• Sally Field found success in Hollywood after appearing in the show “Gidget,” which launched her career.
• She was criticized for her appearance after deciding to age naturally.
• Now a grandmother of five, Field lives quietly in a beach house.

Actress Sally Field is best known for playing matriarchal roles and has portrayed light-hearted TV roles, including her stint on the American sitcom, “Gidget,” which aired for only one season between 1965 and 1966.

She once divulged that she had a blast filming the series, where she played a teenager, and although it was short-lived, it opened doors to other roles, which turned her into a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Actress Sally Field in the American sitcom “Gidget” on September 15, 1965 | Source: Getty Images

The show did much more for her success as it kept her motivated. Field endured a difficult childhood because of her stepfather. She used the acting opportunity as an escape, leading her to audition for the acting workshop at Columbia Pictures.

The California native would later star in the sitcom, “The Flying Nun,” which ran from 1967 to 1970 for three seasons. She played Sister Bertrille in the series.

Sally Field as Sister Bertrille in the TV show “The Flying Nun” on September 17, 1969 | Source: Getty Images

Afterward, Field, a 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 actress. She later appeared in the 1976 film “Sybil,” which was when she garnered Hollywood’s attention by landing solid roles.

Field’s next role was as a union organizer in the drama film “Norma Rae” in 1979. For her performance, she bagged an Academy Award.

The Hall of Famer’s first breakout role was at the age of eighteen. She graduated from Birmingham High School in the Van Nuys neighborhood, where her love for acting developed.

The two-time Golden Globe Award winner participated in the drama club, which sparked her interest in pursuing an acting career after graduation. However, the renowned star initially had no plans after high school because she never sat down for an SAT test.

Sally Field appearing in the ABC series “Gidget” on January 1, 1965 | Source: Getty Images

It has been several years since she found footing in showbiz and has gone through two divorces. Field was first married to her high school sweetheart, Steven Craig, whom she wed in 1968. The former couple welcomed two sons, Peter and Eli, and later parted ways in 1975 following seven years of marriage.

The Hollywood star then began a love affair with actor Burt Reynolds whom she described as the same as her stepfather. She then remarried film producer Alan Greisman in 1984 and had a son named Samuel with him. But they split in 1994.

Sally Field appearing as Mary Todd in the movie “Lincoln” | Source: YouTube/AssociatedPress

Field’s love life and career were at a standstill at that period. A friend revealed, “She wasn’t getting any acting offers that were very substantial, and she pretty much gave up on the dating scene.”

But things eventually turned around for the better as she earned an Oscar nomination for her part as Mary Todd Lincoln in the movie “Lincoln,” later bagging several TV and film roles. Moreover, the pal divulged more about her stance on romance:

“Sally loves her life the way it is. She doesn’t see herself marrying again, and that’s fine.”

According to the insider, the mother of three spends much of her time with her brother Richard and Hollywood friends, including Tom Hanks, and her brood and grandkids.

Actor Burt Reynolds as Bandit and Sally Field as Carrie in the comedy film “Smokey and the Bandit” on January 1, 1977 | Source: Getty Images

After becoming famous as a young ingenue, Field chose a down-to-earth path of natural aging. In a March 2016 interview, she addressed her aging process and said she had embraced it:

“I’m an old woman. 70 is old, and that’s OK.”

Although there are some things she doesn’t like about growing old, which include her neck, she has made peace with that. When she was 63 in 2009, she revealed she was proud to have aged naturally without having plastic surgery:

“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.”

But Field would remember that there were some women who she thought were gorgeous when they were young but had gone under the knife and she had a change of heart.

Sally Field at “Meet the Filmmaker: Sally Field and Michael Showalter” for “Hello My Name Is Doris” at Apple Store Soho on March 8, 2016 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

“Now I think, ‘Oh dear, don’t do that!’ And it seems so terribly disrespectful to who they are now,” said the two-time Academy Award winner.

Field admitted she did not want to age but made peace with the fact that there was not much she could do about it. Instead, she sought inspiration from fellow Hollywood leading ladies, including Helen Hayes and Jessica Tandy, who aged gracefully in their later years while still working.

The Tony Award nominee, whose acting career spans six decades, said the women looked stunning in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. She wants to execute specific roles when she becomes an old woman and does not want to look odd when that time comes.

Criticized for Her Looks

Before she turned 60 in 2005, Field was sadly diagnosed with osteoporosis, often referred to as a “silent disease” due to the lack of early symptoms until it causes damage. Of the diagnosis, the veteran star said:

“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.”

The disease makes the bones weak to a point where they break easily, including bones in the hip, wrist, and backbone (spine).

Women are reportedly prone to get affected by the condition more than men, mainly due to the hormone changes when they reach menopause which affects bone density.

Sally Field attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Oestrogen, the female hormone, is needed for healthy bones, but after menopause, the levels decrease, leading to a rapid decline in bone density.

When speaking about her condition, Field explained she had always ensured she consumed healthy food, participated in exercises, and took calcium. But despite her efforts, she failed to avoid the diagnosis.

Sally Field pictured at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on January 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Possible symptoms of osteoporosis that could be detected early include loss of height over time, back pain, and a stooped posture of a bone that could easily break.

Treatment for osteoporosis includes exercising, taking medication, mineral supplements, and vitamins. One could ensure they take supplements and exercise often to prevent getting the disease.

A fan tweets about Sally Field’s appearance on Twitter | Source: Twitter/johnacurtis1199

A fan tweets about Sally Field’s appearance on Twitter | Source: Twitter/JOSEPHMARY1234

Despite her natural aging and health issues, Field was criticized for her appearance. In 2018, social media trolls took to Twitter to comment on her looks. “You’re ugly,” said one user.

Another wrote, “Your butt is going down also,” while a third person expressed: “Words cannot describe how sickening you are lady. You are just pure trash.”

Grandma of Five Lives in a Beach House

Field is now 76 years old and has adult sons and five grandchildren: Colin, Isabel, Ogden, Noah, and Sophie. A friend once divulged that she enjoys having so many grandkids with whom she plays and has fun.

Field became a first-time grandmother when her eldest son Peter and his first wife, Amy Scattergood, welcomed their daughter Isabel in 1998. The former couple had another daughter Sophie in 2021.

Sally Field poses with her son Eli Craig, daughter-in-law Sasha Craig, and grandson Noah Craig as she is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 5, 2014 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

The author and novelist were married from 1995 to 2005 and split after ten years of marriage. Peter got married again to Jennifer DeFrancisco in 2008 and welcomed Field’s third grandchild and first grandson, Ogden. However, he and his second wife divorced in 2017 following nine years of marriage.

Field’s middle child Eli and his spouse, Sasha Craig, made her a grandmother for the fourth time when they had their son Noah in 2006, followed by her youngest grandkid, Colin, in 2014.

Sally Field and son Eli Craig at Cipriani 42nd Street for the 20th anniversary gala celebration of The Sundance Institute on April 23, 2002 | Source: Getty Images

While Field spends much time with her beloved grandchildren, she still has her sons as her main priority. The “Forrest Gump” star once gushed about her kids:

“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.”

In addition to being a novelist, Field’s firstborn son Peter is a screenwriter who previously worked on box office movie hits including, “The Batman,” “Top Gun: Maverick” the first two installments of “The Hunger Games,” and “The Mother.”

The father of three has authored books such as “Blood Father” and “The Martini.” He has also been recognized for his craft and was nominated twice at the Writers Guild of America and once for the Critics Choice Movie Awards.

Writer Peter Craig at the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Field spoke fondly of her son, saying he is a good father who dotes on his kids. According to her, Peter’s brood will grow up knowing how to show love and be loved.

Field’s second son Eli followed in her acting footsteps and is also a director. The Los Angeles native is known for movies such as “Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil,” “Zombieland,” and “Little Evil.” Eli also has credits of screenwriting under his belt.

Field once revealed that her middle child told her that although she has been a great parent, she failed to discipline him enough. She admitted in a 2008 interview that young Eli was uncontrollable but that witnessing him parent his child has made her realize what kind of parent she was.

The movie star’s youngest son Samuel is also a writer and a director and came out as gay several years ago. Field fully supported her son and stated 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.”

Sally Field and her son Samuel Greisman attend the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

According to Field, many parents have become unsettled when they learn about their kids’ sexuality and fail to embrace them for who they are. She urges them to be more open in acceptance.

In her life journey, Field – in addition to her older brother, has a half-sister, penned about her life events in the memoir, “In Pieces,” released on September 18, 2018. In the book, she discusses her childhood home life, famous roles, relationships, and raising her children.

Her family was well aware of her writing an autobiography. Still, she only started sharing manuscripts with them earlier in the year the book got published, and she was uneasy about it.

Samuel shared he was aware that his famous mother had a complex relationship with her stepfather, stuntman Jock Mahoney. Field’s mom, Margaret, married Mahoney in 1952 after parting ways with her dad Richard in 1951. However, she and the actor divorced in 1968.

Sally Field attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “80 for Brady” at Regency Village Theatre on January 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The “Steel Magnolias” star’s son revealed he also knew she grew up in a household where she could not speak freely. But Samuel saw his mom differently when he grew up. She had already established her successful career and seemed put together because he never saw her being unable to handle anything.

After reading his mother’s book, Samuel saw her in a different light because of what she endured and appreciates her more even now. He stated:

“To see her as someone who grew up confused and made mistakes and went through these traumas, it made me feel more connected to her.”

While doting on her loved ones and ensuring she spends time with them, Field also enjoys being at her home with ocean views. In June 2012, she downsized after selling her 6,000 square feet Malibu house in 2011. She forked out $2.3 million for her new home, which has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The abode is situated in Los Angeles in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

The three-time Emmy Award winner reportedly purchased the property on April 24, 2012, and it is described as having “explosive ocean, canyon, mountain, and city views.”

The estate features a state-of-the-art kitchen, a pantry, and a breakfast bar. The main bedroom boasts walk-in closets, a private balcony, and a spa bathtub.

The house is spacious on the interior with an open living room with a rustic look, dining room, great room, a dramatic stone fireplace, skylights, and pitched beamed ceilings.

The 2,800-square-foot residence, which is white on the exterior, is surrounded by trees and features a lawn, a stone path, a Dutch door entry, and an enchanted front yard.

 

When Stella gets home from a business trip, she settles into her routine by watching the security footage to make sure that everything was okay in her absence. But soon, she sees that uninvited guests made themselves very comfortable, celebrating the 4th of July in her space.

When I finally got back from my business trip, the first thing I did was check the footage from my security cameras. A few weeks before that, my boyfriend and I had watched a documentary on the topic, and it was insane.

“The mice really do come out to play when the cat is away,” Nathan said. “You can’t trust people in your own home.”

“I know!” I agreed.

The documentary had been about a young couple’s helper taking over the house while they were away.

There were scenes of drinking and drugs and an overcrowded house. Only for them to clean everything away before the couple returned.

Now, I sat in my sweatpants at my desk and waited for the footage to load. If I was being honest, all I wanted was to check on whether the neighbors, the Jacobs, had done anything.

They had been a constant nuisance, always finding reasons to complain or call the police on me due to noise complaints. Their favorite target was the construction of my pool.

“You’re young, and you’re entitled to have pool parties, Stella,” Nathan said.

“I know that,” I said. “But they seem to hate it. Also, they’re not an old couple, and their kids are teenagers, so they should be used to noise.”

“Just keep doing your own thing,” Nathan said. “We love our parties here at your house.”

So, when I saw the footage of them having a full-blown 4th of July party in my backyard, I felt my eye twitch.

There they were, the Jacobs, lounging in my pool, splashing around and having the time of their lives on my property. The Jacobs had the audacity to use my pool without permission, knowing full well that I was away for the week.

“That’s it!” I muttered, slamming my laptop shut. I grabbed my keys and marched over to their door, anger bubbling inside me like a volcano ready to erupt.

It was their hypocrisy that did it for me. They had always fought with me, time and time again, and yet, they acted as though my home belonged to them in my absence.

“At least they didn’t go inside,” I said to myself.

Mrs. Jacobs answered, looking annoyed as if I was the one inconveniencing her.

“Oh, it’s you,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, it’s me,” I snapped. “Care to explain why you and your family were in my pool while I was gone?”

Mrs. Jacobs cringed slightly before regaining her composure.

“Oh, stop being such a drama queen,” she scoffed, crossing her arms. “You barely use the pool anyway.”

My jaw dropped.

“But that’s not the point! You trespassed on my property! Do you even realize how illegal that is?”

Oh, goodness, Stella. Calm down,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “We were just having a little fun. No harm done.”

“No harm done? Really? No harm done!” I was livid. “This is exactly why I installed those security cameras. You called the cops on me multiple times during the construction, but now you think it’s fine to just waltz in and use it without permission?”

Mrs. Jacobs smirked.

“Well, maybe if you weren’t such a nuisance, we wouldn’t have had to call the cops.”

I took a deep breath, trying to control my rage.

“Fine, you want to play this game,” I said. “Cool. Let’s play.”

I stormed back to my house and spent the next few hours printing out photos from the security footage.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Nathan asked as he walked in and I filled him in.

“Yes!” I said. “I’m so tired of everyone taking advantage of me.”

I was already in a foul mood. My final business meeting had been a train wreck. From technical difficulties to insensitive and difficult people. The presentation was just a failure.

I needed to take control of my life. I needed to feel like I was in charge of something. So, I was going to work on the Jacobs.

“But this is a lot, Stella,” he said, trying to massage my shoulders.

It is, but they need to learn that it’s not okay. This behavior is not okay,” I said.

So, I continued to print out the photos. The Jacobs family, in full, having a grand old time in my pool. I wrote in bold letters at the bottom:

Be cautious! Trespassers in the area! Check your backyards!

“Oh, Stella,” Nathan said, chuckling. “I don’t know what the backlash is going to be like.”

The next morning, I walked around the neighborhood and taped the posters on every streetlight and mailbox I could find. It didn’t take long for the neighborhood buzz to start.

Nathan walked along with me, holding the posters.

“People are watching, babe,” he said, glancing at houses.

“That’s the point,” I replied.

By the time we walked back to my house, people were gathered around the streetlights and mailboxes. People were whispering, pointing, and the Jacobs’ house became the epicenter of a scandal.

It was around noon when they came knocking on my door.

Happy, I opened the door.

Mrs. Jacobs looked furious, her husband standing behind her looking equally embarrassed.

“What the hell is this?” she demanded, shoving one of the posters in my face.

I looked at it and then at her, smiling.

“It’s a warning to my neighbors about trespassers. It seemed like the responsible thing to do.”

You need to take these down right now!” she yelled at me, her spit flying.

“Or what?” I asked, crossing my arms. “You’ll just call the cops on me again?”

She sputtered, trying to find words. Mr. Jacobs finally stepped forward.

“This has gone too far. You embarrassed us in front of the whole neighborhood.”

“No, you embarrassed yourselves by trespassing.”

Mrs. Jacobs stepped closer, her finger pointing at my chest.

“If you don’t take those down, I will…”

“You’ll what?” I cut her off. “Let’s find out.”

I grabbed my phone and dialed 911. The look on their faces was beyond priceless.

“911, what’s your emergency?” the operator answered.

“Hi, I need to report a case of trespassing,” I said, glaring at my neighbors. “I have video evidence.”

Mrs. Jacobs’ face turned pale.

“You wouldn’t dare, Stella,” she said.

“Watch me,” I declared.

When the police arrived, I showed them the footage from my security cameras. The Jacobs tried to defend themselves, but the evidence was clear. They had no permission to be on my property, let alone use my pool.

The officer nodded, taking notes.

“This is pretty straightforward. You’re within your rights to press charges if you want to.”

“No, I think a warning should be enough for now,” I said. “But if it happens again, I will press charges.”

The officer nodded.

“Understood. We’ll file a report, and this will go on record.”

As the police left, Mrs. Jacobs turned to me, her voice low and venomous.

“You’re going to regret this.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Stay off my property.”

They stormed off, and I watched them go, feeling a sense of vindication. The neighborhood would remember this, and the Jacobs wouldn’t be so quick to cross me again.

Later that evening, as I sat by my pool, the peace and quiet a stark contrast to the chaos of the day, I couldn’t help but smile.

A few days later, I was out attending to my garden when my next-door neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, walked over. She was an older lady who always had a kind word and a plate of scones ready for anyone who needed it.

“Hi, darling,” she said. “I heard about what happened with the Jacobs. Is everything alright?”

I wiped the sweat from my brow.

“Hi, Mrs. Thompson,” I said. “Yeah, everything’s fine now, I just needed to set some boundaries.”

She nodded, a knowing look in her eyes.

“You did the right thing. It’s important to stand up for yourself, especially when others think they can take advantage. I’ll bring over some scones for you.”

Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

 

Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

This lemon meringue pie recipe yields a perfectly set filling and billowy meringue that won’t weep–every single time! It’s made 100% from scratch with just 11 ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups water

2 lemons, juiced and zested

2 tablespoons butter

4 egg yolks, beaten

1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked

4 egg whites

6 tablespoons white sugar

 

 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

To Make Lemon Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into remaining sugar mixture. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Pour filling into baked pastry shell.

To Make Meringue: In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread meringue over pie, sealing the edges at the crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.

Enjoy!

 

 

The debate of whether women should be able to breastfeed their children in public is not a new one. In fact, it has been around for quite a while. Now, it seems that there is another contender who wants to put across her point.

This young mother wanted to put her point across and has angered quite a few people in the process. Keep reading to know more about her story.

Everyone who is nursing a child is aware that the baby does not care about where they are or what time it is when they are hungry. Although some mothers feel uneasy about nursing in public, this young mother was not. In fact, she wanted to make a strong point in favor of breastfeeding in public.

Trinati breastfeeds her 17-month-old daughter and makes it a point to breastfeed her no matter where she is. This often means that she is breastfeeding her toddler in public. And while she is not shy to do so, this does not mean that people around her are always comfortable with the idea and she often gets weird looks. At times, she has also been ushered into broom closets by employees at stores who think she will be more ‘comfortable’ breastfeeding inside them.

This was of course, not the case as broom closets are not ideal for feeding your baby. This is why Trinati decided to do something about it. She made her son take a picture as she breastfed his baby sister at Costco. She said in an interview about the act, “I never shy away from providing my children with what they may need from me based on our surroundings.”

But apart from receiving judgment from strangers, she also gets questions from friends and family. They ask, “How long are you going to do ‘that’ for?” and every time she answers with “As long as she needs me to!” And usually they follow up with uncomfortable jokes how she might be breastfeeding her daughter till she is in kindergarten!

Trinati is now fed up of people sexualizing her breastfeeding and judging her for it. She said in an interview, “Really? Have you SEEN breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are very far from looking like something someone may fantasize about! Ha!”

She went on, “These are basically udders right now. Get over yourself! I’m not trying to steal your man or lady with these bad girls! To me, they have become so far from feeling like a sexual part of my body. Right now they belong to my child for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.”

She wants to raise awareness about breastfeeding being something to nourish a child and in no way be something sexual.

“I don’t expect all men or those who have never breastfed to understand the ways in which mothers have the endurance to deal with nipple-pinching or straight-up acrobatics while breastfeeding,” she explained. “I have received the strangest glances and awkward giggles when people watch my 1.5-year-old standing on my lap while suckling … sometimes on one leg!”

In a bid to normalize breastfeeding in public, she had a picture of herself breastfeeding her toddler taken so she could post it and make a point.

“I had my son take that photo of us in Costco because I never want to forget (and [I want to] show my daughter in the future) the lengths we, as mothers, will go to when ensuring our kids are well looked after no matter the situation,” she said.

“My baby’s needs come waaaaaay before anyone else’s attempts to make me feel inappropriate for this sometimes-public act of nourishing and/or comforting my children,” she wrote in the caption for the Instagram post.

She wants to make sure her children know they are always her first priority, far above the judgment and comfort of others.

“Trust is a fundamental tool for developing healthy relationships and it begins with the care that we receive in childhood,” she said. “For me, breastfeeding demonstrates this to my children, and for this reason, I will never feel shame for allowing a baby of mine to do this with me in any environment.

There is a lot to be said for both sides of the debate. What do you think about breastfeeding in public? Let us know in the comments!

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