Sally Field Reflects on ‘Steel Magnolias’ Friendship and Raising Her Son Sam on Set

Sally Field is reflecting on her experience making the 1989 film Steel Magnolias and the close friendships she formed with her co-stars.

In a new interview with PEOPLE, the 79-year-old actress said making the movie was a “wonderful, wonderful experience.” She shared a memory connected to a photo she keeps in her office featuring herself with co-stars Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts.

The picture was taken at the film’s wrap party. Field said her youngest son, Samuel, was only 6 months old at the time and often stayed with her on set.

“I’m holding his head because I’m trying to save his ears because it was loud,” she said about the photo. Field joked that Samuel later said growing up around the actresses “is probably why he’s gay.”

Field has three sons. She shares Peter and Eli with her first husband, Steven Craig, and Samuel with her second husband, Alan Greisman.

Samuel, now a writer and producer, previously spoke about growing up around movie sets and his close relationship with his mother. In 2023, he revealed that a personal conversation about his sexuality inspired a scene in one of Field’s later acting projects.

Field also remembered the strong bond among the Steel Magnolias cast, which included Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis. She said the actresses spent time together outside filming, shopping, playing games and visiting each other’s homes.

Over the years, Field has often spoken proudly about her children. During a 2012 Human Rights Campaign event, she praised all three sons and spoke warmly about Samuel, saying he had a gentle and creative nature.

Steel Magnolias remains one of Field’s best-known films and is still celebrated for its story about friendship and support among women.