Sally Field, 76, was considered ‘ugly’ after choosing to age naturally – She discovered joy in being a grandmother to 5 children and living in an ocean-view house

Keeping up with the Hollywood glam sometimes means defying age with the help of procedures and plastic surgeries. It’s not a secret that many celebrities opt to go under the knife for the sake of the good and youthful looks and the opportunities that looks brings.

However, not everyone who is part of the film industry is willing to follow this trend, and actress Sally Field is one of them.

Having been part of films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump, and having received plenty of awards for her acting, including Two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards, and most recently the Life Achievement Award, it’s safe to say Field has a career she can brag about.

Regardless of her age, 76, she still looks as stunning as ever and accepts her natural appearance. During her speech for the SAG Achievement Award she wore a magnificent black gown and embraced her naturally grey hair.

“I felt guarded, reserved, and out of the spotlight. But I was never sure what I’d say or do on stage. I would astonish myself,” the actress said. “I wasn’t hoping for praise or attention, though it’s excellent.”

She continued: “Acting has always been about preserving those priceless moments when I feel whole, thoroughly, and occasionally dangerously alive. Finding a path there has always been a challenge.

“They allowed me to open up and let me know things about myself that I never would have known otherwise. I’ve been working all my life. She continued for almost 60 years; there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t been genuinely happy to identify as an actor.”

Back in 2016, she was asked how she felt about playing an elderly, eccentric woman, Doris Miller.

“It’s okay that I’m an old woman; 70 is old. My years have given me strength; I have earned the right to have them, and I have owned them. And even if I dislike my neck and many other things, it’s alright,” Field told NPR.

And when it comes the natural process of aging, Field opts to stay true to herself despite the fact that the fight against ageism in Hollywood is a real one. “’Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’ I think when I watch myself on television. Additionally, your eyes are bulging, and your face is collapsing. Then, though, I come across some of the women (who have undergone plastic surgery) who I once thought were stunning. Oh no, I’m feeling right now. Avoid doing it! And that would seem disrespectful to who they are right now,” she once said.

Field was married two times and went through two divorces. In 1986, she married Steven Craig with whom she welcomed two sons. The couple untied the knot in 1975.

She then dated Burt Reynolds before she married film producer Alan Greisman. Field and Greisman share a son together.

Eventually, she decided to commit all her time to her career but it was when she became a grandmother that her life took on a new dimension.

She embraced the new role and loves spending time with her grandchildren at her wonderful beach house with ocean views.

We love Sally Field.

My Friend Asked Me to Find out What Her Date Thinks of Her While I Was in a Clown Costume, but I Had No Idea How It Would End — Story of the Day

Being a radio host who gives dating advice doesn’t make navigating love any easier—especially when I crashed my best friend’s first date dressed as a clown. What happened that night was unexpected, and now I’m caught in a situation I never saw coming. Sometimes, life takes you where you least expect.

Once again, I found myself in Lucy’s cozy kitchen, she animatedly talked about yet another man who had caught her attention. Lucy’s love life was always buzzing with activity, unlike mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Finding a partner wasn’t easy for me—I didn’t want to date just to avoid being alone.

I believed it was better to wait than to settle, even if that meant coming home to my cat instead of a husband.

“He’s perfect!” Lucy said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’ve been texting nonstop. He’s so sweet. I think he might be different.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“So, you haven’t actually met him yet?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not yet, but we’re meeting Friday. I’m so excited. I can feel this is going to be great!” she said.

I smirked without meaning to.

“What’s that look for?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Nothing. It’s just… you don’t even know him yet. People can seem amazing online but be completely different in real life,” I said.

“You’re so distrustful. That’s why you don’t have a man,” Lucy replied, crossing her arms.

“I don’t have a man because men are idiots,” I said with a shrug.

“Not Mike. He’s wonderful. I think he might even be the one,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Listen to your heart,” I replied. That was my go-to advice, though Lucy said it about every guy she met.

After that evening, I forgot about Mike and Lucy’s upcoming date—until Friday arrived, and I received a message from her.

There I was, dressed as a clown, surrounded by kids—my niece’s friends—because my brother had forgotten to hire an entertainer for her birthday party.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The striped clown suit was too tight, and the red wig itched like crazy. I could feel sweat dripping down my back as kids tugged at my oversized shoes and poked my sides.

“Well, you can do it,” my brother had said, as if asking me to juggle balloons and make kids laugh was no big deal.

“I’m a radio host, not an entertainer!” I snapped.

“It’s basically the same thing,” he replied with a grin.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Even though I wanted to storm out, we both knew I wouldn’t. I always stepped in for family, no matter how ridiculous the request.

As I tried to keep the kids from snatching my wig, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly checked it, careful to keep my clown nose in place.

@Lucy

When will you be free???

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

About half an hour

@Lucy

I need your help!!!!

@Me

What happened??

I frowned. Lucy was on her date with Mike. Had something gone wrong?

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

I don’t know if Mike likes me! I need you to find out!

@Me

How am I supposed to do that?

@Lucy

You do this all the time on your radio show!

@Me

I’m in a clown costume!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

Pleaseeeeeee

@Me

Fine, but you owe me.

@Lucy

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. After peeling off the kids and saying goodbye, I messaged Lucy for the location and called a cab.

When I walked into the dimly lit bar, Lucy spotted me instantly and waved enthusiastically.

I hesitated, adjusting my ridiculous clown wig as a group of strangers gave me confused looks. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to their table.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lucy beamed as I sat down. “Mike, this is Trish, my best friend,” she said.

“Nice to meet you,” Mike said. His eyes briefly flicked to my bright red nose.

“Hi,” I replied, trying to ignore how ridiculous I looked.

Lucy launched into small talk, but the conversation quickly shifted. Mike mentioned a classic movie, and I couldn’t help but jump in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You’re into old films?” I asked, intrigued.

“Big time,” Mike said, his face lighting up.

We exchanged favorite titles, diving into directors and scenes. Lucy fidgeted, looking uninterested. I tried to change topics, but Mike kept steering it back.

When Lucy excused herself, I leaned in. “So, what do you think of Lucy?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Um… I mean, she’s cute,” Mike said, glancing away like he wasn’t sure how to answer.

“Nice? Lucy is more than cute. She’s amazing,” I said, my voice firm. “She’s funny, smart, and a great cook. I go to her place for dinner sometimes because I can’t stand cooking.”

“I love cooking,” Mike said, smiling a little.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“See? You two already have something in common,” I said, trying to be encouraging. But then he looked right at me.

His eyes seemed to study mine, and for a moment, I felt something strange. It was like a spark, something unexpected. My cheeks got warm, and I quickly smiled back.

“But I don’t want to argue over who cooks dinner,” Mike said, breaking the moment. “There should only be one chef in the kitchen.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I laughed. “So, you’re the chef?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Always,” he said with a grin, and we both laughed.

Just then, Lucy returned to the table. “What’s so funny?” she asked, looking between us. “Were you talking about me?”

“Sort of,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mike’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. The moment he left, Lucy turned to me eagerly. “So? What does he think of me?”

“He thinks you’re cute,” I said carefully. “What do you think of him?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Watching you two, I feel like he’s more your type.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Pfft. What? No. What? No,” I stammered.

“Not very convincing,” she said with a smirk.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s your date,” I said firmly. “There’s a rule—never go after your friend’s guy.”

“It’s just a first date,” Lucy said with a shrug. Then she smiled. “But I’m glad you reacted like that—I think I really like him.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I smiled back, but deep down, something felt off. A tiny pang of sadness hit me, and I wasn’t sure why.

We stayed a bit longer, and I tried to shift the focus so Mike and Lucy could talk.

But every time I said something to steer the conversation, Mike directed his answers back to me. It was hard not to notice, and Lucy didn’t seem thrilled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we decided to leave, Lucy headed to the restroom again, leaving me alone with Mike. The night air was cool, and I shivered a little.

“So, do you work as an entertainer?” Mike asked, his tone light.

“Why do you ask?” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. Then I saw him glance at my outfit, and it hit me. “Oh, no! I host a radio show. Dating advice, mostly. My niece had a birthday party, and my brother forgot to hire an entertainer.” I gestured to my clown costume with a sheepish smile.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, that’s bold of you,” Mike said, grinning.

“It was fine until the kids tried to tear my costume apart. They’re little savages,” I joked.

Mike laughed. “Kids can be wild. They’ve got endless energy.”

“Yeah, but they mean well,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He paused. “Listen, Trish…” he began, his voice softer, but before he could finish, Lucy appeared.

“Want to walk me home?” she asked him brightly. “I live close by.”

“Of course,” Mike said, stepping toward her.

He turned back to me, and we both hesitated. He went for a hug while I offered a handshake, and we ended up with an awkward high five.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It made us laugh, but as they walked away, I felt something strange, a little twist in my chest.

The next few days passed quietly. Lucy didn’t say much about Mike, which was unusual for her.

She only mentioned that he hadn’t wanted to come up to her apartment after their date.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She shrugged it off, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled. I didn’t press her for details.

One morning, as I was sipping my coffee, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number.

@Unknown

Hey 🙂 It’s Mike. I know this is weird, but would you like to meet up sometime?

I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

How did you get my number?

@Unknown

Secret 😉 So, what do you think?

I frowned, trying to steady my thoughts.

@Me

Sorry, I don’t go on dates with men my friends like.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Unknown

Lucy and I only had one date. But I haven’t felt a connection like this in years—with anyone. Not until I met you.

My chest tightened. I stared at the words longer than I should have.

@Me

Sorry, but no.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I set my phone down. Saying no felt like the right thing, but his words lingered, leaving a knot I couldn’t untangle.

I tried to shake it off and focus on work. During my radio show, I put on my usual cheerful voice, pretending my own heart wasn’t a mess.

“Hi, this is Trish. How can I help with your love troubles?” I said, wishing someone could help with mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hi,” a man’s voice said, calm and familiar. “I don’t date much. It’s hard for me to find a connection with someone. But recently, I went on a date with one woman. Her friend showed up in a clown costume. And, well, with the friend, I felt something I haven’t felt in years—maybe ever.”

I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was Mike.

“But she won’t go out with me. She says it’s wrong. I don’t know what to do,” he said. “I really like her.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mouth went dry. “Maybe you should listen to her and let it go,” I managed, my voice unsteady.

“She’s unforgettable. The kind of person who stays with you for a lifetime,” he said softly.

I smiled, caught off guard. “You probably just think that because she was wearing a clown costume,” I said, my tone lighter.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’d remember her no matter what she wore,” he replied without hesitation. “So, will this girl go out with me?”

I hesitated, feeling torn. “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I said quietly.

Before I could say more, my producer buzzed in. “Take the next call—it’s important,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I switched lines. “Go out with him! You have my blessing!” Lucy yelled through the line. I blinked, stunned. “Finally, a guy you like!”

“But you like him,” I stammered, realizing we were still live.

“Not really. He likes you,” Lucy said.

“It’s not right,” I protested weakly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Forget right or wrong. Listen to your heart. You always say that to others. Take your own advice for once,” Lucy urged.

“So, what do you say?” Mike’s voice came back, gentle but insistent. “Her friend gave her blessing.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, my walls crumbling. “Yes,” I whispered.

The sound engineer played an applause track, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My face burned as I blushed, feeling completely exposed—but strangely happy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Attending my daughter’s wedding was supposed to be a joyful moment, but facing my ex-husband and his new wife turned everything upside down. Old wounds resurfaced, and new betrayals came to light. I thought I’d left the past behind, but this trip forced me to confront truths I wasn’t ready to face.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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