Sally Field is an American actress who currently portrays the role of Nora Walker on the television series Brothers & Sisters. She began her career in the mid 1960s on the ABC sitcom Gidget. Soon after, Field landed the role of  Sister Bertrille on The Flying Nun. It was these spectacular roles that started Field on a long, but successful journey, earning her many awards including two Oscars, three Emmys and two Golden Globes.

Sally Margaret Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California. She was the second child of Margaret Field, an actress, and Richard Field, a salesman.

Her parents divorced when she was only four years old. Field graduated from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California. She accepted a small role in the 1962 film titled Moon Pilot while she was still in high school. Wasting no time after graduation, Field soon landed her first major acting role in Gidget.

Field married construction contractor Steven Craig in 1968. A year later, Field gave birth to her first son, Peter. In 1972, Field and Craig welcomed their second son, Eli. Field and Craig divorced in 1975, and nine years later, Field became remarried to film producer Alan Greisman. She gave birth to her third son, Samuel, in 1987. In 1993, Field’s marriage to Greisman ended in divorce. Field currently remains single.

Field’s nearly 50 year career span has included many great works. Some of her earlier works include the unforgettable films Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Places in the Heart and Steel Magnolias. Field has also tried her hand as a director. In 1996, she directed the television movie titled The Christmas Tree, and in 2000, she directed the film Beautiful. Besides acting and directing, Field has also found success as a producer. In 1991, Field produced the popular movie Dying Young, starring Julia Roberts. In 1995, she produced the television mini-series A Woman of Independent Means and in 1997, she produced the documentary The Lost Children of Berlin.

As of late, Field continues to star in film and television roles. Since being diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005, Field spends a considerable amount of time promoting bone health and raising awareness. Passionate about the cause, Field is the spokeswoman for the “Rally with Sally Bone Health” campaign, as well as for GlaxoSmithKline’s osteoporosis drug, Boniva. Her hard work and dedication throughout the years has led to many successes. Field remains a favorite among her many fans that have followed her incredible journey. Her warm smile, gentle spirit and incredible works will be remembered for many years to come.

(Editor’s Note: The clip below from Ms. Field’s Emmy acceptance speech is unedited and should be considered NSFW because of the language she uses.)