At 78, actress Sally Field continues to inspire—not just through her iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias—but through her refusal to conform to Hollywood’s beauty standards.

Field rose to fame in the 1960s with Gidget, later earning acclaim for powerful roles in Sybil and Norma Rae, the latter winning her an Oscar. Her memoir revealed personal struggles, including abuse by her stepfather, and shared how she found support from fellow actors early in her career. Field has embraced aging, saying in a 2016 Good Housekeeping interview that she prefers to grow older naturally rather than turn to plastic surgery. “I see myself on TV and say, ‘Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’” she said, but added she chooses acceptance over vanity.

Despite her positive outlook, Field has faced online bullying over her appearance. Still, she remains committed to aging with grace. She’s also battled osteoporosis since 2005—a condition she was at high risk for despite healthy habits.

An Ongoing Inspiration

Sally Field’s honesty about aging and health, combined with her strength in the face of criticism, offers a powerful example for women navigating similar paths.