful when they were younger. She expressed her concerns, stating, “Now I think, Oh, dear, don’t do that! And it seems to be terribly disrespectful to who they are now.”
Sally Field’s decision to age naturally and stay true to herself is admirable and inspiring. It sends a powerful message about self-acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness.
Let us know your thoughts about Sally Field’s decision to age naturally in the comment section below.
