I’ve always admired Sally Field. She is an icon and undeniably one of the most talented actresses of her generation. At 76 years old, Sally has delivered countless memorable performances throughout her illustrious career, many of which include romantic on-screen moments. Naturally, this means she has shared her fair share of on-screen kisses over the years. Recently, she opened up about her worst on-screen kiss, though she was hesitant to reveal the name of her costar at first.
Sally Field has long been celebrated for her versatility and talent. Her ability to fully embody her characters has made her a household name in Hollywood. From television to the silver screen, she has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. Her career includes hits like Gidget, The Flying Nun, Smokey and the Bandit, Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Erin Brockovich.
One of Sally’s most iconic performances was in the film Steel Magnolias. Her portrayal of a grieving mother during the emotional funeral scene was raw and deeply moving. She captured a spectrum of emotions—love, loss, anger, and heartbreak—with such authenticity that it left an indelible impression on viewers. Moments like these underscore why she is regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her time.
Born in Pasadena, California, Sally grew up in a working-class showbiz family. However, her childhood was far from idyllic. In her memoir, she revealed harrowing details about her past, including suffering abuse at the hands of her stepfather and undergoing a secret abortion at the age of 17. Despite these challenges, Sally emerged as a kind and compassionate individual, channeling her resilience into her work and personal life.
Sally’s career shows no signs of slowing down. In 2020, she played the role of Janice in the TV series Dispatches From Elsewhere. More recently, in 2022, she took on the role of Jessie Buss in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, a series that delves into the lives of the Los Angeles Lakers during their iconic 1980s era. Even now, her dedication to her craft keeps her in the spotlight, and she often appears in interviews, reflecting on her incredible journey and sharing her candid thoughts with fans.
During an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on December 1, Sally surprised viewers by revealing her worst on-screen kiss. When a fan submitted the question, the ever-charming actress hesitated, laughing nervously before responding, “Oh boy. Shall I really name names here?” Host Andy Cohen encouraged her, saying, “I think you should.” After a moment of deliberation, Sally finally relented. “Okay. This is going to be a shocker. Hold on, folks,” she said with a playful smile.
To the astonishment of many, she named Burt Reynolds—her former boyfriend and Smokey and the Bandit co-star—as the culprit. Andy Cohen, visibly surprised, asked, “But weren’t you dating back then?” Sally explained that while they were romantically involved during the filming of the movie, her on-screen kisses with Reynolds were less than ideal. “Sometimes I had to look the other way,” she admitted, noting that his kissing style simply “wasn’t something he really did for you.”
The actress went on to describe how Reynolds’ overenthusiasm during their kissing scenes often resulted in excessive “drooling,” a detail that caught Andy Cohen off guard. Despite their lack of chemistry in those particular moments, the pair shared a five-year relationship after meeting on the set of Smokey and the Bandit in 1977.
Burt Reynolds, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest, reflected on his relationship with Sally in his memoir, But Enough About Me. According to reports, he expressed regret over their time together, wishing he had made more of an effort to salvage their relationship. Reynolds was candid about his feelings, revealing how deeply he had cared for Sally, even if their romance didn’t have the fairy-tale ending he may have hoped for.
In an interview with Variety earlier this year, Sally shed light on why their relationship ultimately didn’t work. She revealed that she had cut off contact with Reynolds during the last 30 years of his life, explaining, “I couldn’t be around him at all. He really wasn’t good for me in any way. He convinced himself that I meant more to him than he actually believed, but that wasn’t true. He just wanted something he couldn’t have. I didn’t want to handle that situation.”
Despite the challenges of their relationship and the bittersweet memories that remain, Sally Field continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood. Her honesty and vulnerability, both in her performances and personal reflections, have endeared her to generations of fans. Whether through her iconic roles or her candid interviews, Sally has always been unapologetically herself—a testament to her strength, resilience, and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
