Sally Field Net Worth

Sally Field’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career and Finances

Sally Field, a celebrated American actress, singer, director, producer, and screenwriter, has amassed a net worth of $50 million. Her career, a testament to her versatility and enduring talent, spans over six decades. From her early television roles to her critically acclaimed film performances, Field has consistently captivated audiences and earned significant financial success. This article delves into her impressive career trajectory, explores her major achievements, and examines her financial standing, offering a comprehensive overview of Sally Field’s remarkable journey.

Early Life and Beginnings

Sally Margeret Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California. Her early life was marked by the complexities of a changing family dynamic. Her father’s service in World War II and subsequent separation led to her parents’ divorce in 1950. Her mother remarried actor and stuntman Jock Mahoney, who became Sally’s adoptive father. Field has discussed a difficult childhood, revealing in her 2018 memoir that she was sexually abused by her stepfather.

During her high school years, Field was a cheerleader, a role that showcased her natural charisma and early engagement with the entertainment world. Her high school classmates included several individuals who would later achieve significant success, such as Michael Milken, Cindy Williams, and Michael Ovitz, illustrating the vibrant and diverse environment in which she grew up.

Career Highlights and Breakthrough Roles

Sally Field’s career began in the 1960s, a time when the entertainment industry was undergoing significant shifts. Her initial foray into television with the sitcom “Gidget” marked her first major role. Although the show was canceled after its first season in 1966, it provided valuable early exposure and demonstrated her potential. ABC recognized her talent and offered her another leading role in “The Flying Nun,” a series that proved to be more successful and ran from 1967 to 1970. While “The Flying Nun” brought her widespread recognition, it also led to typecasting, a challenge she later overcame.

Throughout the 1970s, Field broadened her range, appearing in films like “Maybe I’ll Come Home in the Spring” and various television series such as “Alias Smith and Jones” and “Night Gallery.” Recognizing the limitations of her early roles, she sought to reinvent herself by studying with renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg. This training helped her develop her versatility and shed her “girl next door” image.

Her dedication to improving her acting skills paid off. Field’s newfound abilities helped her land the title role in the 1976 television film “Sybil,” in which she portrayed a woman with multiple personality disorder. Her compelling performance earned her an Emmy Award and established her as an actress capable of handling complex, dramatic roles. This success paved the way for her transition to more challenging roles in film.

In 1977, Field co-starred with Burt Reynolds in “Smokey and the Bandit,” a film that became one of the highest-grossing movies of the year. She also reprised her role in subsequent sequels. In 1979, she delivered a powerful performance in the film “Norma Rae,” portraying a factory worker who becomes a union organizer. Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim and her first Academy Award for Best Actress.

The 1980s and beyond saw Field continuing to challenge herself with diverse roles. In 1984, she won her second Academy Award for her role in “Places in the Heart,” where she played a widow struggling to maintain her farm during the Great Depression. Her acceptance speech, which included the now-iconic line, “You like me, right now, you like me!” became a memorable moment in Hollywood history. Throughout the 1990s, Field balanced leading and supporting roles in films like “Steel Magnolias,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Forrest Gump.”

Field also showcased her talent behind the camera, directing the feature film “Beautiful” and episodes of the hit television series “ER.” Between 2006 and 2011, she starred in the ABC series “Brothers & Sisters,” eventually serving as an executive producer. In 2022, she appeared in the HBO series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” demonstrating her continued relevance and versatility in the industry.

Awards and Accolades

Sally Field’s illustrious career is reflected in the numerous awards she has received. These accolades are a testament to her talent and the impact of her performances.

• Academy Awards: Field has won the Best Actress category twice. The first was for “Norma Rae” in 1979, and the second was for “Places in the Heart” in 1984, solidifying her status as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
• Emmy Awards: She won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2007 and 2008 for “Brothers & Sisters.” Earlier, she won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy for her role in “Sybil” in 1977.
• Golden Globe Awards: Field has won three Golden Globe Awards. Her first win was in 1980 for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Norma Rae.” She won again in 1985 for “Places in the Heart,” and in 2008, she won for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama for “Brothers & Sisters.”
• Screen Actors Guild Award: In 2013, she won the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in the film “Lincoln.”

Salaries and Earnings: A Glimpse into Her Financial Success

Sally Field’s earnings reflect her success and increasing popularity over her long career. Her early roles established a financial foundation that grew significantly as her fame grew. Here’s an overview of her reported salaries:

• “Gidget”: During her time on “Gidget,” Field’s salary was $500 per week. While modest by today’s standards, this provided her with her first taste of professional acting compensation.
• “The Flying Nun”: For “The Flying Nun,” she earned $4,500 per episode. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $40,000 per episode today. With 82 episodes, she likely earned nearly $370,000 from the series, which equates to approximately $3.4 million today.
• “Brothers & Sisters”: During the early seasons of “Brothers & Sisters,” Field earned $100,000 per episode. As she transitioned to executive producer, her all-in salary increased to $200,000 per episode, reflecting her expanded role and contributions to the show’s success.

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Real Estate and Investments

Field’s real estate holdings provide insights into her financial management and investment choices.

• Malibu Property: In 2011, Field sold her Malibu, California, home for $5.51 million. The property, initially listed for $6.95 million in 2009, featured nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, a swimming pool, and tennis courts, set on almost 3 acres. This sale reflected her ability to adapt to market conditions and her success in property transactions.
• Pacific Palisades Property: In 2012, Field purchased a property in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.3 million. The residence, with 2,800 square feet of living space, a spa bathtub, and views of nearby canyons and the city, highlights her investment in a prime residential area.

Personal Life and Relationships

Sally Field’s personal life has been marked by various significant relationships, shaping her experiences and influencing her public image. Her first marriage was to Steven Craig in 1968; they had two sons before divorcing in 1975. In the late 1970s, she had a high-profile relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, co-starring with him in multiple films. Their relationship ended in the early 1980s. She later married Alan Greisman in 1984, and they had one child before divorcing in 1993. These relationships have been integral to her personal story, providing context for her public persona and the evolution of her personal life.

Health Issues and Advocacy

In 2005, Field was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She subsequently learned that there was a history of the disease in her family. Following her diagnosis, Field became an advocate for bone health, launching a campaign called “Rally with Sally for Bone Health.” While this campaign aimed to raise awareness, it also faced scrutiny due to its promotion of a specific treatment, Boniva, which was financed by pharmaceutical companies. Despite the controversy, Field continued to advocate for early detection and active lifestyles for those with osteoporosis. Her openness about her health journey has helped to raise awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.

Legacy and Impact

Sally Field’s legacy extends beyond her impressive net worth. Her career, spanning six decades, is a testament to her versatility, talent, and enduring appeal. She has consistently chosen diverse roles that have resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Field’s willingness to reinvent herself and embrace new challenges has cemented her status as a true icon of American cinema and television. Her ability to connect with audiences and deliver memorable performances has solidified her place in Hollywood history, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.