Sally Field, one of the most respected actresses of her generation, is known for her versatility, incredible range, and iconic roles in both film and television.
From her unforgettable portrayal of a grieving daughter in Steel Magnolias to her heartfelt performances in Forrest Gump and Mrs. Doubtfire, Field has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
Yet, despite her widespread acclaim and legendary status in Hollywood, there’s one on-screen kiss that stands out to her—and it’s one that might surprise her fans.
In a recent episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Sally Field, now 76, was asked by a fan to reveal the worst on-screen kiss of her career.
After a brief laugh and hesitation, Field finally gave in and disclosed the shocking answer: Burt Reynolds. Yes, the beloved co-star from Smokey and the Bandit—someone she dated for several years—was the one who, according to Field, gave her the most disappointing kiss on screen.
The revelation caught everyone off guard, especially considering their real-life romance.
Field and Reynolds met in 1977 while filming Smokey and the Bandit, and they quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples. Their on-screen chemistry in the film was undeniable, and their off-screen relationship blossomed into a five-year romance.
However, according to Field, when it came to their on-screen kiss, Reynolds didn’t quite live up to the hype. She laughingly admitted that while filming, she had to "look the other way" because, in her words, it “just was not something he really did for you.”
Field went on to explain that there was a lot of “drooling” on Reynolds’ part during their shared screen moments. This was a candid and unexpected moment from an actress known for her tact and professionalism, leaving fans and viewers alike stunned by the candidness of the revelation.
The fact that Field and Reynolds were not just co-stars but also former lovers makes the story even more intriguing. In the interview, Cohen, the host, was surprised and probed further, but Field remained candid, offering insight into the dynamics of their relationship during that time.
Though she and Reynolds shared a passionate romance, Field did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges in their on-screen partnership. Despite their off-screen connection, it seems that Reynolds was not quite the romantic partner on set that Field had hoped for.
Their relationship, as Field herself has explained in interviews, was complex. She went on to reveal in the same interview that while she had a deep affection for Reynolds, the relationship ultimately did not work out in the long term.
They parted ways, and in the final 30 years of his life, Field and Reynolds stopped speaking. Field explained to Variety in a 2021 interview that, in hindsight, Reynolds was simply "not good for [her] in any way." She admitted that despite Reynolds’ later reflections on their relationship, where he regretted not putting more effort into making things work, Field was resolute in her decision.
She explained that his rethinking of their time together was more about wanting something he didn’t have rather than a genuine desire to rekindle what they once had.
Their on-screen kiss may have been disappointing, but it wasn't the only moment in their relationship that sparked reflection. Reynolds, in his memoir But Enough About Me, spoke openly about their time together.
He expressed regret over how their relationship played out, confessing that he wished he had tried harder to make things work.
But Field, ever the strong-willed woman, made it clear that the relationship’s end was final. As she shared with Cohen, she simply “didn’t want to deal with” the complicated emotions that Reynolds was trying to navigate later in life.
It’s clear that Field's decision to part ways with Reynolds was not based on anger but rather on a realization that their paths had diverged, and the relationship had become unhealthy for her.
As for the kiss that would forever stand out in her memory, it’s a surprising and somewhat humorous addition to her incredible career. After all, Field has experienced a number of romantic roles in films, from playing Gidget to sharing the screen with Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump.
Yet, the kiss with Reynolds—someone she loved for years—remains the one that stands out as the most memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Beyond her personal stories and the revelation of a less-than-perfect on-screen kiss, Sally Field’s career remains unmatched in Hollywood. From The Flying Nun to Smokey and the Bandit to her Academy Award-winning performance in Norma Rae, Field has built a career that few can rival.
Her raw talent and genuine ability to transform into every character she plays have made her one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
Her honesty in interviews, especially when discussing her past, is refreshing. She’s never been one to shy away from difficult topics, whether it be her turbulent relationship with Reynolds or her upbringing in a show business family.
Born into a working-class family in Pasadena, California, Field has always remained grounded, despite the immense fame she achieved. Her memoirs reveal a childhood that was far from a fairytale, as she writes about her troubled relationship with her stepfather and the secret abortion she had at the age of 17. These deeply personal revelations only add to the respect and admiration people have for her.
Today, at 76, Field continues to work regularly in television and film. She played Janice in the critically acclaimed TV series Dispatches From Elsewhere and stars as Jessie Buss in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which portrays the rise of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers.
Even after decades in the industry, Field remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, proving that her passion for acting and storytelling has only grown with age.
Sally Field’s career, personal stories, and her willingness to discuss the more uncomfortable aspects of her life have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Whether she’s portraying a strong-willed mother, a passionate woman fighting for what’s right, or candidly discussing her past relationships, Field’s authenticity has earned her a lasting place in Hollywood history.
In the end, while the revelation of her worst on-screen kiss with Burt Reynolds may have shocked many, it is just another example of the raw, genuine honesty that defines Field’s career.
Her willingness to share even the most personal and humorous aspects of her life has only further endeared her to fans. With a legacy that spans decades and continues to grow, Sally Field remains a true legend in the world of entertainment.
