When moviegoers look back at the early life of Sally Field, her relationship with first husband Steven Craig often draws curiosity. Long before her Academy Award-winning performances in films like Norma Rae or her highly publicized romance with Burt Reynolds, Field shared a foundational chapter with Craig. Their marriage belongs to the late 1960s and early 1970s—a transitional era when Field was actively shedding her early typecasting as a wholesome television sitcom star to prove her range as a serious dramatic actor.
Understanding this period requires looking past dramatic internet headlines or theatrical myths. The reality of their relationship is a grounded story about high school sweethearts navigating early adulthood, family-building, and the immense pressures of a rising Hollywood career.
High School Sweethearts and Early Marriage
Sally Field and Steven Craig met during their adolescent years in California, developing a close relationship that culminated in marriage in 1968. At the time, Field was just beginning to capture public attention through her work in television, starring in lighthearted series like Gidget and The Flying Nun.
Their wedding occurred away from the massive media circus that often surrounds modern celebrity unions. They were young adults stepping into marriage while Field's professional schedule began to accelerate rapidly. During the initial years of their marriage, the couple welcomed two sons: Peter Craig, born in 1969, and Eli Craig, born in 1972.
Building a young family while navigating the entertainment industry introduced unique strain. Field was working to establish professional credibility beyond bubblegum television, a transition that demanded intense focus, long hours, and emotional energy.
The Dynamics of Their Separation and Divorce
By 1973, the pressures on the household led to a separation, though the legal dissolution of their marriage took two years. In 1975, Sally Field and Steven Craig officially divorced.
Publicly, the couple kept the private reasons behind their split out of the tabloids. Unlike messy modern celebrity divorces defined by public social media battles, Field and Craig handled their separation quietly, focusing primarily on the well-being of their young children. Field was twenty-nine at the time of the final decree, standing on the precipice of a massive career breakthrough that would soon redefine her legacy through gritty, acclaimed performances.
Following the divorce, Steven Craig maintained a remarkably private life, stepping entirely away from the glitz of the entertainment world. Field, meanwhile, continued her ascent in Hollywood, eventually entering a high-profile relationship with Burt Reynolds and later marrying producer Alan Greisman.
Raising Sons in Two Worlds
Even though the marriage ended, Steven Craig and Sally Field shared joint responsibilities in raising Peter and Eli. Because Field's acting career required extensive time on sets, the boys spent a significant portion of their formative years with their father.
Craig instilled a strong work ethic in his sons, famously requiring them to experience physical, grounded labor during their youth. For instance, Peter Craig recalled being sent to work demanding construction jobs in Oregon, an experience that grounded both brothers despite their mother's growing fame.
This unconventional upbringing shaped how Peter and Eli approached their own professional lives. Rather than coasting on family name recognition, both sons carved out respected, independent paths within the film industry:
- Peter Craig built a successful career as a screenwriter and novelist, contributing to major Hollywood blockbusters, including high-profile action and drama screenplays.
- Eli Craig followed a creative path behind the camera as a writer and director, notably gaining widespread cult acclaim for directing the horror-comedy film Tucker & Dale vs. Evil.
Through their children, the legacy of the Field-Craig family remains deeply embedded in modern cinema, proving that their shared history yielded creative endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sally Field and Steven Craig get married?
Sally Field and Steven Craig married in 1968 after dating since their high school years. Their marriage lasted for approximately seven years before they separated.
Why did Sally Field and Steven Craig divorce?
The couple never aired public grievances or detailed specific catalysts for their split. The separation occurred mutually in 1973, with the divorce finalized in 1975, largely influenced by the strain of early marriage and Field's demanding trajectory in Hollywood.
Did Steven Craig remarry after his divorce from Sally Field?
Steven Craig chose a quiet, private life away from public scrutiny following the divorce. Reliable public records do not document subsequent marriages, unlike Sally Field, who later married Alan Greisman.
What are the names of Sally Field and Steven Craig's children?
They share two sons, Peter Craig and Eli Craig, both of whom work professionally in the film industry as writers, directors, and creators. More details on Field's broader life and career timeline can be found on her Wikipedia profile.
