Sally Field Reflects on Jack Nicholson’s Support During Career Struggles
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In the latest edition of PEOPLE magazine, Sally Field opens up about her extensive career in Hollywood, spanning more than six decades. The 79-year-old actress, known for her roles in iconic films and television series, recounts a period early in her career when she faced significant challenges in securing auditions following her success on the surreal sitcom, The Flying Nun.
After starring in The Flying Nun from 1967 to 1970, Field encountered a dry spell in her professional life, during which she found herself unable to obtain auditions. She described this time as particularly frustrating, stating, “I couldn’t get in a room to audition. I couldn’t get on the list. They thought they already knew what I was. ‘No, thanks. We don’t want any of that.’”
Field explained that during this difficult phase, she developed a personal mantra: if she was not where she wanted to be in her career, it was her responsibility to improve. “Hollywood may be rotten and unfair,” she commented, “but I felt that it was on me to make it different. If I wasn’t doing that, then I was just handing them all the power.”
To change her circumstances, Field enrolled at the renowned Actors Studio in Los Angeles, where she trained under the guidance of the esteemed coach Lee Strasberg. The studio, known for producing some of the finest talents in the industry, was a bustling hub for aspiring actors. Among them was Jack Nicholson, who would eventually become a pivotal figure in Field’s career.
Reflecting on her time at the Actors Studio, Field emphasised her commitment to honing her craft. She recalled, “I trained constantly, as much as I possibly could. I said to myself, ‘It will change when I’m good enough.’” Fortunately for Field, her dedication did not go unnoticed.
It was Nicholson who took notice of her hard work at the Actors Studio and decided to recommend her for a role in the 1976 film Stay Hungry. He presented her to casting director Dianne Crittenden and director Bob Rafelson, describing her as an “undiscovered talent.” Crittenden subsequently reached out to Field for an audition, marking her first significant opportunity since her days on the sitcom Gidget.
The audition led to Field landing a pivotal role in Stay Hungry, where she shared the screen with renowned actors like Jeff Bridges and a then-up-and-coming Arnold Schwarzenegger. “So in some weird way, my theory was right,” she mused, reflecting on how her relentless work at the Actors Studio created the conditions for her breakthrough. “Jack had seen it and the word spread.”
Securing her role in Stay Hungry proved to be a turning point in her career. The film not only established her as a leading lady in Hollywood but also opened the doors to further opportunities, such as her Emmy-winning performance in the miniseries Sybil. This was swiftly followed by her iconic roles in classics like Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, and Places in the Heart.
Now with a collection that includes two Oscars, two Emmys, and a Tony nomination, Field remains as passionate about acting as ever. She is currently promoting her latest project, the film Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is available for streaming on Netflix. “Acting is what I do,” she asserted, adding that she is preparing for rehearsals for a play later this summer. “I still have my head down, and I’m always hoping to get better.”
For more insights and anecdotes from Sally Field’s illustrious career, readers can find her full interview in the current issue of PEOPLE, which is available on newsstands now. As she reflects on her journey, the actress serves as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry.