Sally Field is one of those iconic Hollywood stars whose name evokes instant warmth, familiarity, and respect. For over seven decades, she has consistently been featured in various productions, both big and small, playing characters that represent humanity in all its flawed, three-dimensional, and many times iconic glory. As new generations of audiences seek to rediscover her films, old and new, they often wonder how old Sally Field is today.
Born on November 6, 1946, Sally Field is 79 years old as of 2026. This is, however, just a small aspect of a much larger and more incredible tale that is, in fact, the life of the talented and beautiful Sally Field.
Quick Facts
| Name | Sally Field |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sally Margaret Field |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1946 |
| Age | 79 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Pasadena, California, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Producer, Author |
| Active Years | 1965–present |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | 3 (Peter, Eli, Sam) |
| Net Worth | $50–55 million (estimated) |
| Known For | Norma Rae, Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire |
Sally Field’s Age and Birth Details
Sally Margaret Field was born in Pasadena, California, during the post‑war era, a time when Hollywood itself was undergoing transformation. Growing up near the heart of the film industry, she was exposed early to the world of acting and performance. As of 2026, she is 79 years old, an age she embraces openly, often speaking about aging with honesty and grace.
Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, Field has continued to work selectively, proving that talent does not fade with time it deepens.
Family Background and Childhood
Sally Field was born to Margaret Field, an actress, and Richard Dryden Field, a pharmacist. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and her mother later married Jock Mahoney, a well‑known actor and stuntman. This blend of Hollywood exposure and family complexity played a powerful role in shaping her emotional depth as a performer.
Field has spoken candidly about her difficult childhood, including emotional struggles and trauma. Rather than defining her, these experiences became part of the emotional intelligence she later brought to her roles. Her openness about her past has helped many fans feel a deeper connection to her, not just as an actress, but as a person.
Education and Early Interests
Sally Field attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California. While she didn’t initially set out to become a dramatic actress, her natural presence and emotional sensitivity made acting a compelling path. After high school, she pursued acting opportunities seriously, landing auditions that would soon change her life.
What made Field stand out early on was not just her look or charm, but her ability to convey sincerity something that would become her defining trait throughout her career.
Physical Appearance and Presence
Sally Field stands at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall. While not physically imposing, her on‑screen presence has always been powerful. She is known for her expressive eyes, warm smile, and an ability to communicate emotion with subtlety rather than exaggeration.
As she has aged, Field has chosen to age naturally, often speaking out against unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood. Her appearance today reflects confidence, authenticity, and self‑acceptance qualities that resonate strongly with audiences.
Early Career Breakthrough on Television
Sally Field’s career began in the mid‑1960s with television roles that quickly made her a household name. Her first major success came with the sitcom Gidget (1965–1966), where she played a cheerful, adventurous teenager. The role showcased her charm and relatability, instantly connecting her with young audiences.
She followed this success with The Flying Nun (1967–1970), playing Sister Bertrille. While the show was popular, Field later admitted she felt creatively limited by these early roles. Still, they provided her with visibility, experience, and a platform to eventually pursue more meaningful work.
Breaking Away and Finding Her Voice
Determined not to be typecast, Sally Field took a bold step away from light television roles. She studied acting seriously and sought out challenging material. Her performance in the television film Sybil (1976) marked a turning point. Playing a woman with dissociative identity disorder, Field delivered a performance that stunned critics and audiences alike.
This role redefined her career and proved she was capable of profound dramatic work. It also opened the door to major film opportunities that would soon follow.
Rise to Film Stardom
The late 1970s and 1980s were transformative years for Sally Field. Her role in Norma Rae (1979) as a determined factory worker fighting for labor rights earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The performance was raw, emotional, and deeply grounded.
She won her second Oscar for Places in the Heart (1984), confirming her place among Hollywood’s most respected actresses. During this period, Field became known for portraying strong, working‑class women characters who faced hardship with dignity and courage.
Iconic Film Roles
Beyond her award‑winning performances, Sally Field appeared in several films that became cultural landmarks. She starred in Smokey and the Bandit, Steel Magnolias, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump, where she memorably played the mother of Tom Hanks’s character.
Her ability to move effortlessly between comedy and drama made her especially versatile. Whether she was making audiences laugh or bringing them to tears, her performances always felt honest.
Television Success as an Adult Actres
Even after establishing herself in film, Sally Field never abandoned television. She earned Emmy Awards for her guest role on ER and later starred in Brothers & Sisters, where she portrayed a complex family matriarch.
These roles allowed her to explore aging, motherhood, and identity in ways that resonated with viewers. Television became another space where she could continue evolving as an artist.
Stage Work and Creative Expansion
In addition to film and television, Sally Field has also appeared on Broadway, earning praise for her performances in productions such as The Glass Menagerie and All My Sons. She has also worked behind the camera as a director and producer, expanding her influence beyond acting.
Her memoir, In Pieces, published in 2018, offered readers a deeply personal look at her life, struggles, and triumphs. The book was widely praised for its honesty and emotional depth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sally Field has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Steven Craig, with whom she had two sons, Peter Craig and Eli Craig. Her second marriage to Alan Greisman resulted in her third son, Sam Greisman.
She also had a well‑known romantic relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, a chapter of her life she has spoken about openly in later years. Today, Field is a proud mother and grandmother, deeply connected to her family.
Children and Family Today
All three of Sally Field’s sons have pursued creative paths. Peter Craig is a novelist and screenwriter, Eli Craig is an actor and director, and Sam Greisman is a writer and producer. Field has often spoken about how motherhood shaped her life more profoundly than any award.
Family remains a central part of her identity, grounding her amid a long and demanding career.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2026, Sally Field’s estimated net worth ranges between $50 and $55 million. This wealth comes from decades of acting, producing, directing, book sales, endorsements, and real estate investments.
Despite her financial success, Field is known for living relatively modestly compared to many Hollywood stars, prioritizing meaningful work over constant visibility.
Advocacy and Activism
Sally Field has long used her voice to support causes she believes in. She is an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive rights, and climate action. After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, she also became an outspoken advocate for bone health awareness.
Her activism reflects a lifelong commitment to speaking up, even when it is uncomfortable or controversial.
Social Media and Public Presence
While not highly active online, Sally Field maintains an official presence on social media, particularly Instagram. She uses these platforms selectively, often to address social issues, share personal reflections, or support causes she cares about.
Her digital presence mirrors her personality thoughtful, purposeful, and sincere.
Fun Facts About Sally Field
• She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress before turning 40.
• Her famous Oscar speech line, “You like me,” became a defining pop‑culture moment.
• She played Tom Hanks’s mother in Forrest Gump despite being only about ten years older than him.
• She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Legacy and Influence
At 79, Sally Field’s legacy is firmly established, but her influence continues to grow. She represents a generation of performers who proved that depth, vulnerability, and honesty could coexist with mainstream success.
Her career is not just a list of roles or awards it is a testament to resilience, self‑discovery, and artistic integrity. Sally Field remains a powerful reminder that great acting is ultimately about truth, and that truth never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
So, how old is Sally Field? She is 79 years old but more importantly, she is a living example of what it means to grow, evolve, and remain relevant with grace. Her story continues to inspire audiences around the world, proving that a meaningful career is built not just on talent, but on courage, honesty, and heart.
FAQs
How old is Sally Field now?
Sally Field is 79 years old as of 2026. She was born on November 6, 1946, and continues to remain active both creatively and publicly.
What is Sally Field best known for?
She is best known for her Oscar-winning performances in Norma Rae and Places in the Heart, as well as popular films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Forrest Gump.
How tall is Sally Field?
Sally Field stands at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
Is Sally Field still acting?
Yes, although more selectively. She continues to take on meaningful film, television, and stage projects when they align with her values and interests.
What is Sally Field’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $50 and $55 million, earned through decades of acting, producing, directing, and writing.
