Sally Field has spent over six decades captivating audiences on screen, but her personal life off-camera has experienced its own dramatic twists. Contrary to the fairy-tale romance implied by some headlines, the two-time Oscar winner's romantic history doesn't feature a single lifelong marriage. Instead, her journey includes two marriages, a high-profile romance with Burt Reynolds, and a later chapter focused on independence and family.
Understanding Sally Field's relationships requires looking past the Hollywood gloss into the real choices she made. From her early marriage to Steven Craig to her union with film producer Alan Greisman, Field's personal life reflects a constant search for autonomy while balancing immense fame.
First Marriage: Steven Craig and the Early Years
Long before she won Academy Awards for Norma Rae and Places in the Heart, Sally Field married her high school sweet-heart, Steven Craig, in 1968. At the time, Field was already transitioning from her television breakthrough in Gidget and The Flying Nun into serious acting.
The marriage produced two sons, Peter and Eli, both of whom grew up to work in the entertainment industry as a novelist and filmmaker, respectively. However, the pressures of early parenthood, changing career trajectories, and personal growth took a toll. Field and Craig divorced in 1975.
Looking back, Field has often spoken candidly about how her early choices were shaped by a desire to escape a turbulent childhood and establish her own footing. Though the marriage ended, the two raised their sons together through the transition.
The Burt Reynolds Chapter: A High-Profile Romance
While Field didn't marry Burt Reynolds, no discussion of her romantic life is complete without addressing their intense, multi-year relationship. The pair met in 1977 while filming Smokey and the Bandit and quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples.
Their romance played out entirely under the public microscope. Reynolds later called Field the love of his life and expressed deep regret over how their relationship dissolved. Professional jealousy and the intense glare of media scrutiny strained the bond. As Field's critical acclaim soared with her Oscar win for Norma Rae, Reynolds struggled with the shifting power dynamics. They split permanently in 1982, leaving Field to navigate life as a single mother once again.
Second Marriage: Alan Greisman and Producer Years
In 1984, Field married her second husband, movie producer Alan Greisman. The wedding marked a quieter phase in her personal life compared to the cinematic fanfare of her relationship with Reynolds.
Together, Field and Greisman welcomed a son, Sam, in 1987. For a time, the marriage provided a stable environment as Field continued to anchor major Hollywood productions like Steel Magnolias and Mrs. Doubtfire.
However, the union ultimately ran its course. Field and Greisman filed for divorce in 1993, ending their nearly decade-long marriage amicably. In her later memoirs and interviews, Field reflected on these patterns, acknowledging that she wrestled with self-doubt and the difficulty of maintaining a traditional partnership while pursuing an all-consuming creative career.
Life Beyond Marriage: Independence and Family
Today, Sally Field has found peace with being single. Rather than defining her life by a romantic partner, she pours her energy into her children, grandchildren, and her advocacy work for women's health and osteoporosis awareness.
Her approach to modern relationships proves that fulfillment doesn't require a traditional lifelong marriage. Through decades of public scrutiny, she has managed to protect the core of her identity, prioritizing her craft and her family above all else.
You can read more about her enduring career and legacy on the Official Academy Awards Database or explore her filmography via Britannica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Sally Field been married?
Sally Field has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Steven Craig from 1968 to 1975, and her second marriage was to Alan Greisman from 1984 to 1993.
Who are Sally Field's children?
She has three sons: Peter Craig and Eli Craig from her first marriage, and Sam Greisman from her second marriage.
Why did Sally Field and Burt Reynolds break up?
Their split was influenced by intense media pressure, conflicting schedules, and professional friction as Field's career reached new critical heights while Reynolds struggled with the dynamic.
Is Sally Field currently married?
No, Sally Field is not married and has been content living independently while focusing on her family and career.
