Sally Field has long been admired as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses, captivating audiences with her range and emotional depth for decades. From her early roles in “Gidget” and “The Flying Nun” to unforgettable performances in classics like “Steel Magnolias,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Forrest Gump,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Erin Brockovich,” Field has made her mark in both television and film.

Her portrayal of complex characters has earned her a respected place in entertainment history. Born in Pasadena, California, into a working-class showbiz family, her journey wasn’t without hardship. In her memoir, she opened up about the traumatic experiences of her childhood, including abuse by her stepfather and undergoing a secret abortion at the age of 17. Despite these early challenges, Field has emerged as a resilient, humble, and gracious individual, maintaining a long and impressive career that continues to this day. She appeared in the 2020 television series “Dispatches From Elsewhere” and took on the role of Jessie Buss in the 2022 hit show “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” which explored the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.

Though she is now in her seventies, Sally remains active in the industry and continues to give interviews, offering glimpses into her career and personal life. One particularly candid moment came during her appearance on the December 1 episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.” During the show, a fan asked her about her worst on-screen kiss, prompting laughter and hesitation from the actress. Field chuckled nervously and asked, “Oh boy. Shall I really name names here?” Host Andy Cohen encouraged her to go for it, and after a moment’s pause, she finally revealed that her least favorite on-screen kiss was with none other than her former boyfriend, Burt Reynolds. This admission came as a surprise to many, especially considering the two dated for about five years after meeting on the set of “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977.

When Cohen pressed her for more, asking if they were dating during that time, Field confirmed they were but noted that the kissing scenes during filming were difficult for her. She explained that Reynolds just “was not someone who really did that for her” when it came to kissing, forcing her to “look the other way” during their romantic scenes. She further revealed that Burt’s kissing involved a lot of drooling, which made the experience less than ideal. Her frank comments shocked the audience, considering the couple’s high-profile romance in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although Reynolds often spoke fondly of Field in interviews and even wrote about her in his memoir But Enough About Me, claiming he wished he had tried harder to make the relationship work, Field had a different perspective.

In a March interview with Variety, she revealed that she had cut off contact with Reynolds during the last three decades of his life. “He was not someone I could be around,” she explained. “He was just not good for me in any way.” Field added that Reynolds had rewritten their shared history in his mind, convincing himself she meant more to him than she actually did. She clarified that his longing wasn’t for her, specifically, but for something unattainable—something he didn’t have anymore. “I just didn’t want to deal with that,” she said. While Reynolds passed away at the age of 82 from cardiac arrest, his legacy in Hollywood remains strong, as does the legacy of his former partner. Field continues to be celebrated for her work and honesty, both on and off screen. Her willingness to speak openly about the more difficult aspects of her life, including awkward moments from her career and painful truths from her personal history, only adds to the respect fans have for her. As she continues to age with grace and humor, Sally Field remains not only a brilliant actress but also a compelling and authentic voice in Hollywood.