Sally Field, an actress renowned for her versatility and a career spanning decades, has shared the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. However, when asked to name her worst on-screen kiss, she shocked fans with her candid answer. In a December 2022 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Field revealed that her least favorite on-screen smooch was with none other than Burt Reynolds, her co-star and former boyfriend.
A Storied Career
Field, now 76, has built a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses. From Steel Magnolias to Forrest Gump, The Flying Nun to Smokey and the Bandit, she has captured hearts and delivered unforgettable performances. Her ability to portray deeply emotional roles has cemented her place among the greats of her generation.
Born in Pasadena, California, Field overcame a difficult childhood to achieve remarkable success. In her memoir, she opened up about personal struggles, including abuse by her stepfather and a secret abortion at 17. Despite these challenges, she emerged as a humble and hardworking artist.
Today, Field remains active, starring in TV series like Dispatches From Elsewhere (2020) and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022).
The Worst Kiss Confession
On Andy Cohen’s show, a fan’s question prompted Field to reveal the identity of her worst on-screen kisser. Initially hesitant, Field laughed and asked, “Oh boy. Shall I really name names here?” Cohen encouraged her to spill, and Field finally admitted, “Okay. This is going to be a shocker. Hold on folks.”
The Oscar-winning actress named Burt Reynolds as the culprit. Fans and Cohen were stunned, as Field and Reynolds were a celebrated couple during the late 1970s. When Cohen asked if they were dating at the time, Field confirmed that it was during the filming of Smokey and the Bandit.
Despite their off-screen romance, Field confessed that kissing Reynolds on set “just was not something he really did for [her].” She explained that there was a lot of “drooling” involved, making the experience less than ideal.
A Complicated Relationship
Field and Reynolds met in 1977 while filming Smokey and the Bandit and dated for five years. Although their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their off-screen relationship was far from perfect. In his memoir, But Enough About Me, Reynolds expressed regret about their relationship, wishing he had worked harder to make it last.
Field, however, saw things differently. In a March 2022 interview with Variety, she explained that she stopped speaking to Reynolds during the last 30 years of his life, saying, “He was not someone I could be around. He was just not good for me in any way.”
Field elaborated, “He had somehow invented in his rethinking of everything that I was more important to him than he had thought, but I wasn’t. He just wanted to have the thing he didn’t have. I just didn’t want to deal with that.”
Reflecting on a Legendary Career
Field’s revelation highlights the complexities of her relationship with Reynolds, a partnership that once captivated fans but ultimately left her with mixed feelings. Despite the less-than-ideal on-screen kiss, both actors left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Reynolds, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 82, remains a beloved figure, while Field continues to inspire audiences with her talent and resilience.
This candid confession is a reminder of the human side of Hollywood’s brightest stars. As fans, we celebrate their successes while acknowledging the challenges they face both on and off the screen.