Sally Field says Burt Reynolds urged her not to take the part that changed her life — the lead in Norma Rae. The two stars of Smokey and the Bandit dated for five years, but that film became the start of their breakup.
Field told PEOPLE that Reynolds called the character “a whore” and threw the script at her, trying to control her choices. She stood her ground, met with director Marty Ritt, and accepted the role — which earned her the 1979 Academy Award for Best Actress.
Reynolds refused to attend the Oscars or the film’s Cannes premiere, where Field received a ten-minute standing ovation. She said that moment helped her “find her legs” and independence.
Their relationship ended soon after her Oscar win. Field later married Alan Greisman and had a son, while Reynolds wed Loni Anderson. Reflecting on him years later, Field said, “There were parts of Burt that were wonderful and lovable — and parts that were really frightening.”
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