Film and theater actress, Sally Fieldis one of Hollywood’s most beloved modern stars, known for her memorable performances in classics such as Norma Rae And Steel Magnolias. Born in Pasadena, California, Field began her career in television and rose to prominence for her role as a teenage surfing enthusiast in the hit 1960s series, Gadgetand later starred in ABC The flying nun. She made her film debut in the 1976 comedy-drama, Stay hungry with Jeff Bridges and became a box office sensation after starring alongside Burt Reynolds In Smokey and the Bandit.
Throughout his career, Field has taken on a range of roles ranging from his intense performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in the Oscar-winning film, Lincoln to light family comedies like Mrs. Doubtfire with the legendary Robin Williams And Returning home: the incredible journey. Among the actress’ impressive list of filmographies, here are the best Sally Field films.
ten “Soap Dish” (1991)
Television actress Celeste Talbert is the star of a popular long-running soap opera, but when the show’s ratings begin to plummet, Talbert’s ambitious co-star Montana (Cathy Moriarty) and producer David (Robert Downey Jr.) join forces to try to make her stop. The dynamic duo resorted to drastic measures, including hiring Talbert’s former partner and flame, Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline) who she had previously gotten fired from the series.
Field plays a hilarious, self-righteous diva in the comedy, Soap dishwhich also features Whoopi Goldberg, Elizabeth Shue, Carrie Fisher And Gary Marshall. While critics have pointed out the film’s oversaturated parody on daytime television, the all-star cast is the film’s only saving grace and manages to retain the plot of Soap dish fresh and original with hilarious improvised antics and excellent comedic chemistry.
9 “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
The Seavers are getting ready to go on a family vacation to San Francisco, but before they leave, they drop off their two dogs, Chance (Michael J. Fox), Shadow (Don Améché), and Sassy the cat at a friend’s ranch while they were away. When the trio begins to think their owners have left them for good, they escape and head into the wilderness to find their way home.
Field provides the voice of the cautious but courageous cat, Sassy, in the live-action family film, Returning home: the incredible journey. The film is a remake of the 1963 film, The incredible journeybased on the 1961 novel written by Shelia Burnford. Field holds his own alongside his notable co-stars, Fox and Ameche, and reprises his role as the feisty feline in the film’s sequel, Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco.
8 “Absence of Malice” (1981)
When investigative journalist Megan Carter receives inside information from a prosecutor, she publishes an article accusing the son of a former criminal, Michael Gallagher (Paul Newman) to be indicted for the disappearance and alleged murder of a local union leader. After learning that Gallagher has a solid alibi for the night in question, Carter realizes she’s been double-crossed and attempts to set the record straight.
Directed by Sydney Pollack, Absence of malice is a gripping neo-noir thriller that illustrates the harmful impact that bad journalism can have on others as well as the conflict between the disclosure of damaging personal information and the public’s right to information. The film received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Newman, and Field’s earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
7 “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977)
In 1977, it was illegal to sell Coors beer east of the Mississippi River without a license and when wealthy Texas, Big Enos (Patrick McCormick) wants it for an upcoming truck show, he hires Bo “Bandit” Darville (Bury Reynolds) to collect 400 boxes and drive them to Georgia in less than two days. Along the way, Bandit is bothered by a local sheriff (Jackie Gleason) after picking up a young hitchhiker, Carrie, who refuses to marry the sheriff’s son.
The classic 70s comedy, Smokey and the Bandit was the second highest-grossing film of the year and is considered a seminal role for Field’s burgeoning film career at the time. Field later appeared in three more films with Reynolds, including The end, Hooper, And Smokey and the Bandit II, and essentially established herself as a more than competent comedic actress.
6 ‘Mrs. Fire of Doubt’ (1993)
Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is a giant kid at heart and a devoted father to his three children, but when he and his workaholic wife, Miranda, divorce, he is unhappy with the custody agreement and upset about the little time he has to see his children. . When Daniel learns that Miranda is looking to hire a housekeeper, he applies for the job and disguises himself as a British nanny in order to spend more time with his children.
The 1993 family comedy, Mrs. Doubtfire, does not require a lengthy introduction and is considered one of Williams’ signature performances. Although Field plays a rather straightforward role, she and Williams have moments of silly banter and slapstick humor that allow the actress to let loose a bit and give her character a redeeming quality that only Field could pull off.
5 “Lincoln” (2012)
In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) believed that the Civil War would soon end, and although he hoped that peace would reign in the country, he feared that his Emancipation Proclamation would be ignored by the Confederacy and lobbied for it to be adopted as a ‘amendment. Through his courage and moral strength, Lincoln devotes all his efforts to fighting those in the government who oppose him and, hopefully, persuading Americans to support his vision of a better, equal country for all.
Steven Spielbergthe Oscar-winning biopic, Lincolnis considered one of Day-Lewis’ greatest roles, but Field received immense praise for her portrayal of former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Lincoln ended up being Spielberg’s highest rated film since the release of Saving Private Ryan and earned a total of twelve Academy Award nominations, including Field for Best Supporting Actress.
4 “Places in the Heart” (1984)
During the Great Depression, Edna Spalding, a widow and mother of two, struggles to survive and when she learns that the price of cotton is falling, she is faced with the difficult decision to sell the family farm. While Spalding tries to figure out what to do to make ends meet, she takes in a drifter, Moze (Danny Glover), and a World War I veteran, Will (John Malkovich) who teach him how to plant cotton and help him save his family.
Places in the heart is a gripping period drama that received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor, and earned Field her second Academy Award for Best Actress. Even though the film addresses serious issues like racism and discrimination, Places in the heart is a beautiful and moving film that combats ugliness with acts of acceptance and forgiveness.
3 “Steel Magnolias” (1989)
Anne Dupuy (Daryl Hannah) is a young esthetician who moves to northwest Tennessee and lands a job at Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton) beauty salon at home. Dupuy befriends the ladies of the salon, including the bride-to-be, Shelby (Julia Robert), and a widow, Clairee (Olympia Dukakis), and is welcomed with open arms into the close-knit circle of friends. As Dupuy settles into her new life, she and her friends experience a roller coaster of ups, downs, and devastating losses that only bring them closer together.
Steel Magnolias is an iconic comedy-drama featuring an all-star cast that also includes Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, and Hollywood icon, Shirley MacLaine. Although the entire cast is phenomenal, Field delivers a powerful performance that undoubtedly stands out from his co-stars, especially in one of the film’s most heartbreaking scenes that leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
2 “Forrest Gump” (1994)
For some, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) seemed to be a little different from others, but with his mother’s unwavering support, he never felt like he was living a restricted life. As Gump grows into a young man, he faces many challenges like dominating the football field in college and surviving the Vietnam War. But despite his success and achievements, the only thing he wants in his life is to be with his childhood crush and the best. friend, Jenny (Robin Wright).
Forrest Gump ranks among the greatest films of all time and is based on the 1986 novel written by Winston Married. Field delivers a captivating performance as Gump’s mother and although her role is limited, her encouragement and unconditional love for her son leaves an everlasting impression throughout the film. Forrest Gump won a total of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Hanks.
1 “Norma Rae” (1979)
A single mother, Norma Rae Webster spends most of her time working endless hours in a textile factory for meager wages and rarely spends time with her family. When Webster goes to her superiors about the factory’s poor working conditions and lack of pay, they dismiss her and her concerns, but instead of throwing in the towel, Webster fights back and attempts to establish a union within the company.
The drama of the 1970s, Norma Rae is based on the true story of a union activist, Crystal Lee Sutton and earned Field her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Field received rave reviews for her captivating performance, which was considered her best role to date, and essentially established the actress as an iconic star of the big screen.
