Sally Field Recalls Fighting to Break Into Hollywood Film Roles

Sally Field has recalled the difficulty she faced breaking into Hollywood films, saying she had to fight for some of the roles that ultimately shaped her career.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Field said she “fought hard” for the role of Sybil, the 1976 television miniseries that earned her an Emmy. That same year, she landed the female lead in Stay Hungry, but said getting the audition was itself a major challenge.

“Nobody wanted me there,” Field recalled, saying she could hear director Bob Rafelson criticizing casting director Dianne Crittenden for allowing her to wait for an audition. Field said she used her anger over the experience as motivation.

Stay Hungry, which starred Jeff Bridges and Arnold Schwarzenegger, became an important early film for Field. She had previously appeared in only two movies and was better known for television roles in Gidget and The Flying Nun.

Field said Jack Nicholson helped her secure the Stay Hungry audition by recommending her to Rafelson and Crittenden as an “undiscovered talent.” She later established herself as a major film actress, winning two Academy Awards.

Despite her success, Field said landing roles remains difficult, particularly for older women. “You don’t get delivered things,” she said. “You don’t get a whole box of chocolate, so to speak, and say, ‘Hmm, which one do I want today?’ It just doesn’t happen.”