Sally Field, 76, Called ‘Ugly’ after Deciding to Age Naturally – She Found Joy in Being a Grandma of 5 Living in Ocean-View House

Sally Field’s Hollywood journey began with her breakout role on the show *Gidget*, a lighthearted sitcom that, despite airing for only one season from 1965 to 1966, catapulted her into stardom. Playing a spirited teenager, Field later revealed how much fun she had filming the series. Though brief, the experience opened doors that would shape her as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses.

Known for portraying strong, matriarchal figures, Field faced criticism in later years for embracing the natural process of aging. However, she remained unfazed by public scrutiny. Now a grandmother of five, Field enjoys a quieter life by the ocean, a testament to her grace both on and off the screen.

The show did more than just launch her career; it became a source of motivation during a turbulent time in her life. Field had endured a challenging childhood, marked by difficulties with her stepfather. Acting became her escape, a way to channel her energy and find solace. It was this drive that eventually led her to audition for the acting workshop at Columbia Pictures.

Following Gidget, the California native went on to star in another popular sitcom, The Flying Nun, where she portrayed the whimsical Sister Bertrille. The series ran for three seasons, from 1967 to 1970, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry.

After receiving the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, Sally Field decided to refine her craft further. From 1973 to 1975, she studied at the Actors Studio, where she transformed herself from a sitcom star into a serious dramatic actress. It was her gripping performance in the 1976 film *Sybil* that truly captured Hollywood’s attention, leading to more substantial roles.

In 1979, Field took on the role of a determined union organizer in the drama *Norma Rae*, a performance that earned her an Academy Award and solidified her status as one of the industry’s finest talents.

Sally Field has spent decades navigating the highs and lows of both her career and personal life. Her first marriage was to her high school sweetheart, Steven Craig, in 1968. The couple welcomed two sons, Peter and Eli, but after seven years together, they divorced in 1975.

Following her split from Craig, Field entered a high-profile relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, a romance she later likened to her complex relationship with her stepfather. In 1984, she remarried, this time to film producer Alan Greisman. Together, they had a son, Samuel, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. Despite the challenges, Field has continued to forge her own path, both in Hollywood and in life.

During that time, both Sally Field’s love life and career seemed to be at a standstill. A friend shared, “She wasn’t receiving any significant acting offers, and she had more or less given up on the dating scene.”

However, things soon took a positive turn. Field earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in the film *Lincoln*, which reignited her career and led to several prominent roles in both television and film. As for her outlook on romance, the friend added:

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

An insider shared that the mother of three now devotes much of her time to family and close friends. She often spends time with her brother, Richard, as well as her Hollywood circle, which includes Tom Hanks. She also cherishes moments with her children and grandchildren, making family a central part of her life.

After rising to fame as a young ingénue, Sally Field chose a grounded and authentic approach to aging naturally. In a March 2016 interview, she opened up about her journey and shared that she had fully embraced the aging process:

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

While there are aspects of aging she isn’t particularly fond of—like her neck—Sally Field has come to terms with them. At 63, in a 2009 interview, she expressed pride in aging naturally, having chosen to forgo 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.”

However, Field recalled seeing women she once thought were stunning in their youth, who later opted for plastic surgery, and it made her rethink her perspective.

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

“Now I think, ‘Oh dear, don’t do that!’ It feels so disrespectful to who they are now,” remarked the two-time Academy Award winner, reflecting on her views about cosmetic surgery.

Field admitted that, while she doesn’t enjoy the process of aging, she has made peace with it, knowing there’s little she can change. Instead, she finds inspiration in Hollywood icons like Helen Hayes and Jessica Tandy, who aged gracefully while continuing their careers. The Tony Award nominee, whose acting journey spans six decades, admired how these women remained radiant in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Field aspires to take on meaningful roles as she grows older without looking unnatural or altered.

Criticized for Her Looks

Before reaching 60 in 2005, Field faced another personal challenge when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, often called a “silent disease” because it lacks early symptoms until damage occurs. Reflecting on the diagnosis, the veteran actress shared:

“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.”

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them fragile and more susceptible to fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, and spine.

Women are reportedly more likely to develop the condition than men, primarily due to hormonal changes during menopause, which significantly impact 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.

Early signs of osteoporosis may include a gradual loss of height, persistent back pain, and a stooped posture, along with bones that fracture easily.

Treatment options for osteoporosis typically involve regular exercise, medications, and supplements such as minerals and vitamins. To help prevent the disease, it’s important to stay active and ensure proper intake of supplements.

Despite embracing natural aging and dealing with health issues, Sally Field faced harsh criticism for her appearance. In 2018, social media trolls took to Twitter with cruel comments. One user bluntly wrote, “You’re ugly,” while another added, “Your butt is going down also.” A third person went so far as to say, “Words cannot describe how sickening you are, lady. You are just pure trash.”

Grandmother of Five, Living by the Beach

Now 76, Field is a proud mother of three adult sons and grandmother to five: Colin, Isabel, Ogden, Noah, and Sophie. A friend once shared that she loves being a grandmother and enjoys spending time playing and having fun with her grandkids.

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

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 her beachside property on April 24, 2012. The home is described as offering “breathtaking ocean, canyon, mountain, and city views.”

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

The spacious interior boasts an open-plan living room with a rustic charm, a dining room, a great room, and a dramatic stone fireplace. Skylights and pitched beamed ceilings add to the airy, welcoming atmosphere.

The 2,800-square-foot home, with its white exterior, is surrounded by lush trees. It also features a well-maintained lawn, a stone path, a charming Dutch door entry, and a magical front yard that completes the serene setting.