Sally Field: A Mother’s Love Exemplified in Art
In a heartfelt conversation with his iconic mother, actor Sally Field, Sam Greisman found himself making an unexpected impact on a significant scene in the TV series “Brothers and Sisters”. This intimate interaction made its way onto the screen, shedding light on the beautiful bond shared between this mother and son duo.
The ‘Brothers and Sisters’ Experience
Sally Field led a star-studded cast in “Brothers and Sisters” from 2006 to 2011. Sharing screen space with her were talented actors like Rachel Griffiths, Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe, and Matthew Rhys. Rhys played the role of Kevin, Field’s gay son, a part that won Field a Primetime Emmy.
A pivotal episode featured Kevin coming out as gay, a scene influenced by Greisman’s personal conversation with his mother about his own sexuality. The 35-year-old Greisman humorously adds that he’s still waiting for his overdue writing credit for that dialogue.
Growing Up with a Superstar Mother
Greisman, the youngest of Field’s three sons, expresses a deep connection with his mother that he says defines his life. This connection reflects in his memories, which often intertwine with his mother’s illustrious career milestones.
When Field was filming the classic “Mrs. Doubtfire” with the late Robin Williams in 1994, young Greisman was busy crafting model airplanes in their rented San Francisco home. During the filming of “Forrest Gump” with Tom Hanks the same year, Field found a novel way to wean her son off his pacifier by bribing him with a toy from a local store in Beaufort, South Carolina.
In 2002, when Field made her professional theatrical debut in “The Goat or Who is Sylvia?” on Broadway, Greisman fell in love with New York. This experience inspired him to attend NYU, a chapter in his life that also involved his mother, who delayed filming “Brothers and Sisters” to help him settle into his dorm.
Sally Field’s Third Oscar Nomination
A memorable moment came when Greisman was relaxing at his best friend’s place and received a call from Field informing him that she had been cast in the 2012 historical drama, “Lincoln”. Fast forward to one rainy dawn a year and a half later in Los Angeles, Greisman rushed to inform his mother about her third Oscar nomination. In his words, “I congratulated her. She embraced me. She sighed and said, ‘I did it, Sammy.'”
Through such moments, he has come to see his mother not only as his guardian but also as a unique individual with her own dreams and vulnerabilities. She’s an artist always striving for excellence, constantly ready to explore uncharted territories. She has taught him the meaning of passion and the art of dedicating oneself to a craft, even when it hurts.
Sally Field: An Embodiment of Diversity
Field’s acting career, which kicked off in 1965 with the TV series “Gidget”, has been marked by an incredible range of roles. From playing a teen obsessed with boys in “Gidget” to a runaway bride turned liquor smuggler in the “Smokey and the Bandit” series (1977-1980), she has shown an unyielding commitment to diversity in her craft.
However, it’s her performances as a mother that have truly resonated with audiences. Field’s motherly instincts shone brightly in films like “Steel Magnolias” (1989), where she played the caring mother of a terminally ill daughter (Julia Roberts), and “Forrest Gump” where she essayed the role of a supportive mother. These roles echoed her nurturing side as a mother off-screen.
A Real-Life ‘Momma’s Boy’
Greisman, who self-identifies as a “momma’s boy”, admits to possibly being “too obsessed with her.” Their close bond, he speculates, could be attributed to various factors: being the youngest son, his inherent shyness, or perhaps even his fondness for celebrated actresses, typical among many gay men.
Field, an ardent supporter of LGBTQ rights, didn’t stop at just supporting her son. In 2018, she played matchmaker for him and Olympian Adam Rippon, one of the first openly gay American male competitors in the Winter Olympics.
Lessons from a Legend
“My mom has given me permission to be messy, to struggle, to fight with her, to rage at her when I have no one else to yell at, and given me permission to pick out all of her award show dresses…” Greisman muses. His admiration for his mother shines through in these reflections. He credits her for teaching him that life, much like art, is about resilience and getting back up after each fall. He believes in her being there to catch him if he ever stumbles.
With a career spanning six decades and adorned with stellar performances, Sally Field stands tall as an exceptional actor and an extraordinary mother. Sam Greisman’s reflections further solidify her image as a mother who embodies love and support, on-screen and off-screen.
We applaud Sally Field for her remarkable contributions to the industry and her undying support as a mother. Sam’s touching recollections offer us a deeper appreciation for this beloved icon, both as a celebrated actor and a fantastic mother.