What Is Sally Field’s Net Worth?
Sally Field, a versatile American actress, singer, director, producer, and screenwriter, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $50 million over her six-decade-long career. Her financial success is a direct result of her consistent work in television and film, coupled with savvy financial decisions and entrepreneurial ventures. Field’s earnings have come from a diverse range of projects, including but not limited to starring roles, directing gigs, and producer credits.
Early Career Salaries and Earnings
Sally Field’s journey to a $50 million net worth began with modest earnings in her early television roles. During her time on “Gidget,” she earned $500 per week. In today’s dollars, that equates to approximately $5,000 per week. Following “Gidget,” she secured a role in “The Flying Nun,” where her salary increased to $4,500 per episode. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to about $40,000 per episode today. Over the course of the show’s 82 episodes, Field likely earned just under $370,000, which translates to approximately $3.4 million in today’s dollars.
Career Highlights and Award-Winning Roles
Field’s career trajectory took a significant turn in the mid-1970s as she transitioned from sitcom roles to more dramatic and challenging parts. After studying with famed acting coach Lee Strasberg, she landed the title role in the 1976 television film “Sybil,” where she portrayed a woman with multiple personality disorder. For this role, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, demonstrating her ability to handle complex and demanding roles.
In 1977, Field starred alongside Burt Reynolds in “Smokey and the Bandit,” which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film’s success boosted her visibility and earning potential. In 1979, she garnered critical acclaim for her performance in “Norma Rae,” winning an Academy Award for Best Actress. The financial rewards from these roles, combined with her growing reputation as a versatile actress, contributed significantly to her accumulating wealth.
The early 1980s saw Field continuing to challenge herself with diverse roles. She received further acclaim for films like “Absence of Malice” and “Kiss Me Goodbye.” In 1984, she won her second Academy Award for her role in “Places in the Heart.” Her memorable acceptance speech, where she famously said, “You like me, right now, you like me!”, has become an enduring part of Hollywood history. This second Oscar solidified her status as a leading actress and further enhanced her earning power.
Throughout the 1990s, Field transitioned to supporting roles in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Forrest Gump,” while also taking on central roles in movies such as “Soapdish,” “Not Without My Daughter,” and “Eye for an Eye.” These roles provided her with consistent income and maintained her presence in the industry.
In the late 1990s, Field began directing films, including “The Christmas Tree.” This transition to directing added another dimension to her career and created new revenue streams. She continued to direct films and television series in the following years, expanding her skill set and earning potential.
In the early 2000s, Field took leading roles in films such as “Where the Heart Is” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde.” She also returned to television with a recurring role in “ER,” earning an Emmy Award for her portrayal of a woman with bipolar disorder. These projects ensured a steady income and maintained her relevance in the entertainment industry.
“Brothers & Sisters” Salary and Executive Producer Role
One of Sally Field’s most notable television roles in recent years was in the ABC series “Brothers & Sisters,” which aired between 2006 and 2011. For the early seasons of the show, Field earned $100,000 per episode. In the middle of the series, she was promoted to executive producer, and her all-in salary increased to $200,000 per episode. Over the show’s five seasons, her earnings from “Brothers & Sisters” contributed significantly to her net worth. In addition to her salary, her role as executive producer allowed her to share in the show’s profits.
In 2013, she won the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in the film “Lincoln.”
Real Estate Investments
Sally Field’s real estate investments have also played a role in her financial success. In 2011, she sold her house in Malibu, California, for $5.51 million. The property, which she initially listed in 2009 for $6.95 million, featured almost 6,000 square feet of living space, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. The expansive property sat on almost 3 acres of secluded land.
In 2012, Field purchased a property in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.3 million. This property features 2,800 square feet of living space, a spa bathtub, and views of nearby canyons and the city. These real estate transactions demonstrate Field’s savvy investment choices and contribute to her overall net worth.
Personal Life and Endorsements
Beyond her acting and directing career, Sally Field has also engaged in endorsements and other ventures that have contributed to her income. In 2005, after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, she created a campaign called “Rally with Sally for Bone Health.” While the campaign faced some controversy due to its promotion of a specific treatment, it raised awareness about the disease and further enhanced Field’s public profile. Despite any controversy, such ventures contribute to her financial portfolio and broaden her income streams.