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Sally Field | her family | Source: Getty Images
Sally Field | her family | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field Gave up on Personal Life & Focused On Family — Gay Son Jokes He Wants Her to Be 'Less Supportive'

Monica Otayza
Jun 25, 2023
10:00 A.M.
  • Sally Field is a well-celebrated actress with stellar performances in "Gidget," "Places in the Heart," "Norma Rae," and more.
  • She went through two divorces, eventually giving up on finding love again.
  • Rather than focusing on her personal life, she devoted her life to her children.
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Sally Field's acting career began in 1965 when she was only 19. She landed the role of Frances Elizabeth "Gidget" Lawrence in "Gidget," but unfortunately, the show was canceled after one season.

Despite this setback, she appeared in two films in 1967, namely "The Flying Nun" and "The Way West" with Kirk Douglas. She consistently worked for the next couple of years before finally receiving an Oscar for her work on "Norma Rae."

Sally Field attends the 34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 05, 2023 in Palm Springs, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field attends the 34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 05, 2023 in Palm Springs, California. | Source: Getty Images

The 1980s and 1990s remained busy for Field, who worked on the hit movies "Places in the Heart," for which she won an Oscar, "Steel Magnolias," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Forrest Gump."

In the 2000s, she took on even more roles, starring in the likes of "Where the Heart Is," "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blond," "The Amazing Spider-Man," "ER," and "Lincoln." She received a third Oscar nomination for the latter in 2012.

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Sally Field and Husband Alan Greisman during the premiere party for "Steel Magnolias" at the New York Hilton Hotel in New York City on November 5, 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field and Husband Alan Greisman during the premiere party for "Steel Magnolias" at the New York Hilton Hotel in New York City on November 5, 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Even as she gained success in her career, she also experienced growth in her personal life. Field was first married to Steven Craig from 1968 to 1973, and they share two children, Peter and Eli.

She married film producer Alan Greisman in 1984, and they stayed together until 1994. They, too, share a son, Samuel Greisman.

Since divorcing her second husband, the veteran actress admits to not trying to find love again. She realized that after a string of failed relationships, she would constantly look for love and end up in the same place.

Sally Field and Burt Reynolds on January 1, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field and Burt Reynolds on January 1, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

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"I'm trying to examine the pattern," she once shared. Through the years, Field realized she was happy with her life and didn't need a man to feel fulfilled. After all, she had her children with her through the years.

Field did not want to start again with somebody else and was good not worrying about someone else's dinner or dirty laundry. She also said:

"I found another love. I, who found it difficult to find partners, have found love in my children and my work."

Sally Field & Elijah Craig during the 1989 Pro Choice Rally in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field & Elijah Craig during the 1989 Pro Choice Rally in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

All About Sally Field's Sons

Field's eldest son Peter was born on November 10, 1969. He followed in his mom's footsteps in the entertainment industry but as a screenwriter.

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Peter's best work includes "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" parts one and two, "Top Gun: Maverick," and "Bad Boys for Life." He also worked on "The Batman" and "Gladiator."

Sally Field and son Peter Craig at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on April 17, 1977. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field and son Peter Craig at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on April 17, 1977. | Source: Getty Images

Peter was first married to Amy Scattergood from 1995 to 2005. After divorcing, he married Jennifer DeFrancisco in 2008 before separating in 2017. The screenwriter is a dad to three children, Isabel, Sophie, and Ogden.

The actress' second son, Eli, was born on May 25, 1972. Like his mother, Eli chose to become an actor but also has credits for being a director, writer, and editor.

Sally Field with her son Eli Craig during a gala benefit to celebrate the Sundance Institute's 20th Anniversary at Cipriani on 42nd St. in New York City on April 23, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Field with her son Eli Craig during a gala benefit to celebrate the Sundance Institute's 20th Anniversary at Cipriani on 42nd St. in New York City on April 23, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

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Eli's most notable projects include "Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil," "Zombieland," and "Little Evil." He has been married to Sasha Craig since 2004, and they share two sons, Noah and Colin.

Grandma Sally is the babysitter whenever her two sons need to be away for work.

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

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

Field's youngest son, Samuel Greisman, was born on December 2, 1987. Like his mom and older brothers, he also chose a career in the entertainment industry as a film director.

Samuel shares a close relationship with his mom, who accepted him openly when he came out as gay. According to Samuel, his mom "didn't bat an eye" when he came out and was even overjoyed that he felt comfortable telling her.

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"She couldn't be more supportive of me. If anything, I wish she was a little less supportive of me," Samuel joked when he presented his mom with the Ally for Equality Award at the 2012 Human Rights Campaign Gala.

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The actress has openly expressed her pride in her gay son and encouraged other parents to do the same. She said:

"There are so many parents who are frightened of that and who don't embrace their children as they struggle to embrace who they are, what nature intended them to be."

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Aside from being a proud mom, Field is an equally proud grandmother to five adorable children. Grandma Sally is the designated babysitter whenever her two sons need to be away for work.

Whenever a son calls her to come over immediately, Field frantically packs her bag and says she's on her way:

"I can do it! I swear, I can do it. I've got my inflatable bed in the backseat. I'll be right over."

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However, the actress' babysitting has a limit. She once humorously said that she's glad her kids don't have to travel out of town for three months because then she wouldn't know how to handle her grandchildren for such a long time.

Field loves that her sons can depend on her to care for their children. While it was a rollercoaster ride to raise her two older children at such a young age, she's glad that life has been good to them and that they remain close.

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

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

Field had Peter and Eli at 23 and 25, respectively, when she didn't know much about being a mother. Regardless, the actress did her best to raise them well despite needing to be at work most of the time.

Nowadays, Field enjoys life as a grandma, living in a beautiful picturesque home with a magnificent ocean view. She feels no need to be in a relationship, as she has everything she could need.

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