Sally Field Confesses She Felt Like a ‘Clown’ and ‘Nearly Passed Out’ During Her First Date with Burt Reynolds

Sally Field has offered a heartfelt and candid reflection on her relationship with the late Burt Reynolds during a recent episode of Turner Classic Movies’ podcast, Talking Pictures. The actress, now 79, opened up about their relationship as well as their professional collaboration in the iconic film Smokey and the Bandit.

Field reminisced about how their connection began when Reynolds expressed interest in her as a potential co-star. This came after she had completed work on her transformative television film, Sybil. Utterly surprised by Reynolds’ call, Field recalled her initial thoughts, questioning how he could have seen her in a role that depicted her in such a troubled light. However, Reynolds revealed that he had fond memories of her earlier work on Gidget, which had resonated with him.

At the time of their initial meeting, Field noted that Reynolds was already a significant figure in Hollywood, although he was on the verge of becoming an even bigger star. The actress highlighted the unpredictable nature of their audition process, recalling that the script was non-existent, and they improvised many of their lines. This spontaneity, however, led to an awkward yet memorable first date, which Reynolds arranged with the help of his bodyguard due to his fame preventing him from entering hotels without recognition.

Field candidly mentioned that she had little experience with dating prior to their relationship, having begun her acting career at a young age. On their first outing, she described feeling ill at ease and nervous, indicating her discomfort in such romantic settings. The date itself was a blur of anxiety, overshadowed by her admiration for Reynolds and her uncertainty as to what role she was meant to play in their burgeoning relationship.

The dynamic of their five-year relationship was complex. Field depicted Reynolds as a man who was both charming and deeply complicated, bearing similarities to her own tumultuous relationship with her stepfather. She expressed the duality of her feelings towards Reynolds, noting how he could be both inspiring and intimidating, often leaving her desperate to gain his approval yet simultaneously fearful of his reactions.

However, things shifted dramatically when Field was presented with the script for Norma Rae, a role that would eventually earn her an Oscar. Field recalled the moment Reynolds reacted negatively to the project, dismissively throwing the script at her and expressing his disapproval of her potentially portraying a character of ill repute. This marked a significant turning point for Field, igniting a sense of defiance within her and prompting her to advocate for the character.

Field’s recollections of her relationship with Reynolds reveal a fraught yet transformative period in her life. While she acknowledged his complexities, she also highlighted how his domineering tendencies paralleled her experiences with her stepfather. This history of feeling demeaned and insecure made her determined to stand her ground when it came to her career aspirations.

Ultimately, the pair drifted apart when their professional and personal aspirations collided irreconcilably. Field’s refusal to be overshadowed by Reynolds came to a head when he declined to accompany her to the Oscars after she won the Best Lead Actress award in 1980. This marked the definitive end of their relationship in 1982, a conclusion that seemed inevitable as their paths diverged.

Reflecting on this relationship years later, Field’s narratives exhibit both nostalgia and raw honesty. Her willingness to discuss the complexities of love, ambition, fear, and empowerment provides a poignant glimpse into the life of two influential figures in Hollywood. Despite the challenges she faced, Field’s journey underscores her resilience and commitment to her craft, a path she ultimately followed regardless of personal sacrifices.

Through her recounting of these events, Field not only pays tribute to her former partner but also reminds us of the intricate interplay between personal relationships and professional ambitions within the entertainment industry. The lessons learned from her time with Reynolds have clearly left a lasting impression, shaping her into the actress and person she is today.