Sally Field Says Burt Reynolds Wanted Her To Turn Down Career-Changing Role

Sally Field is opening up about one of the most important turning points in her acting career and the tension it created in her relationship with Burt Reynolds. The actress revealed that Reynolds strongly opposed her decision to star in the 1979 drama Norma Rae, the role that ultimately earned her her first Academy Award.

The actress explained that the disagreement marked a major shift in both her personal life and professional confidence. Sally Field and Burt Reynolds became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships during the late 1970s, but behind the scenes, the actress says the dynamic often felt difficult and controlling.

Sally Field Says Burt Reynolds Opposed The Film

According to Entertainment Weekly, Reynolds reacted negatively when she received the script for Norma Rae. The film told the story of a factory worker who becomes involved in labor activism after facing poor working conditions and personal struggles. Field revealed that Reynolds insulted the character and threw the script at her because he did not want her to accept the role. She explained that he wanted to control her choices, but she finally decided to stand up for herself and pursue the opportunity anyway.

The actress later met with director Martin Ritt and officially accepted the role of Norma Rae Wilson. Looking back, she described that decision as the moment she truly began finding her independence as both a woman and performer. Sally Field and Burt Reynolds’ tensions reportedly increased afterward as the actress’s career gained critical acclaim.

Norma Rae Changed Her Career Forever

The actress attended the Cannes Film Festival premiere for Norma Rae despite Reynolds encouraging her not to go. During the screening, audiences reportedly gave the film a standing ovation that lasted several minutes, leaving Field emotional. The movie later became a major success and earned four Academy Award nominations. Field ultimately won the Oscar for Best Actress, though Reynolds reportedly refused to attend the ceremony or celebrate the achievement with her.

Sally Field and Burt Reynolds eventually ended their relationship for good in the early 1980s after years of ups and downs. While reflecting on the late actor, who died in 2018, Field admitted that parts of him were loving and wonderful, while other aspects of the relationship felt frightening.