Sally Field, 76, Shuns Plastic Surgery Amidst Hollywood Ageism Fight
Posted November 1, 2023 by: Admin
In the contemporary landscape, encountering a celebrity who hasn’t undergone the rigors of their profession is a rarity, especially considering the constant scrutiny and expectations that prominent women often endure. The realm of Hollywood presents unique challenges for women, but at the age of 76, Sally Field stands as an exception who has defied many of the established norms.
We hold immense admiration for Sally Field’s iconic roles in timeless films such as “Steel Magnolias” and “Forrest Gump.” However, it’s not on the silver screen but in her approach to combating ageism within her industry where we discover some of her most remarkable achievements.
Sally Field, hailing from Pasadena, California, was born in 1946, initially rising to fame through her appearances in television programs like “Gidget” and “The Flying Nun.”
As she transitioned from television to film, the now 76-year-old luminary gained recognition for her performances in iconic movies such as “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Norma Rae,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Forrest Gump.”
In February 2023, she was bestowed with the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved honor that she acknowledged with a gracious speech, reflecting on her illustrious and enduring career.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Field has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards, the recent Life Achievement Award, and a Tony nomination.
Known as a dedicated advocate, Field is celebrated for her timeless talent and grace. In her humble acceptance speech for the SAG Achievement Award, she aimed to shed light on the intricacies of her acting career.
“I always felt somewhat guarded, reserved, and even slightly out of the spotlight. But I was never certain about what I would say or do when I stood on that stage. I would surprise myself,” she expressed. “I wasn’t seeking accolades or attention, although they are certainly appreciated.”
“Acting, for me, has always been about capturing those precious moments when I feel whole, truly alive, and sometimes even daringly so. The path to those moments has always been a challenge.”
Draped in an exquisite black gown and sporting her natural gray hair, Field exuded elegance and beauty.
“These roles have allowed me to explore and discover aspects of myself that I might never have uncovered otherwise. I’ve been working tirelessly for nearly six decades, and there hasn’t been a single day when I haven’t been genuinely elated to call myself an actor.”
In 2016, Sally Field shared her thoughts with NPR about portraying an elderly and eccentric character named Doris Miller:
“It’s perfectly fine that I’m an older woman; 70 is indeed old. My years have gifted me with strength, and I’ve earned the right to claim them, flaws and all. And even if I have reservations about my appearance, like my neck and various other things, it’s all right.”
Field has been vocal about embracing the aging process naturally. In a 2009 interview with Good Housekeeping, she discussed how she managed the pressure to undergo cosmetic procedures for her profession:
“I often catch myself thinking, ‘Oh, I wish my neck weren’t doing that’ when I see myself on television. Your eyes may appear more prominent, and your face might seem to sag. Then, however, I encounter some of the women (who have undergone plastic surgery) whom I once considered stunning. Oh no, I think to myself, I’m perfectly fine as I am. Let’s not go down that route! It would be disrespectful to who they are today.”
Sally Field’s beauty endures regardless of her age, primarily because she has remained authentic to herself. What are your thoughts on her decision to maintain her natural hair?