Sally Field is best known for her leading and award-winning roles like Norma Rae from “Norma Rae,” Edna Spalding from “Places in the Heart,” and Nora Walker from “Brothers and Sisters,” but Field shines just as brightly in supporting roles. Check out the 6 times the star shined without being lead actress.
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Miranda Hillard in “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
In this comical movie starring Robin Williams as an out of work actor who’s willing to do anything to see his estranged family, Field plays his career-driven ex-wife who unknowingly hires him – dressed in drag – to be their kids’ nanny.
M’Lynn Eatenton in “Steel Magnolias” (1989)
Somewhere between lead and supporting actress lies Field’s role in this Southern comedy-drama about six friends doing life together. She shares the spotlight with Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.
Mrs. Gump in “Forrest Gump” (1994)
Though only 10 years older than Tom Hanks at the time she played his mother in this 1994 hit, Field was nominated for a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The film won 6 Oscars including Best Picture.
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Congresswoman Rudd in “Legally Blonde 2” (2003)
Field acted with Reese Witherspoon who played the one-of-a-kind Elle Woods in this sequel about a blonde lawyer in DC intending to challenge the nation’s politicians.
Aunt May in “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012) and
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014)
In 2012 and 2014 Field played alongside Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker whom she said was the “most perfect fellow to work with,”
in an interview with E Online.
Mary Todd Lincoln in “Lincoln” (2012)
Her performance in the 2012 movie about the Civil War and one of America’s most-loved presidents earned Field nominations for an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. Daniel Day Lewis, who played Lincoln, won all three.
Michelle Dean of The New Yorker called the actress “the perfect person to play Mary. Much of her nuanced performance implies what the script leaves out.”
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