I’ve always admired Sally Field. She’s a true legend and one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. At 76 years old, she has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with her incredible talent and an impressive list of on-screen romances throughout her storied career. Naturally, that also means she’s had her fair share of on-screen kisses. Recently, she revealed which one stood out as the worst, though she hesitated to name the actor at first.
Sally Field is widely celebrated as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her time, a fact she’s proven time and again through her remarkable Hollywood career. From television to film, she has captivated audiences with countless memorable performances. One role that continues to resonate with fans is her portrayal in Steel Magnolias, particularly during the powerful funeral scene. In that moment, Sally flawlessly captured a whirlwind of emotions—love, grief, anger, and heartbreak—all at once.
Beyond Steel Magnolias, Sally is also recognized for her roles in beloved projects like Gidget, The Flying Nun, Smokey and the Bandit, Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Erin Brockovich. Each of these performances demonstrated her unique ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon.
Born in Pasadena, California, Sally Field grew up in a working-class showbiz family. But her childhood was anything but glamorous. In her memoirs, she candidly shared difficult and deeply personal experiences, including the trauma inflicted by her stepfather and the secret abortion she underwent at just 17. Despite these challenges, Sally emerged as a kind, resilient, and compassionate individual, admired not only for her talent but also for her strength and grace.
Even today, Sally remains active in her career. In 2020, she appeared as Janice in the television series Dispatches From Elsewhere. More recently, in 2022, she portrayed Jessie Buss in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, a popular series chronicling the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s. Sally’s enduring passion for her craft ensures that she frequently appears in interviews, where fans continue to gain insight into her life and career.
On December 1, during an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Sally made headlines by naming her worst on-screen kiss. When a fan asked her about it, Sally initially hesitated, laughing nervously as she considered whether to reveal the name. “Oh boy. Should I really name names here?” she asked playfully. Andy Cohen encouraged her, replying, “I think you should.”
After some hesitation, Sally finally relented. “Okay. This is going to be a shocker. Hold on, folks,” she teased. To the audience’s surprise, she named her former boyfriend, the late Burt Reynolds, as the culprit.
“But weren’t you dating back then?” Cohen asked, clearly intrigued by her revelation. Sally confirmed that they were indeed romantically involved while filming Smokey and the Bandit. However, she explained that Reynolds’ on-screen kisses left much to be desired. “I had to look the other way sometimes,” she admitted. “It just wasn’t something he really did for you.”
Cohen, visibly surprised, responded, “Wow, that’s interesting.” Sally elaborated, sharing that there was a lot of “drooling” during their on-screen interactions, which made the experience less than ideal for her.
Sally and Burt first met in 1977 while filming Smokey and the Bandit. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the two began a relationship that lasted around five years. Despite their romantic history, Sally’s comments highlight the complexity of their connection, both on and off the screen.
Burt Reynolds, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 82, often spoke fondly of his time with Sally. In his memoir But Enough About Me, he expressed regret over their relationship, revealing that he wished he had made more effort to keep their bond strong. “She was the love of my life,” Reynolds wrote, according to reports in the New York Post. His heartfelt reflections painted a picture of deep admiration and lingering remorse.
However, Sally’s perspective on their relationship is markedly different. In an interview with Variety earlier this year, she explained that she had chosen to cut ties with Reynolds in the final three decades of his life. She cited valid reasons for doing so, emphasizing that the relationship had not been healthy for her. “I couldn’t be around him at all,” she stated. “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, and I didn’t want to handle that situation.”
Sally Field’s candor about her experiences, both personal and professional, adds depth to her legacy as a Hollywood legend. While her career is filled with iconic performances and memorable moments, her willingness to share the less glamorous aspects of her life serves as a reminder of her authenticity and humanity. Through it all, she remains a beloved figure whose talent and resilience continue to inspire fans around the world.
